Folklórico
CULTURE, DANCE, ART WHILE PERSEVERING IN A PANDEMIC
Written By ASSET's Maestra (Teacher) Otila Folklorico connects the past and present between Pre-Hispanic culture and the Mestizo culture of modern Mexico, helping students know the roots, traditions, and customs of Mexico through art, dance, music, and food... What has the Folklórico ASSET's Program looked like during the lockdown "shelter in place"? The following are interactions that explain it best: Maestra: Find a space in or outside of the house where you can see me and follow my steps. A bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, garage and\or patio. Students: But what about the shoes and skirt? The floor is slippery, wood or tile. The shoes can scratch. Maestra: Let's get you a plywood to dance on. Let's try steps in place for now. I have a wooden platform. Students: Skirt work? The room is too small, my bed is in the way, I'm knocking over things with my skirt. Maestra: Let's try arm movements, no skirt. Let's try the patio. Let's try the garage. Let's try the kitchen.
The COVID-19 Shelter in Place has been difficult for students attending Folklórico, but one thing that I can say is that the Oak Grove students continue to come back and create unique, innovative ways to make it work.
Sept 2020 Student: "I'm interested in joining Folklórico." Maestra: “Sure, let's connect and get a skirt and shoes…”(family arrives: BIG SMILE behind the mask and photo to prove it) October 2020 Student:"Today was a Crappy Day, I won't be able to be on zoom Folklórico." Maestra: “Awwww, I'm sorry. Dancing helps…” November 2020 Maestra: “Haven't heard from you…” December 2020 Student: "Things are hard at home and I'm not able to continue Folklórico." Maestra: “Go ahead and take some time off and we will talk after the break.” January 2021 Student: "Things are still difficult but I want to finish well, when are the pictures? When are dance videos due? I have been practicing using the Youtube videos and I can't wait to share" Maestra: “I remember that day you came for your Folklórico gear, how happy you were to join and be a part of it. I am so excited for you to keep going.”
