Lights, camera, dance!
USD’s Folklórico and Mariachi Association performs on television
Sarah Fahey / Asst. A&C Editor / The USD Vista
The USD Folkórico and Mariachi Association (FAMA) had the opportunity to perform for Univisión, a popular American television station for Spanish-speakers, on Oct. 5. In big, colorful dresses, the dancers of FAMA whirled across Colachis Plaza while the mariachi played in the background.
Folklórico is a traditional folk dance that originated primarily in Mexico. Known for its vibrant dresses and flashy dancing, folklórico holds a special place in the hearts of many Latinos.
FAMA dancer Alexa Watson expressed her love for the dance.
“I like dancing folklórico, because it allows me to connect more with my culture,” Watson said. “It’s a privilege to be able to share this part of my culture with other people, spread awareness and contribute to the diversity of USD.”
FAMA prides itself on educating the USD community on Mexican culture through music and dance. It spreads cultural awareness and creates a space on campus for all to feel welcome, as stated on their website.
USD sophomore Gabby Gonzalez discusses how, though she is not Mexican herself, FAMA has helped her find a cultural space to express her Latina identity.
“Folklórico means Hispanic culture– Latinos, Latinas, todos,” Gonzalez said. “Having folklórico really helps add some culture [to] USD and makes me feel like I’m at home.”
FAMA seeks to include those from all backgrounds to appreciate the beauty of folklórico.
The dance plays a huge role in the representation of Latinx culture, with the lively performances being unmistakably associated with the community.
USD junior and USD TV lead editor Emily Leyva considered this as she expressed her fascination with the performance.
“The whole performance of it, the music, the mariachi has become such a big representation of Hispanic culture,” Leyva said. “The bright colors, the big skirts that take up space — it’s kind of symbolic.”
USD is commonly referred to as a predominantly white institution (PWI), meaning there tends to be a lack of students with diverse cultural backgrounds on campus. This can lead to underrepresentation and a lack of space on campus for minority communities.
Gonzalez comments on the pertinence for USD to host more cultural events such as this.
“Here at USD, it’s predominantly white and I don’t see a lot of Latino culture, so having folklórico really helps add that culture that’s missing and makes me feel like I’m at home,” Gonzalez said.
The wide garments indeed take up a lot of space — especially when in motion — and the rich mariachi music is difficult to ignore. It is an exemplary representation of the Latino culture at work on USD’s campus.
Gonzalez playfully adds to the importance of FAMA’s presence on campus.
“Folklórico adds more flavor and more culture here at USD,” she quipped.
The event was definitely a captivating experience, with many students stopping to gawk on their way to and from class. Those who set aside time for the occasion waited with anticipation and excitement for the performance to begin.
Overall, FAMA delivered a successful performance — demonstrating the beauty and grace of the dance and culture. FAMA offers the opportunity for all to participate in traditional Mexican culture.
