The Ballet FolkloricoTapatio of Northwest Indiana is proud to present Fiesta Folklorico 2013. The event lineup has incurred a couple of last minute changes, including the addition of the prominent Fiesta Mexicana Dance Company of Arizona and the talented, Milwaukee-based mariachi singer Salvador Villanueva. Also returning this year will be the famed Mexican Folkloric Dance Co. of Chicago. The program will take place Saturday, October 12 at 7:00pm at the Portage High School West Auditorium. Because last year’s inaugural event hosted 400 guests, Marissela Lynch, director of the Ballet Folklorico Tapatio, suggests buying tickets in advance.
“Although tickets will be sold at the door, advanced tickets may be purchased online at www.balletfolkloriconwi.com, at El Cantarito restaurants in Portage and Chesterton, or from one of our 20 dancers,” stated Lynch.
The Ballet Folklorico Tapatio of NWI consists of a group of 20 boys and girls between the ages of 5 and 16, of different ethnicities and from both Lake and Porter Counties.
“I am proud of the fact that even though we are a small group, we are hosting one of the biggest Hispanic Heritage events in Porter County. To have talent such as Fiesta Mexicana call and ask if they can be part of our event, free of charge, simply does not happen. The group was in Chicago recently and found out about our event. While they were here they offered us a five day dance workshop free of charge, and even performed with us at the Viva Portage Fest at El Cantarito. Their director, Daniel Martinez, began his career in this area and was my first dance instructor. He is doing this for us because he is a believer in giving back to the community and also preserving one’s culture.”
Added Lynch, “We’d like to thank our event sponsors, 1st Source Bank and REGIONAL Federal Credit Union for their contributions to this event. Thank you also to El Cantarito for selling tickets. Unfortunately, we are still seeking funding for the other performers and expenses related to the event. This year’s major expense requires the purchase of a portable dance floor. Our dance shoes have nails on the bottom, and when we dance they can cause damage to the floor. Therefore, we do not have the option of renting one. Because Fiesta Folklorico is an annual event, we consider the purchase of the floor to be a wise investment.”
In order to raise funds, the group is offering through their website several “rewards” in exchange for contributions, which include reserved tickets in the first two rows and a 30 minute performance by Lynch’s group, but quantities are limited. A video made by the dancers explains the fundraising rewards and can be accessed at their websit e, www.balletfolkloriconwi.com.
Advanced tickets are $10 adults, $5 children (4 and under free). Tickets at the door are $15 adults with no change in child price. For more information, please call Mrs. Lynch at (219)331-5132.