SummerFest adds a new twist to its lineup
Danza Folklorica/Courtesy photo - Female members of Danza Folklórica de Royal City learn how to make their colorful skirts a part of the show.
ROYAL CITY — A new Royal City cultural performing arts unit, Danza Folklórica de Royal City, will perform for the first time ever in front of a live audience on Friday, July 14, at the Royal City SummerFest.
Danza attributes its start to the annual event, and after the RCSF committee voted to dub this year’s SummerFest theme; “Fiesta,” member Leslie Fanning’s antennae were on the lookout for special Hispanic acts.
She found one four weeks ago, Mexican Folkloric Dancing, mostly by chance at Karen’s Salon de Belleza on Camelia Street. Fanning was having her nails done by owner Elsa Cedillo.
She and Cedillo started to chat about ‘Fiesta’ and, somehow, the fact surfaced Cedillo had folkloric experience.
“I grew up in that environment,’’ Cedillo said. “She (Fanning) asked me if I could do it for her, and I said I could.”
Danza is currently comprised of eight pair of girls and boys. Six of which, are of high school age, while the other two are in the 12-year-old range.
“I’m very happy with these kids,” Cedillo said. “They started at zero, and now they dance very well.”
In addition to being taught the dance, the Danza members also needed to be outfitted. Royal High School teacher Mario Godoy helped acquire sombreros for the boys and colorful, flaring skirts for the girls.
Cedillo hopes the members of Danza will continue to practice and perform after Fiesta. She has noticed that their stress levels actually decline while they glide across the dancefloor.
“I realized early, they didn’t know anything about this type of dancing,” Cedillo said. “I’m glad we’re doing it because it’s an experience they should have.”
Cedillo said one of the early obstacles for the Danza members was shyness. Folkloric dancing often requires the pairs to touch, and most of the dancers were embarrassed at the thought of it.
“They got through that, and now everything is fine,” Cedillo said.
This group of young dancers has been meeting twice a week at the high school to learn the new footsteps. They will perform at Royal’s Got Talent Show on Friday July 14, in the parade on July 15, and on the Saturday stage at 12:45 p.m., as well.
Making up the troupe of dancers are Rebecca Follett, Haley Acetic, Evelyn Acencio, Esperanza Buenrostro, Sophia Hale, Berenice Ramos, Lizbeth Gonzales, Yaretzi Cervantes, Martin Hurta, Kaleb Hernandez, Sebastian Hernandez, Carlos Hernandez, Kevin Dominguez, Isidro Torres, Miguel Torres, and Luis Gaitan.