Folkloric dancing

Tuesday, 25 October 2011 15:13

Entertainment

By Carina Felix

Folkloric dance has been slowly changing students’ outlook on life since 2003.

“I am no longer embarrassed about my culture,” stated Daniel Chavez, a second year dance student. “Since beginning dance, I have learned to embrace it.”

John Gonzales, who has been teaching folkloric dance at Granite Hills for eight and a half years, hopes to have his dance program make a diﬀerence in his students’ lives.

“When I was younger, dance was an escape for me,” said Gonzales. “I hope that when my students dance, they also forget about everything that troubles them and are able to feel joy and happiness.”

Although Gonzales has had a love for dance since he was a young boy, his intentions were not always to become a folkloric dance teacher. After graduating, Gonzales had planned on either teaching in an elementary or middle school.

“I decided to apply and they saw that I had folkloric dance experience,” said Gonzales. “That is why I believe I got the job.”

When entering the class, many students think of it as an easy course that counts as physical education credit, but then drop out when they realize all the hard work necessary to pass the class.

“50% of students stick out the class and 50% transfer out,” stated Gonzales.

Gonzales requires students to memorize choreography for several dances, have ﬂow and good movement when dancing, know all the steps and be prepared at all times.

Gonzales also hopes to change the way people ridicule dance and dancers.

“I think people talk, I’m not going to lie,” said Gonzales. “People don’t see the point of dance, but I see it as a sport.”

Gonzales does his best to show that dance is not something that people should take lightly. He is known for being strict and consistent when teaching. He also holds night practices in November, so he requires commitment from all of his dancers.

Many students also stereotype Folkloric dance as being only for Hispanics or as a pointless dance class.

“When I think of folkloric dance, I just think of Mexican dancers with big skirts and lots of makeup,” commented Vanessa Felix.

Many students fail to see the importance of being aware of the Hispanic culture, which is the culture predominantly found in Porterville.

Contrary to many people’s belief, Caucasian students do join dance and do excel. One example is Ally Wright, a sophomore in the advanced dance class.

“At ﬁrst I was intimidated,” stated Wright. “But now I feel like I get along with everyone and I really like folkloric dance and wouldn’t change the class if I got the chance.”

Gonzales also admits that although many Caucasian students do not join, they should consider it because dancing is dancing and it is good to step outside of your box and try something new.

The dancers work hard all semester in preparation for their show. The first show, which is the advanced students’ performance, is on Friday, Dec. 9 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The beginner’s show is on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The shows are the students’ final and count as a large portion of their grade. A large controversy has risen about the beginner’s show because it is on the same night of Christmas Ball.

Many students, especially seniors, have been forced to decide between the two or try to make it to both. Even teachers have expressed concern about the fact that their students are being deprived of their last Christmas Ball.

“I couldn’t believe our performance and Christmas Ball were scheduled for the same night,” said Janelle Castillo. “But at least I’m a junior and have next year, but for seniors…that must be a hard decision.”

Even with that obstacle proving to be a menace to the program, many students have overlooked the fact that they are giving up their last winter formal dance and have focused on their upcoming performance.

In the future, Gonzales still encourages more people to join the dance program.

“If you love to dance, you should join,” said Gonzales. “It does not matter what type of song you are dancing to, you have to love all dance and that is what I teach my students, along with confidence, structure, respect and passion.”

Above Photo:Granite Folkloric dance practicing in the caffeteria(Photo by Sheng Lor)

Comments

0 #8 Brenda Ambriz 2012-02-09 22:26

Though I do not take this class, it seems a lot of fun. Also, I think it could show a little something more about ones’ culture.

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0 #7 lucina ceballos 2011-10-28 17:06

This class sounds like lots of fun :-). I would love to join it because I i would like to try something new.

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0 #6 mariacervantes 2011-10-27 19:44

Dance. i would like too take the class next year some of my friends have this class or had it and they said that they learn to many steps and that they have so much

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0 #5 Stephanie Tellez 2011-10-27 19:31

I like how this sport helps people to not judge their culture or where they came from.

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0 #4 Veronica Munoz 2011-10-27 16:23

Dance. The class has made me grow in confidence, as well as pride. I was so excited to have joined that class, because after a long day of school, I get to dance and the stress goes away. :) What else can I say besides I appreciate Mr. G's intention, and I love dance.

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