GILROY
– School may still be out for the summer, but Las Animas School
echoed with tapping feet, clinking swords and mariachi music Monday
as the Las Animas Folklorico dance group practiced. The 32 dancers,
ranging in age from 5 to 12, will take the stage at the sold-out
Gavilan Theater on Aug. 23.
GILROY – School may still be out for the summer, but Las Animas School echoed with tapping feet, clinking swords and mariachi music Monday as the Las Animas Folklorico dance group practiced. The 32 dancers, ranging in age from 5 to 12, will take the stage at the sold-out Gavilan Theater on Aug. 23.
Instructor Luis Toledo, who dances professionally with the Folklorico group “Carlos Moreno,” runs a strict rehearsal. And the rules always apply – no gum, don’t drag your shawl, always wear your dance shoes. They begin with warm-ups ranging from plies to stretches to jumping jacks. Then they move on to the traditional dances which Toledo chooses from the various regions in Mexico.
“With kids, you have to be very patient,” he said. “You have to make modifications because these dances are traditionally with adults. I break them down and use simple steps because I don’t want them to lose interest.”
One of the kids’ favorites is La Culebra, the snake. The girls form the snake, dancing in a train and swirling the skirts on their colorful Ranchero Jalisco ribbon dresses. During performances they also lace ribbons in their hair. The boys enter in the traditional Mexican cowboy outfit. With sombreros in one hand, they brandish swords to threaten the snake.
“My favorite part is turning around. Our skirts get a lot of air,” said Xenia Jimenez, 5.
The group formed in January to give local children an opportunity to learn traditional Mexican dances. For the performance, Toledo divided the group into two, representing different regions in Mexico.
“I wanted something closer and that’s why I chose to take this on and try to start something here in Gilroy,” said Coordinator Maria Gonzalez, who used to drive her son to San Jose for lessons. “Our goal is to expose them to the culture and teach them traditional dances. They just have an awesome time out there. They love to put on their makeup and get dressed up. I think it also helps their self-esteem to be able to get out there and perform.”
Las Estrellas, which means “stars” in Spanish, held its first public show during a concert in the park on July 13 when it performed with Mariachi California. Before the children could enjoy the thrill of a cheering crowd, however, they had to dedicate months to practice. They meet with Toledo Monday and Wednesday evenings for an hour and a half. During rehearsal Toledo is clear that dancing is serious work.
“Toledo is dedicated, and he’s a perfectionist and he really instills in them the ability to perform. He just has a love of children. On top of the dance, he teaches them the culture,” Gonzalez said.
At the upcoming performance, the children will first dance and then join the audience to watch Carlos Moreno’s group. Just as Toledo shows the children videos to interest them in Folklorico dancing, he hopes watching professionals will inspire them to continue with the group.
“I want to continue with them and build strong dancers,” Toledo said. “For me the biggest thing is to see them get a step or sequence correct. It’s everything to me. Now as we go along, I see them pick it up. I’m able to give them more challenging steps.”
After the performance, it will be back to rehearsal.
“We’ll be here for a while,” Toledo said. “There is so much dance exposure that needs to happen. I have big plans for them.”
Gonzalez is excited about the performance because the word is getting out to the community about the group. Toledo plans to divide the dancers into four groups based on age and ability. He also hopes to add an adult group in the future.
“The best part is putting a smile on people’s faces and performing for others, especially because I’m from Mexico and these dances come from there,” said Pablo Figueroa, 11.
Toledo wants to take them to the Danzantes Unidos Festival this Spring in San Diego, when dance companies from California, Oregon, Arizona and Mexico come together for a weekend of workshops and a recital.
Classes for Las Estrellas cost $40 a month per child. For more information about Las Estrellas, contact Maria Gonzalez at 842-6414.
