Culture, color and costumes

Houston Chronicle ^ | 05-04-05 | Kristin Finan

[todd1]

The color of a skirt, the type of flower in the hair or the lace and embroidery embellishment on a Mexican folk dancer's costume may seem like details lost in the blur of swirling fabric, stomping feet and breezy headdresses.

But those who work and dance with Ballet Folklórico Azteca de Houston say each detail provides the audience with a lesson in culture, history and geography.

Today, as people across the United States gather to celebrate Cinco de Mayo — which marks Mexico's 1862 victory over the French in the Battle of Puebla — dancers hope to spark conversation about the diversity within Mexico.

"It's something that's very honorable to do, because not only do we perform for our own people, but we teach people about our culture through the dancing and the history behind the dancing," said Rosalio Peña, who founded Ballet Folklórico Azteca de Houston 17 years ago and serves as its director and choreographer.

[todd1]

My girfriend dances for this group and they work really hard for no pay. I am really proud of them.

[NaughtiusMaximus]

Heard onLocal radio commercial last night: "Remember folks, Cinqo de Mayo comes on the fifth of May this year."

[todd1]

Thats funny... lol

[NaughtiusMaximus]

By an amazing coincidence . . .

[Alkhin]

Yeah, its kinda like people calling up to ask when Midnight Mass is.

[pikachu]

Today, as people across the United States gather to celebrate Cinco de Mayo — which marks Mexico's 1862 victory over the French in the Battle of Puebla — dancers hope to spark conversation about the diversity within Mexico.

Diversity? Mexico? HELLO!!!

The pecking order goes:

1. Having mostly Spanish or Maxamillion French Blood
2. Be one of the 'Twelve Familes' who OWN everything
3. Everyone else
4. Indios

The definition of miserable is being Yaqui tribe member working a menial job in any Mexican city.