In 2024, 41 members of South City High's ballet folklorico group toured Mexico for two weeks during spring break, performing in several cities throughout the state of Jalisco.
The trip was organized by South City High teacher Martin Cruz-Barajas, co-founder and artistic director of Ballet Folklorico Alma de México.
Cruz said he expected the experience to be life-changing for some of his students.
“They are going to learn a lot about their background," said Cruz, "and I hope they feel more secure and develop more self-esteem about who they are, where they come from."
Senior Cristian Urbina (‘24) said he never thought that he would be able to do anything like this.
“I’ve been doing folklorico since my freshman year,” said Cristian. “We started off doing it online [due to COVID]. I’m definitely excited, because it’s going to be my first time in Mexico.”
Hometown Connections
Cruz, who is originally from the town of La Barca in the Mexican state of Jalisco, did not rely on an educational tour company to put the trip together.
Instead, he drew on his contacts in Atotonilco El Alto, where he taught elementary school for five years.
“We have three performances,” said Cruz. “The first will be in Atotonilco El Alto, Jalisco, which is South San Francisco’s sister city. The second performance will be in a small town called Los Angeles, and the third and final will be in La Barca, Jalisco, which is my hometown.”
Ballet Folklorico Alma de México Co-Founder Martin Cruz-Barajas speaks before a performance in the town of Atotonilco El Alto in the Mexican state of Jalisco on March 24, 2024.
Cruz and his students were also joined by special guest performers at each stop including Ballet Folklorico Atl-Tecuilli-Ko, singer Maloli Flores, and the Los Charros mariachi group.
“It’s exciting, because we’re going to be actually going to where these dances are from, and we get to show them our versions of it,” said Selena Angulo, who graduated from South City High in 2023.
Although she now attends Skyline College, Selena has remained involved with ballet folklorico.
“My mom and my aunts actually danced before me,” Selena said. “I just want to keep learning new dances and keep a part of my culture alive, while I still can, and also have a way to exercise.”
Jalisco
South City High's Ballet Folklorico Alma de México visits the town of Atotonilco El Alto in the Mexican state of Jalisco on March 24, 2024.
After touching down in Guadalajara Airport on March 22, the troupe was officially welcomed to Mexico by the municipal government of Atotonilco El Alto.
The next day, they toured a tequila factory, met dignitaries like Miss Atotonilco El Alto, and performed at the Foro Cultural Salvador Hernandez on March 24.
Then it was on to the town of Los Angeles for another performance on March 25, before departing for Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco state.
South City High's Ballet Folklorico Alma de México visits the city of Guadalajara, capital of the Mexican state of Jalisco, on March 26, 2024.
“It’s really a great opportunity, because not a lot of schools offer a folkorico program like we do, so overall it’s really good, and it’s good for a lot of students to know more about the Hispanic culture,” said senior Andrea Zaragoza (‘24).
Andrea, who has been dancing ballet folklorico since she was five, said her family is originally from Jalisco, and she has traveled to Mexico several times to visit.
“I’ve been to Michoacan and Jalisco,” she said.
South City High's Ballet Folklorico Alma de México visits the city of Guadalajara, capital of the Mexican state of Jalisco, on March 26, 2024.
In Guadalajara, the students toured the Centro Histórico and visited Rancho Los Tres Potrillos, the home and resting place of Mexican ranchera singer Vicente Fernández.
South City High's Ballet Folklorico Alma de México visits Rancho Los 3 Potrillos, the home and resting place of Mexican ranchera singer Vicente Fernández, in the city of Guadalajara, capital of the Mexican state of Jalisco, on March 26, 2024.
Then it was on to Mr. Cruz’s hometown of La Barca, where the municipal government welcomed them in preparation for another performance on March 30.
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South City High's Ballet Folklorico Alma de México performs in the town of La Barca in the Mexican state of Jalisco on March 30, 2024.
“It’s good to do a different performance,” she said.
Puebla
South City High's Ballet Folklorico Alma de México visits the city of Puebla, capital of the Mexican state of Jalisco, on March 26, 2024.
After La Barca, the students traveled to the state of Puebla on March 31, where they visited several museums, the Fuertes (Forts) de Loreto y Guadalupe, and a zoo.
South City High's Ballet Folklorico Alma de México visits the city of Puebla, capital of the Mexican state of Jalisco, on March 26, 2024.
Andrea said she understands why people tend to stay involved with ballet folklorico, even after they graduate from South City or El Camino High.
“I think it’s the passion and the love for folklorico,” said Andrea. “It keeps us energized.”
Mexico City
Ballet Folklorico Alma de México wrapped up their trip in Mexico City, visiting the Zócalo, Xochimilco, and archaeological sites such as Teotihuacan on April 3 and 4.
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South City High's Ballet Folklorico Alma de México visits Mexico City, the national capital of Mexico, on April 4, 2024.
They also saw the Basilica de Guadalupe, the National Museums of Anthropology and History, Castillo de Chapultepec, and took in a performance at the Palacio de Bellas Artes by Amalia Hernández, choreographer and founder of Ballet Folklórico de México.