Ballet Flolklorico

Ballet Folklorico is and has been more than just a passion for dance. When I was in high school, I joined Ballet Folklorico because I liked to dance. I thought that was the only club I fit in. My first opportunity at teaching Ballet Forlklorico came in the summer of 2002. I had no experience. I had helped my peers in high school, but that was it. I have to admit that the first time I taught Ballet Folklorico, it was a disaster. Now I seem to know what to do, and how to handle middle and high school students. It was’t until fall of 2003 when I realized Ballet Folklorico had been more than just an extracurricular activity. My mom always complained and said that that was a waste of time. She might have been right back then. We spent a lot of time practicing and hanging around. She never actually saw me perform, so she really didn’t know how good or bad I was at it.

On November of 2003, after having everything I needed and wanted, I suddenly had nothing. The inevitable finally happened and there was no turning back. I became a single mother of four; my son was 13 months, my little brother was 9 months, my sister was 3 years old, and my brother 15. I have to say this was the worst time of my life. Everything fell on top of me. I had four kids to take care of and a great number of issues to tackle; from monetary to legal. It was at this point when Ballet Folklorico became more than just Ballet Folklorico. It was therapy. Being around so many kids full of energy and passion, helped me a lot. I loved to see their faces full of excitement, when I taught them something different. I forgot about everything that was happening outside the dace room. I was filled with love from all the kids, like if they knew what was going on. I learned how to give myself to them, like they gave themselves to me. I became a real teacher at this point (I don’t have a credential but that’s not what makes a teacher). My passion for Ballet Folklorico grew tremendously. Up to this day all the students that go through Ballet Forlklorico become part of me. We all see each other as a big family. I really appreciate the opportunity of being able to be part of so many kids lives. They teach me so much, I think I learn more from them than what they actually learn from me.
(It takes so much more than just throwing everything out there for a student, of no matter what he or she is learning, to actually learn. It takes time and dedication. That is why; I admire those teachers who actually get a point across.)