Colorful flowing dresses dance among the bricks of Rudder Plaza, and the tones of lively Mexican music float across campus — all brought to Texas A&M by Hispanic Aggies.
With the arrival of Hispanic Heritage Month, students are finding creative ways to honor and share their culture with the people of Aggieland. For some, that takes form in the Ballet Folklorico Celestial.
For agricultural systems management senior Julianna Ramirez, the vice president and main choreographer for the group, folklorico dance isn’t just a hobby — it’s a legacy.
“The reason I decided to join the on-campus folklorico group is because my mom was a president in the ‘90s,” Ramirez said. “She kind of helped get the reputation out on campus.”
A lot goes into every performance, especially because of the varying experience levels of each member. For education junior Avigail Sanchez, her first ever experience with dancing was through the Ballet Folklorico Celestial.
“I’ve lived in Bryan my entire life, but I never came to A&M,” Sanchez said. “Once I got accepted here, I was trying to look into something that fit my culture.”
To pull off a performance, they practice for four hours each week, preparing to execute a precise routine — often in front of an audience. Costumes and shoes are provided to group members who may not have their own, with outfits, styles and dances varying widely. The meanings and traditions behind them are just as diverse.
“We find corresponding dresses for each state, and from there, since I’m the choreographer … I kind of find out what songs I know from that state,” Ramirez said.
As the group’s choreographer, the pressure is on Ramirez to not only plan the dance but teach the group to work as a unit.
But it’s not just all about dance. Architecture sophomore Emily Orozco says the group hosts events outside of practice to socialize and find a sense of community, carving their own section within the second-largest public university in the U.S.
Like any performing art, learning folklorico is an experience that can test the limits of everyone’s courage.
“I think that joining Folklorico definitely has helped me with confidence and the ability to be a part of a team,” Orozco said.
For Ramirez, her love of dancing and folklorico began when she was young.
“I loved the big furling dresses, the shoes, doing my hair in a high bun, and putting on makeup,” Ramirez said. “I also have a really strong passion for my culture, and I think that’s what’s kept me so close to it.”
Some also enjoy inspiring the children in their community — like Sanchez.
“I love it when little kids come to like the performances and their eyes [get] bright [and] light up, and they’re like, ‘Oh, my gosh. You’re so pretty,’” Sanchez said. “And then I teach them a little step or two. It really just warms my heart. I love it so much.”
The group participates in events where they can show off their skills and Hispanic culture, such as the “Little T” and “Big T” traditions, the latter of which is the end of the year showcase.
“We make sure that everyone who wants to perform has an opportunity,” Ramirez said.
The events are open to anyone, and the group hopes that even outsiders can gain a sense of appreciation for the craft.
“I hope that outsiders see how proud we are of our culture and our traditions,” Orozco said. “It’s really amazing when you get to see it done so visually in something that’s so impactful like dance.”
