MY FOLKLORISTORY
Ballet Folklorico Paso de Oro
*At 9 years old, my mother placed me in a community Mexican folk class at the Buena Park Recreational Center that later drafted my twin brother and I into this dance company for a few years.
2. Ballet Folklorico Amor de Mexico
*Led by my mother, a group of parents and their folkloristas created this organization. Our over 10 year summer season contract with the amusement park Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, CA began.
3. Danza Folklorica Puro Corazon
*A few years later, folklorico families sought a different vision for their folkloristas' growth and formed this dance ensemble formally known as Ballet Folklorico Puro Corazon coined by founding folklorico member Charles Sandoval. Our almost 10 year year-round contract with Entertainment and Mexican Cuisine Restaurant Plaza Garibaldi in Anaheim, CA began. Life long bonds were formed with legendary people in their craft such as floreador de riata Francisco Andrade. Here I evolved into the role as an Artistic Director for the second half of the ensembles active history.
4. Ballet Folklorico de California State University, Fullerton
* As I received my Bachelors Degree, Elementary Teaching Credential, and Masters Degree in education, I co-founded with Michaela Kimball the collegiate organization Ballet Folklorico de CSUF in 2011. Here I served as President and Artistic Director.
5. Coalicion Folkloristas Unidas
*Led by renown folklorico CA leader Cecilio de Castro, a coalition for southern CA folklorico organizations was formed with D.F. Puro Corazon and B.F. de CSUF as founding members.
6. Corazones Orgullosos de la Juventud
*A 6 month project that served as a bonding space for 12 males across three folklorico groups in Southern CA for D.F. Puro Corazon led by my mother Carmen Siordia, B.F. Eterna Juventud led by Manuel Ramirez, and G.F. Orgullo Mexicano led by Ma Luisa Aruajo - I directed a thematic and contemporary dance presentation for the 2013 Danzantes Unidos Festival Showcase in Fresno, CA.
7. Alvarez Elementary Folklorico Academy
*As I transitioned to South Texas to continue my career elementary school teaching, I directed an after school academy for students 1st - 5th grade. It was here I also developed my professional dance experience in Salsa on 1, Mambo, and sensual and Dominican bachata dance.
8. Los Lupenos de San Jose
* In association with Los Lupenos, I instructed recreational folklorico classes for youth and adults at the Mexican Heritage Plaza in San Jose, CA shortly after my transition to Redwood City, CA to continue my elementary teaching career.
9. G.F. Los Laureles de San Jose
* I served as Artistic Director of the juvenil (youth) dance company.
10. KIPP Excelencia Community Prep Dance Program
* I created and currently direct the dance excellence program for this charter school in Redwood City, CA in its second year serving more than 350 students ranging from Pre-K to 4th grade. Students receive a comprehensive regiment of Zumba, Meditation, Latin Cultures, and Interpretative dance.
10. Xochitl Cultural de Lincoln High School
* In an over 20 year old school dance department program that serves about 150 students, I currently Co-Artistically direct the performing dance ensemble Xochitl Cultural at performing arts school Abraham Lincoln High School with director Karina Vela.
Honorable mentions:
Instructed folkorico workshops with:
Ballet Folklorico Baile Caliente in Denver, CO
Ballet Folklorico Aquetzalli in Chandler, AZ
Ballet Folkorico de Mi Tierra in Las Vegas, NV
Ballet Folklorico Sol de Rancho in Las Vegas, NV
Ballet Folklorico Yolotli Guerrense in San Jose, CA
Coalicion Folklorista Unidas in Los Angeles, CA
Grupo Folklorico Paso de Norte in Fullerton, CA
2014-2018 Danzantes Unidos Festival in Fresno, CA
The Las Vegas Mariachi and Folklorico Festival in Las Vegas, NV