Read the Spanish version here.
On February 23, multiple dance groups at Cal Poly participated in Illuminate, a dance showcase. Many groups, such as the folklórico dance club, used this opportunity to bring culture and tradition to the university community.
At Cal Poly, folkloric dance serves as a vibrant expression for Latinx students, allowing them to connect with their cultural heritage while fostering a sense of community. With approximately 25% of the student body identifying as Hispanic, the visibility of these traditions is more crucial than ever.
“Folklórico is deeply rooted in tradition and indigenous forms of song,” said Luke Mendoza, environmental management and protection senior and co-president of the folkórico club. “It embodies Mexican pride, allowing us to showcase our culture and heritage.”
For many students, their journey into folkórico begins early. In her third year of dancing folkórico at Cal Poly, Itzel Vazquez, a mechanical engineering junior, shared her story, which started before coming to Cal Poly. She recounted falling in love with the music and dance during elementary school.
For her, folkórico serves as a way to preserve her cultural identity.
“With fewer indigenous people being represented, dances like ‘El Baile de la Piña’ are becoming less common,” Vazquez said. “Folkórico helps preserve our culture and instills a sense of pride in our identity.”
Andrés Ochoa, a child development sophomore, had always wanted to dance folkórico after seeing his brother perform on stage. Ochoa sees it as a personal form of expression that connects him to his roots.
This connection between dance and cultural identity is reinforced through the costumes, which not only enhance the performance but also deepen the dancers’ bond with their heritage.
The costumes not only represent the vibrant Mexican culture but also enrich the dancers’ emotional connection to their heritage. More than just adornments, these colorful outfits reflect the cultural history and identity of different regions of Mexico, becoming a symbol of joy and tradition.
Each region of Mexico has a unique costume that tells a story. Mendoza explains how the costumes from Jalisco, the region most highlighted in their performances, showcase different movements of their performance, increasing the visibility and appreciation of the culture.
“Sharing our costumes at Cal Poly creates a powerful and effective visibility for our traditions,” Mendoza said.
“Once I put on the costume, I feel happier and more connected to my Mexican roots,” said Lizbette Ibarra, a business administration sophomore. “It’s a way to showcase our culture at Cal Poly.”
Participating in folkórico creates a community where students can express their identities and connect with others who share similar experiences.
Edith Villegas, an architecture freshman and first-year folkórico dancer at Cal Poly, highlighted how folkórico has fostered a sense of community by bringing together people from similar cultures to celebrate their roots.
The evolution of the folkórico club at Cal Poly demonstrates a growing interest in cultural representation, with students eager to participate.
“Seeing performance where students can see themselves represented fosters a sense of belonging and pride,” Villegas said.
Through dance, music, and community, students not only celebrate their roots but also ensure that their culture remains alive and vibrant for future generations. Music plays a vital role in folkórico, serving as the heartbeat of the dance.
“Music is essential; it guides our steps and brings the dance to life,” Vasquez said. “When I perform, I don’t just think about the music—I feel alive.”