Preserving a legacy 

“Leyendas,” an annual performance that celebrates heritage and culture, brings together multigenerational dancers from the UTRGV Ballet Folklórico to support future generations and continue sharing the traditions of Mexico.

The event will take place at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in the UTRGV Performing Arts Complex on the Edinburg campus, said Miguel Peña, director of the UTRGV Ballet Folklórico and dance lecturer.

A genuine representation of Mexican culture plays a very important role in the show, Peña said. The costumes are all made in Mexico, and the music remains authentic to the tradition.

“The audience not only enjoys what they see but also learns about their roots,” he said. “A lot of people that come … maybe have never been to Mexico and this is one way to keep in touch with their Mexican side of their identity.”

Dance senior Elsa Vasquez said folklórico is deeply rooted in her culture and is a unique dance form because “you get to experience all of Mexico and, [as a dancer], you get to share it everywhere.”

The idea for “Leyendas” was conceived in 2018 as a tribute to the legacy left behind by Francisco Muñoz III, the former director of UTRGV Ballet Folklórico, according to Peña.

The director brought together alumni from various decades to form a new company.

“I started contacting everyone … from previous years,” Peña said. “… I said ‘OK. This is like the dream team’ because they were … superstars in [their time]. … I’m gathering all the legends. … That’s why it’s called ‘Leyendas.’”

The alumni company, along with current dance students, have joined together for a one-night performance that not only combines their shared passion for folklórico but also gives back to the program.

“The highlight of the show is that all revenue goes to the [Francisco Muñoz Endowed Ballet Folklórico Scholarship],” Peña said. “Last year, we fully funded the endowment, allowing us to start providing scholarships to dance majors studying folklórico.” 

He said the endowment gave the dance majors the financial freedom to focus on their passion.

For Vasquez, performing on stage is a profound experience.

“It’s something you can’t describe,” she said.

She added that from a performer’s viewpoint, the audience sits in darkness, but, on one occasion, she spotted her family, and it evoked strong emotions. 

“My tears started rolling [on stage],” Vasquez said. “It’s a different feeling to actually see … that they’re there, present, you know? Supporting what you’re doing–it’s just one of the best feelings ever.”

 Dance junior Juan Salinas said he has danced for 10 years and was first introduced to folklórico through his sister’s open house in middle school. 

“I saw them doing a section of ‘Nuevo León’ … and they had these jackets with some fringe on it,” Salinas said. “They were like whipping it, and I was like, ‘what is that?’”

He said, in folklórico, partnering plays an important aspect in the performance and, sometimes, it can be challenging acting out a romance with a partner.

“You have to create this false illusion for whoever is watching that you’re in love with them,” Salinas said. 

He said it can be hard when there is no chemistry, but “sometimes, it’s not faking it. … Sometimes, you get to dance with, you know, people that you do have a connection with, and it’s just beautiful.” 

This will be Salinas’ fourth performance in “Leyendas.” He said he is proud to be part of a performance that honors the veterans that laid the foundation for the current generation of dancers.

Vasquez said she values sharing the stage with the alumni.

“It’s good to always have them come back and still be part of, like, this tradition,” she said.

Peña said “Leyendas,” and its contribution to the Francisco Muñoz Endowed Ballet Folklórico Scholarship, is the legacy the UTRGV Folklórico dancers will leave behind.

 “I hope this goes on for a very long time, so we can fund the future students of the Ballet Folklórico and, of course, enjoy Mexican culture through dance and music,” he said.

Salinas said he hopes his legacy is “to be known as the guy who was not just a folklórico dancer but just an amazing dancer overall” and be remembered for his versatility in ballet, jazz and tap. 

 Vasquez said she wants to leave a legacy of “sharing your presence, sharing the love, the passion that you have for this culture, this art.” 

She said it is important for her to always perform like it’s her last. 

“We go through all these peers,” Vasquez said. “… You see them, and they never get to share this love with us anymore, or outside, or with anyone else, so you just have to treat it like it’s your last.” 

Tickets are now on sale on showpass.com for the one-night performance of “Leyendas.”