TOPEKA (KSNT) – Ballet Folklórico de Topeka is celebrating a major milestone this weekend.
The dance group will mark its 50th anniversary with a special performance from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, inside White Concert Hall on Washburn University’s campus. The event is free and open to the public.
Tina Williams, a former Ballet Folklórico de Topeka dancer and Washburn University director of study abroad, said the anniversary recognizes five decades of work by founder Ediberto Gonzalez.
“Fifty years is a huge milestone for this community-based dancing program,” Williams said.
Williams said Gonzalez created the group and has helped keep it going through generations of dancers, changing funding models and years of performances.
“It’s really about keeping the traditions alive in the community and sharing our culture throughout Kansas and the nation and even abroad,” Williams said.
According to Williams, Ballet Folklórico de Topeka has long been a part of Fiesta Mexicana in Topeka and regularly performs at schools, festivals and community events. She said the group has also traveled outside Kansas and internationally.
Saturday’s performance will feature Ballet Folklórico de Topeka along with Sones de Mexico Ensemble from Chicago and Topeka’s Mariachi Habanero. Williams said the performance will include traditional dances and music representing different periods of Mexican history and culture.
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Williams said the organization worked to make the event accessible to the community, with support from sponsors, volunteers, dancers and fundraising efforts throughout the past year. For Williams, one of the most meaningful parts of the anniversary has been reconnecting with former dancers returning to celebrate the occasion.
“We really are like a big family,” Williams said.
Williams said people who have never attended a folklórico performance can expect a colorful and energetic experience.
“It’s a beautiful performance. It’s full of color and energy and excitement and music,” Williams said.
The celebration weekend will begin Friday, Sept. 25 with “Voices of Courage and Hope,” a free program from 1 to 3 p.m. in Room 118 of the Plass Learning Resources Center at Washburn University. The presentation, developed by Sones de Mexico Ensemble, uses music, storytelling, visuals and audience interaction to share stories inspired by traditional Mexican corridos.
Williams said she hopes those who attend Saturday’s performance leave with “the spirit of Mexico in their hearts.”
For more information about the upcoming ballet folklórico at Washburn University, click here.
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