Ballet Folklorico Tayahua

Description

Ballet Folklorico Tayahua is a fully certified 501(c)(3) that works to preserve traditional Mexican dance for the next generation and demonstrate it for curious audiences. For 10 years, we have served Waukegan and the surrounding area. We frequently perform for schools, arts organizations, non-profits, and private events. Our students range from 4-18 years old and are all local children with no professional experience. We have taken them across the country and even into South American where they were acclaimed for their dancing abilities despite their age.

We also organize and host the very successful Fiesta Sin Frontera Festival held in Waukegan's downtown every year in September. We also frequently work in conjunction with local non-profits to spread messages on mental health awareness, immigration assistance, and general wellness/positivity.

Work Sample

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qlyJ4FGQy7M_pehaO3Xq-0YhJm0dj2wW/view?usp=share_link

The link goes to our Google Drive Media Package, a collection of excerpts from our performances over the years. The performances vary from competitions, paid work, exhibitions, cultural events, and Dia de Los Muertos.

Our students, none of whom are professional, showcase their talents and our program at various cultural/exhibition events. Despite their youth, they have been complimented many times by other dance and cultural organizations for their skill.

History

We are a fully certified 501(c)(3) that teaches local children traditional Mexican dance. We have served the city of Waukegan for 10 years and many of its children have entered our program. We are the go-to Mexican dance company for local educational institutions, arts organizations, and nearby non-profits. We frequently represent Mexico at cultural events and international exhibitions. We have also had the incredible privilege of performing across the US and in other countries. We are minority-owned with majority female leadership and many of our students come from low-income/undocumented families.

Artistic Vision

BFT works to preserve the dancing traditions of our ancestors for the next generation. Within our community, we work to combine the benefits of dance and the physical/mental wellbeing of our students.

Programs for Specific Audience(s) Expertise

Our expertise is in working with children. Our awesome instructor Sage is very well-versed in teaching children ranging from 4-18 years old.

Traditional Folk/Ethnic Artform Statement

Our repertoire includes traditional dances from all over Mexico. Jalisco, Sinaloa, Nayarit, Guerrero, etc, we do it all. Alongside dance, we are known for our gorgeous outfits that are representative of wardrobe worn by dancers in Mexico. Within our community, we are seen as keepers of Mexican culture for the next generation.