This California region is a hotbed for Mexican folkloric dancing. It’s not even close.
When Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval declared the university’s Los Danzantes de Aztlán the best in the California State University system, he wasn’t breaking any news.
“We have the best, not one of the best, but the best, ballet folklórico in the CSU and I say that in full conviction,” Jiménez-Sandoval told a sold-out crowd at the Satellite Student Union for the Dec. 10 Christmas in México folkloric show.
He repeated his statement in Spanish, but added that he had seen the other CSU folkloric groups.
Dr. Víctor Torres, director of Fresno State’s Danzantes de Aztlán, wasn’t stretching the truth when he suggested the Fresno area is the richest when it comes to Mexican folkloric dance.
He pointed out that at least nine high schools have folkloric dance programs, with many of them directed by Danzantes de Aztlán alumni. They are part of the school curriculum rather than an after-school program.
Jiménez-Sandoval and Torres are correct: Fresno is the Mexican folkloric capital of the country.
Why?
In addition to their statements, Fresno has hosted the Danzantes Unidos Festival for more years than any city. Since hosting what has become an international festival in 1990, Fresno has welcomed the three-day event 16 times. (The Los Ángeles area is second with nine times).
The festival, which began in 1979, will welcome more than 1,700 participants March 31-April 2 at Sunnyside High School. Showcase concerts will be held each evening.
More evidence: Middle schools have started their own folkloric dance programs.
Yet, more evidence: The Christmas in México show was among several held in Fresno during the Christmas season. Roosevelt High held two nights of folkloric dancing. The three Porterville High Schools also held their Christmas show the same weekend.
Final piece of evidence: The Christmas in México show that put the spotlight on Los Danzantes de Aztlán, the Fresno City College dancers, Central East Danzantes de Tláloc, El Alma de Clovis High, Ballet Folklórico de Clovis East, and Los Danzantes Juvenil.
The show – which also featured Mariachi Fresno State – returned after a 2-year hiatus due to the pandemic.
“I know the pandemic put a curve in everything and stopped us from engaging in this important cultural activity,” said Torres. “So myself, my dancers are excited to get back.
“We might be a little bit rusty because we haven’t done this in two years. But, this is a family event. It’s about just having a good time and sharing a nice event.”
The show was all that and more.
