We will provide you the finest Mexican Dance Instruction in the Sacramento area with opportunities to study under renowned guest Instructors and Artists. To provide a challenging, fun, and supportive learning environment. We promise professional management of your time and energy. The finest venues to showcase your talents at the highest artistic levels including tours and travel opportunities. Dollar for Dollar, the lowest dues of any comparable dance company in Northern California. One of the largest and most authentic collection of costumes and traditional regalia available. At Raices, dancers are not only performers, but also a familia of dedicated Artists working together to create magic on stages throughout our community.

Soccer Team: Chivas
Book: Any Nature related
Web-site: Same as above
Folklorico Region: Jalisco & Veracruz
Color: Green/Blue

I was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco (Tapatio 100%!!!!!!!!!) and raised there until the age of 13. My house was half a block away from La Plaza Tapatia right by El Centro Cultural Cabañas. That was my neighborhood. In Mexico, my father (born in Guadalajara) was and still is a doctor that specializes in Homeopathy, Natural Medecine, Acupuncture, and Halopathy. My mother (born in Trojes, Zacatecas) worked in Plaza del Sol, which is a Mall.

By 1991, my family and I were migrated as Permanent Legal Residents and until 1996, we moved to Sacramento, California with our family. Folklorico has been a part of my life since I grew up watching and hearing this type of music since I was very little. In La Plaza Tapatia, there were many celebrations that I attended in which Folklorico groups performed many dances from different states of Mexico. Also, in school I was selected to participate in festivals and dance. So, my first ever dance to perform was La Bamba in 4th grade, so every year until 7th grade I danced Folklorico in my school. However, I never joined a professional group until I met Raices.

It was until I moved the U.S. that I felt motivated to join a group and learn more about Mexico and its music. I thought that it was going to take several years for me to perform, but in a few months I caught up with the other dancers thanks to Renée (a.k.a. Master) when I barely started to learn how to "move" my feet. From beginners I moved to advanced in a matter of months.

As soon as I joined the rest of the group, I felt welcomed by everyone. The group's dedication to this type of art is awesome. Everyone enjoys it and likes to perform. I'm really thankful of having Jose and Roxana as the instructors because their experience and enthusiasm makes practice more like a party rather than a class. And for the rest of the dancers, I consider them true friends. So, it has been almost 2 since I joined Raices and many will pass before I quit. I consider this the best times ever. .

As a Nonprofit organization RAICES welcomes all adults over 16 Years of age into our general Membership. All that is needed is an interest in learning Folklorico and a dedication to attend practices. Members are required to volunteer 5 hours of their time per year to assist the company in some capacity.

Simply put, RAICES offer the finest Folklorico instruction and performance and travel opportunities in the Sacramento area. Our organization invites all to visit other area dance organizations to compare. We promise guest Maestros and brand new material every single year. A large and diverse repertoire of dances, professional Management, and high level, well produced, and technically sound shows.

Yes. The only way the company can maintain the level of Artistic Quality and involvement in the Community it is known for is to have Staff coordinate its activities. Staff are : The Artistic Director, The Coordinator, and 2 Instructors.

Definitely. These include Touring and Traveling opportunities, chances to perform at high profile venues, professionally directed shows with the best technical and Artistic support, and Contract Opportunities.

5) How can members participate in RAICES’ activities?

Signup. Each practice the company will review upcoming events including shows, workshops, guest teachers etc. By signing up you are saying that you would like to participate in the event and will be attending the rehearsals to prepare for the event.

Every year RAICES receives twice as many performance requests as our members and resources allow us to handle. From schools to Fairs, RAICES has built a reputation for excellence which means that people are constantly asking us to perform. All performance requests are handled by the Managing Director who balances the troupes schedule, the benefit of the show to the Community and the Company, and the willingness of the hiring organization to work with our company.

Our aggressive performance and fundraising have allowed us to purchase one of the largest costume inventories in Northern California. RAICES owns over $20, 000 worth of Authentic Mexican Dance costumes and accessories. As a member you will be issued a costume to use for each show. All members must provide their own accessories such as shoes, jewelry etc. A detailed list will be issued before each show.

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