Mexican folkloric dance classes will be offered by end of September

Every state in Mexico has its own traditional Mexican folkloric dance and unique dress style, says Antonia Nichols. And if you are interested in learning the art or need something to do, she will be offering the dance classes by the end of September.

Nichols, has been dancing and teaching Mexican folkloric dance for about 30 years, and said she still hasn't mastered the different types of dances from every state.

"I just love dancing and when I was introduced to Mexican Folklore that was it. I thought it was so interesting and precious," Nichols said. "It's something that I feel. I feel the music and that is what motivated me more than anything."

She realized that most people in the world usually recognize the folkloric style from Jalisco.

"The dress style from Jalisco has been the most representative of Mexico and most of the world thinks that represents Mexico ... but it's not."

The women wearing the big colorful bows on top of their heads and dresses being held straight up at arms length is the most recognized trait.

Also, the men would dress as a "Charro" referring to the traditional horseman or cowboy of Mexico. But that style is also specifically derived from the state of Jalisco, Nichols said.

Sometimes there are similarities in the dance, music, and dress style among the types of Mexican folkloric dances from each state. That is because the states are so close together and influences sometimes seep into each other.

There are two types of dances in every state of Mexico, Nichols says. One is the traditional indigenous dance where the dress style and music is left intact.

"It has a religious sense and the dances usually take place in front of churches to celebrate the saint of the town and the choreography is original and doesn't change," she said. "It has to be left the way it is."

The indigenous dances are choreographed mostly with percussion music such as flutes and violins.

The second is folkloric dance and the choreography can be changed. "There is no pattern that says this is what you are suppose to do," Nichols said. "You are free to do whatever you want with the dance."

This is where the European influences are visible such as in the Veracruz dress style. The women wear a white laced dress and these types of dances usually take place at weddings or holidays.

This year she will place an emphasis on the dance from San Luis Potosi, which is located in the north-central part of the Mexican republic.

Nichols said she always had this tick to dance and to one day open up her own dance studio. She believes that by teaching Mexican folkloric dance she will be safekeeping the Mexican culture.

"It's sad that our culture is fading away," Nichols said. "What I want to do is to transmit that culture and continue with that culture so it won't be lost, to preserve our Mexican roots."

Nichols invites anyone who is interested to take up the dance classes. The classes will cost $40 a month and will be offered two times a week at the Square Dance Hall at 2255 E. Palo Verde St. The days are yet to be assigned depending on what is convenient for those who sign up and will be from 6 to 7 p.m. If you are interested please call Nichols at 726-3966.

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Stephanie Sanchez can be reached at ssanchez@yumasun.com or 539-6847.