Ballet Folklórico: A Program that Flourishes with Every New Year

In 2014, GISD Ballet Folklórico started as an after-school club at Mitchell Elementary with 12 students. By the second year, the program had drawn in more than 30 students, just at that campus.

“The program just absolutely blew up,” Wendy Andana, GISD staff member and Ballet Folklórico director said. “Students and parents just loved it.”

Five years later, the program, led by Andana and staff member Patricia Williams, expanded to all elementary campuses in the district.

“It quickly became apparent to me that this could be something big for the students,” Andana said. “I am beyond grateful that the district has embraced the program and taken such pride in it.”

GISD Folklórico performs at district events, such as State of the District and Convocation, as well as local events in the community.

“The parents, the community, staff… Everyone loves it,” Andana said. “It’s a beautiful collaboration.”

Check out Folklórico’s next performance November 1 at the Dia de Muertos event on the square. More details coming soon…