Did you know that Puerto Peñasco has its own, internationally acclaimed, folk-dance group? Did you know that they took first place in Italy in June of last year against seven other countries including China? Did you know that, because of their excellent showing in Italy, the troupe has been invited to Barcelona, Spain this April to participate in another international competition…this one for all first-place winners?
I’m thinking you didn’t know, or at least most of you, anyway. Having had a conversation with Veronica, their spokesperson (I hope I’m not stepping on toes by calling her that), I found out that the troupe began six years ago. Their strong suit is traditional Mexican folk dance with dramatic interpretation, and there are 15 dancers, aged 40 to 60.
Last year, Randy Vega was the director, this year it is Gladys Cabrera, who is also one of the dancers. Their unique style includes a dramatic story theme, titled “Pintando Mexico” based on the life of the late, great Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo. The story line is intertwined with “La Katerina” and Dia de los Muertos. It is an inspiring performance and one not to be missed.
Why am I writing about them in April? Well, truthfully, I didn’t know of their need for donations until late February and, as I have noted before, this column is written a month in advance. So, by the time you read this, the dancers will either have made enough in donations to get to Barcelona…or not, or might still need your help. The deadline looms!
Hopefully, the dancers will be a regular attraction both here and internationally and moving forward will regularly earn donations from our community. They are completely self-funded, so even a little bit of help can go a long way. A “Go fund me” page has been set up by Sue Adams, a neighbor, friend, and Playa Miramar resident, to aid in the fund raising for this worthy cause.
If the group makes it to Barcelona, the schedule is:
April 17th – rehearsals
April 18th – Judging
April 19th – Performance for a live audience.
In a further effort to raise funds for the airfare to Barcelona Ballet Folklorico Pinacate, which performed at Margarita Mermaids on the Malecon at the end of February, where I came to know about them. Subsequently, I had the occasion to speak to Veronica (who is a masseuse extraordinaire, if you are interested) and to learn of this amazing group of dedicated performers I realize this is a bit late in getting printed, but if you would like to make a donation to help the troupe get to Barcelona, donations can be made at:
La biblioteca – Library (Benito Juarez Garcia, Recinto Portuario-where Blvd. Fremont and Benito Juarez intersect)
Margarita Mermaids Restaurant – Malecon
Go Fund me – the aforementioned web site https://www.facebook.com/share/18zuuNsKEr/
The ex-pat community in Peñasco ought to be able to pony up a few dollars to help the local performers…don’t you think? As well, all of the tourists and visitors that come to enjoy our wonderful city should have no trouble parting with a donation or two, either. Let’s just say you can forego a $15 margarita one time and make a donation to Ballet Folklorico Pinacate instead…what do you say?
Hopefully, our local American Legion Post #15 will have been induced to hold a fundraiser (which will include a performance) in March, but that is not a certainty as I write this. If they did, I will mention it in the American Legion column, also in this newspaper.
This is a wonderful opportunity to assist local talent on the international stage and to bring recognition to our beautiful city. I would hope this performance becomes a regular
event here is our little corner of paradise, and that we will have many more opportunities to show the world the culture and artistry of Mexico.
