When most people hear the word ballet they think Stravinsky, tutus and “Swan Lake.” Oxnard College’s Ballet Folklorico Mestizo had none of those.

People of all ages watched as the dancers did traditional Mexican dances to traditional music. There were seniors, families, students and people of all ages, enjoying the dances.

Oxnard College’s Ballet Folklorico Mestizo celebrated its 2010 Spring Concert with performances on April 30, and two on May 1. The dance troupe made up of a combination of students, staff and professional dancers performed in OC’s Forum.

OC’s Ballet Folklorico Mestizo is a premier folklorico group in the area performing at numerous festivals around the county.

Now celebrating its 29th year, OC students and faculty founded the ballet in 1981, because they were interested in promoting Mexican culture through traditional music and dances.

Assistant Director Vanessa Sanchez Villapando has been dancing with the group since age seven, and after years of performing has moved backstage to help her mother Matilde Sanchez direct.

“(We tried) bringing traditional dances of all the states of Mexico,” said Villapando. “There are very different musical steps throughout the states.”

Jose Navarro was the tech assistant for the concert, and enjoyed it.

“We were with them eight years ago,” Navarro said.

The performance, which featured seven costume changes, was a surprising portion of the show, with each costume corresponding to the area where the dances were from.

“It’s a team effort, knowing who needs help,” said Villapando.

The event concluded with dancer and OC alum Vanessa Calderon’s boyfriend Juan-Manuel Garcia coming onto the stage incognito to propose to Calderon.

“You’re the love of my life,” Gracia said as the crowd cheered in approval and Calderon accepted the proposal.

“I wasn’t expecting this at all,” said Calderon.