Learning Culture Local non-profit continues embracing the Mexican heritage
By Valerie Bustamante
T
he music of Jalisco, Mexico filled the room as three young men dressed in white garb stomped their boots against the wooden floor in unison as they each waved a pair of machetes in their hands. As they moved off the dance floor, a group of young girls dressed in elaborate multi-colored dresses with braids in their hair took center stage. With their dresses gripped in each hand, the girls each spun in circles with the largest smiles as the layers of their dresses floated in the air. The students moved in synch as they told the stories of their Mexican heritage through their dance moves. For 37 years, hundreds of local children have learned the traditions of ballet folklórico while others
20 Seguin ~ Guadalupe County living
went the musical route and dove into the arts of mariachi at Teatro De Artes De Juan Seguin. Known for its mission of a better understanding of the Mexican-American culture, Teatro De Artes was founded in 1982 by former Seguin ISD educator Vickie De La Rosa, her husband Homer De La Rosa and her sister Maria G. Betancourt, who also is a former educator. It was as a teacher at Seguin ISD in the early 70s, Vickie realized there was a void that needed to be filled for the Mexican American students in the neighborhood she taught in. Not only were many of them struggling in school, but there seemed to be lack of culture they could relate to. “The kids didn’t have any culture. We brought in