At Akins Early College High School, Baile Folklórico is defined by more than just colorful skirts, fast footwork, and traditional music. It is a living connection to culture, identity, and home.
For many students, the dance brings back memories of places left behind, while for others, it offers a chance to learn about traditions they were never raised with. As the program grows, it is helping students celebrate their heritage and build a community that keeps long-standing Mexican traditions alive on campus.
For senior Ximena Arroyo, joining the group was a way to reclaim a part of her childhood.
“I was always interested in Baile Folklórico, actually, since I was little, I used to participate in it,” Arroyo said. “When I moved, I had to leave it behind, but I always wanted to dance Folklórico.”
Arroyo danced from first through fourth grade, but the transition of moving halted her practice. Now, in her final year of high school, she returned to the art form to reconnect with her roots.
“What inspires me is being able to represent my culture in such an important dance that many people can know,” Arroyo said. “In my last year, I decided to join it again to feel like I’m a part of it again.”Fernanda Sillero, the Ballet Folklórico sponsor, sees this desire to connect as the heart of the program. While she handles the logistics—organization, finances, and getting the girls ready behind the scenes—she understands the deep emotional weight the performance carries for her students.
“I tell my students to keep dancing because many people here in the U.S. don’t have the opportunity to go back to their home countries,” Sillero said. “When the girls perform, it brings them a little piece of home. Through dance, they keep history and culture alive—and hopefully pass it on to the next generation.”
The group focuses on dances from three specific regions of Mexico: Jalisco, Sinaloa, and Veracruz. According to Sillero, Baile Folklórico represents how each region sees music and dance, showing the diversity within Mexican culture.
“Sinaloa is upbeat, fast, and flirty,” Sillero explained. “Jalisco is also upbeat and happy, but the skirt work is higher and more energetic. Veracruz is more mellow and calm.”
Beyond the steps and the music, the program serves as a bridge between different groups of students. Sillero notes that the program is inclusive, welcoming students regardless of their background.
“I also love that we have students who aren’t Mexican joining us,” Sillero said. “They join because they enjoy dancing and appreciate the culture. Ballet Folklórico is open to everyone.”
The practice sessions provide a respite from the academic grind, allowing students to step out of their routines and build friendships across grade levels.
“First, they have to learn how to dance together,” Sillero said. “That means students from different grades and friend groups get to connect.”
For Arroyo, the camaraderie is just as important as the performance.
“My favorite memory from practicing is when I’m with my friends and we talk,” Arroyo said. “I really like to do moves with the skirts, and I get to learn new dances and learn new songs.”
As the group looks toward the future, the goal remains to grow the program, attract more dancers—including boys, who are currently underrepresented in the group—and perhaps enter competitions. But ultimately, the mission is preservation.
“Especially in moments when our history sometimes feels overlooked, it’s important to show that we’re still here,” Sillero said. “Baile Folklórico is a way to make sure our culture isn’t erased.”
