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St. Cloud State University
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Mexican song and dance serenades
By Jay Corn
Published:
Thursday, March 24, 2005
A traveling band of dancers and musicians visited SCSU's Ritsche Auditorium Wednesday evening to share traditional Mexican music with the nearly 500 SCSU students and members of the community who turned out to witness the nationally praised brand of cultural entertainment.
Ballet Folklorico Mexico has been in existence for over 30 years and utilizes a blend of traditional costumes, hand-crafted instruments and carefully choreographed dances to duplicate Mexican traditions that, in some cases, are thousands of years old. Traditional Aztec, Tobacaca and Tamaulipa numbers that have been passed down through dozens of generations, yet remain essentially the same, highlighted Wednesday's event and opened more than one set of eyes to Mexico's musical contributions.
"Everything was absolutely amazing," SCSU second-year student Marissa Martz said. "I just came to fulfill a class requirement, but I'm glad I did. I honestly never realized Mexican music had so much energy and influence on what we listen to today."
The night's itinerary included much more than dance and music, however. Perhaps the loudest rounds of audience applause were for lariat wizard Javier Escamilla. Escamilla, 38, is both the world and Mexican trick lariat champion, and, to the amazement of the wide-eyed crowd, he literally jumped through hoops during his three appearances onstage.
"My grandfather, father and brothers are all experts in lariat," Escamilla, a Mexican native, said in nearly flawless English. "I still have a lot of family in Mexico, but I love performing and really enjoy playing for college audiences like the one tonight."
Depending on the time of year, Ballet Folklorico Mexico performs anywhere from five to 12 performances monthly, but no matter what month it is, the group practices a grueling five days a week.
Applause from appreciatory audiences is by no means the only recognition Ballet Floklorico Mexico has received. After being specially invited by former Russian President Mikhail Gorbachev, the dance company performed during the opening ceremonies of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize Awards, and the group has performed in 22 countries and on five continents and for audiences of nearly every nationality and race.
A common emphasis in many of the songs and dances performed by the company Wednesday was the focus on Mother Earth and her four elements. Earth, wind, water and fire all played pivotal roles in ancient Mexican cultures, and those elements are still focal points of present day renditions of the ancient, ritualistic dances.
Wednesday's near-capacity turnout was a pleasant surprise to Heather Gillen, coordinator of UPB's performing arts committee.
"Anyone who has been to our other events knows that there were about five times as many people here tonight than usual so I'm really happy with the turnout."
Mexican Village II contributed to Wednesday's event by donating and delivering a healthy helping of Mexican candy that smiling guests gobbled up quickly during the post-performance reception.
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