Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if I’ve never danced before, or have not danced since I was very young?
A: Not to worry; experience is not required as basic dance steps and choreography are taught by one of the club's founding members, Michael Carmona; he has over 24 years of experience in teaching ballet folklórico to adult beginners. Previous experience in any dance form is helpful, however.
Q: Six hours of practice is a big commitment. What if I can’t make it to every practice session?
A: You don’t have to attend every practice. Each dance takes several hours to teach, and it’s helpful to make at least two sessions per week so you won’t fall behind on learning the complete repertoire.
Q: Are members required to perform?
A: No; there are opportunities for shared social activities, too! Non-performers are encouraged to join to help with administrative matters such as educational presentations, Public Relations, props and costumes, meetings, scheduling, videotaping, and still photography.
Q: Do I provide my own costumes?
A: No. Thanks to the efforts of the founding members, as well as subsequent members, El Grupo owns costumes and accessories for the regions it represents: Jalisco, Veracruz, La Región Norteña, la Huasteca Tamaulipeca, Campeche, Chiapas, Guerrero, Oaxaca, Yucatán, Nuevo León and Huasteca Potosina.
Q: What about shoes and other personal items?
A: All members provide footwear and some clothing (e.g., shirt, slacks, black lycra shorts, a leotard, practice skirt). Men should have a pair of black botines (boots) and women should have a pair of white pumps (character shoes). Women may also need to provide accessories such as hairpieces, makeup, and false eyelashes for performances.
Q: What’s with the slogan?
A: The group loves going out to eat! Because rehearsals take place during or right before mealtimes it’s usual to hear "where are we going to eat?" asked as rehearsals are ending.
