The Oxnard College’s Ballet Folklórico Mestizo will continue their legacy this year by performing traditional dances deriving from various states in Mexico, celebrating the group’s thirtieth anniversary, making them the longest running club on campus.
The Spring dance concert will be on May 6 and 7 at 5:30 p.m. in the OC Performing Arts Center, which is located on the north-side of campus.
The Ballet Folklórico Mestizo is comprised of OC students, alumni, faculty and staff that make up a 32-person dance-troop phenomenon. They will also be the first group to perform in the newly developed OPAC.
Mati Sanchez, Oxnard College English professor, will be directing the entire event.
“I have had the honor and privilege of directing the Ballet Folklórico Mestizo for 30 years,” said Sanchez. “The dancers have been working hard and are excited to be part of the inaugural performance which marks the Ballet Folklórico Mestizo’s thirtieth anniversary.”
This performance will be an opening celebration for the new OPAC, which was made possible by the Measure “S” Bond, approved by Ventura County voters in 2002. Oxnard College is the last of the Ventura County Community College’s to receive a performing arts center.
Angelica Navarro-Ramos, instructional bilingual assistant at OC, has been a part of the Ballet Folklorico for over 10 years and has supported the group through various means.
“The satisfaction is multi-level,” said Ramos. “There is a personal joy that comes from movement and motion. Participating and contributing towards something great such as keeping the arts alive coupled with my family’s support is very rewarding as well”
The celebration will begin with a reception in the Black Box Theatre located inside the OPAC at 5:30 p.m. on both days. The performances will then begin shortly after at 7:00 p.m. with mariachi entertainment. Free parking for the event will be available on campus after 5:00 p.m.
Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 general admission with free event parking after 5:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the Oxnard College Bookstore or at the Oxnard College Student Business Office.
For more information, call Mati Sanchez at 805-986-5800, ext. 1944, or email [email protected].
