Colorful Celebrations in College Station: Hispanic Heritage Month Shines Bright
College Station is bursting with vibrant energy as the community comes together to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. With deep cultural roots and a spirit of unity, students at Texas A&M University are turning the campus into a lively celebration of traditions. Picture it: flowing dresses dancing gracefully among the bricks of Rudder Plaza, while the uplifting sounds of Mexican music fill the air. This joyful atmosphere is the hard work of dedicated students wanting to share their rich culture with all of Aggieland.
Dancing to a Legacy
Among the passionate students making this happen is agricultural systems management senior Julianna Ramirez, who serves as the vice president and main choreographer for the Ballet Folklorico Celestial. For Ramirez, folklorico dancing isn’t just a fleeting interest; it runs deep in her family. “The reason I decided to join the on-campus folklorico group is because my mom was a president in the ‘90s,” she shared with a warm smile. Ramirez has a mission to carry on her mother’s legacy, ensuring the group maintains its reputation and presence on campus.
Perfecting their art involves serious commitment. The dancers hold practices for four hours every week, all to crank out a precise routine to show off at various events. Members from different experience levels come together, with some such as education junior Avigail Sanchez discovering their love for dance for the first time through this spirited group.
Sanchez expressed delight in joining this vibrant community, saying, “I’ve lived in Bryan my entire life, but I never came to A&M. Once I got accepted here, I was trying to look into something that fit my culture.” It is a place where students share a significant part of their identity and create lifelong friendships.
Cultural Journeys through Dance
Each performance reflects the diverse traditions found in Mexican culture. Ramirez helps members select costumes that represent various states, matching the outfits to traditional dances and songs from those regions. Each piece tells its own story, each dancer embodies something rich and meaningful. “We find corresponding dresses for each state, and from there, since I’m the choreographer … I kind of find out what songs I know from that state,” Ramirez explained.
Oftentimes, the fun doesn’t just happen during dance practice. The group also organizes social events that help the members forge connections, creating a strong community within the huge university. Architecture sophomore Emily Orozco emphasized the importance of this bonding, stating, “I think that joining Folklorico definitely has helped me with confidence and the ability to be a part of a team.”
A Heartwarming Experience
As the love for folklorico comes alive in performances, the joy it brings to many can’t be overlooked. Ramirez reflects on her childhood delight, saying, “I loved the big furling dresses, the shoes, doing my hair in a high bun, and putting on makeup.” Such delightful experiences only get brighter when they share it with little ones from their community. Sanchez cherishes these moments when young kids watch the performances with awe, lighting up with excitement. “I love it when little kids come to like the performances and their eyes [get] bright [and] light up, and they’re like, ‘Oh, my gosh. You’re so pretty,’” she beamed.
Sharing the Culture
The Ballet Folklorico Celestial group participates in various events to showcase their skills and Hispanic heritage, including the beloved “Little T” and end-of-year showcase known as “Big T”. Ramirez shared, “We make sure that everyone who wants to perform has an opportunity.” This inclusivity is cornerstone for the group, fostering appreciation for their craft.
Ultimately, the hope is that the broader community sees through these performances how proud they are of their culture and traditions. Orozco encapsulated this beautifully, stating, “It’s really amazing when you get to see it done so visually in something that’s so impactful like dance.” Cheers to a lively celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, where culture shines and community emerges, bringing everyone together in a colorful dance!
