LONG BEACH, CA- On Oct. 3rd, as a way to celebrate the Latine heritage month, Ms. Ruiz discussed Folklorico in the small gym at lunch. Balie Folklorico is a collective term for the traditional and cultural folk dances that have ballet characteristics, such as pointed toes, exaggerated movements as well as the highly choreographed dances. Balie Folklorico differs depending on region.
Ruiz started learning how to dance Folklorico because she loved the movements of the skirts, the history, and how the performers can tell history through these Folkorico dances. Many people think that the dancers are just stomping while moving their skirts, but Ms. Ruiz explained that it is more than that.
‘’[It’s] not like something that just happens, that you can just pick up and think, ‘okay I’m going to dance!’ You have to know what you’re dancing and where it comes from, so you can tell that story.’’ Ruiz also says that she started learning in high school for 2 years and with an additional 6 years later, she intends to continue further in the future.