Recently, the group was invited to perform at Art on the Prairie in Warrenville, where they have performed for the past five years. The group showcases various dances from different regions of Mexico, tailored to the requests and time available for each performance.

“It’s been a fun experience. We’ve had a pretty consistent group. Art on the Prairie is one that we have been coming to for the past five years, and we’ve had over five performances this summer. So it’s nice to come back and be part of this event,” Coach Rocha said.

Being repeated guests to this event allows for more flexibility when deciding what dances to showcase and present. Many of the girls who have danced with the group in previous years have a number of dances they are familiar with, and they are ready to adjust choreography depending on who is performing and if time allows for costume changes.

For the performance in Warrenville, the girls had two different sets of time, giving the group a short break and an opportunity to adjust the number of dances due to the heat, which was unusually warm for early autumn. The staff provided the students with cold water bottles before and after dancing.

“I like being with my friends and performing,” Megaly Loa, a seventh grader, said.

Having these opportunities to perform helps students build confidence to showcase what they have learned throughout their time in the ballet program. These summer performances provide students who are not yet on the travel team an opportunity to perform outside of the June celebration.

According to Rocha, the guests at Art on the Prairie are always welcoming and supportive of the students who perform each year. The diverse audience were invited to watch the many dances, with most of the girls performing multiple routines representing different regions of Mexico.

The group did not slow down after their Art on the Prairie performance, and continues to ring in their tenth anniversary with colorful and engaging performances. On September 28, they brought their energy and bright costumes to the Glen Ellyn Public Library, where their choreography ‘brought the spirit of tradition to life, captivating everyone in attendance,’ according to an Instagram post.

Each ballet folklorico performance is adapted slightly depending on the number of dancers and the space available, provides an opportunity for students and visitors from neighboring cities to experience and celebrate traditional Mexican folkloric dance—a vibrant expression of culture and art.

“It helps me represent my culture as a Mexican/Latina. It’s a fun environment, and it’s fun to be around friends after school to socialize,” Emma Duran Rosales, an eighth grader, said.

For more images by Alex Rocha, check out the photo gallery located here.