Founded 17 years ago, Ballet Folklorico Los Falcones joyfully serves the community

For 17 years, Modesto’s Ballet Folklorico Los Falcones has offered the community a brightly colored swirl of culture, artistry and goodwill.

Since its inception, the youth dance group has performed across the region for free at venues large and small. Its dancers range from age 2 to 20, girls and boys, veterans and newcomers. But they all come together under the direction of company founder Laura Malagon and dance instructor Maria Ruiz to learn, rehearse and perform traditional Mexican folk dances.

This past week, the group celebrated its 17th anniversary with a performance and celebration at Bret Harte Elementary School.

Malagon started the group while working as a teacher’s aide at Fairview Elementary School in 1998 and two years later recruited her Fairview colleague Ruiz, a second-grade teacher, to lead the dancers. Today, the group has about 50 members who perform close to 30 different dances representing various Mexican states.

The company’s largest annual performance is at Modesto’s International Heritage Festival, but the dancers also do shows at schools, churches, fairs, parades, parties, quinceañeras and more. Ballet Folklorico Los Falcones never charges for appearances, and the dancers and instructors aren’t paid. Malagon said keeping the company’s work free is at the foundation of its mission.

“I want to teach them to serve the community without expecting anything,” said Malagon, who recently retired from Fairview. “People always ask, ‘Why don’t you charge money?’ I want to show them as they grow up they can do a lot to help the community. I am so proud of them and how hard they work.”

The company is a significant commitment for its dancers. In addition to their 50 or so performances each year, they meet twice a week to practice at Fairview School. For many, being part of the company is a way to connect with their heritage. Nineteen-year-old Marybel Cortez has been with the group two years. She joined after seeing it perform at an event at Hanshaw Middle School.

“I saw them and was like, ‘I want to be part of that group,’” said the California State University, Stanislaus, student. “It brings out the culture in our dancing. I love the dances, and I love how it helps remind us of our roots.”

For others, Ballet Folklorico Los Falcones offers a rare opportunity to get on stage and travel around the region. Thirteen-year-old Blaker Kinser Junior High student Kiara Alvarez said being part of it has helped her be more confident.

“I was nervous in the beginning,” said Alvarez, who has been in the group seven years. “But now it’s just fun. We go to a lot of places, and it’s a fun experience.”

While the majority of the group is female, about 10 boys also take part in the performances. Among them is Bret Harte fourth-grader Fabian Aguayo. His mother, Modesto resident Diane Aguayo, said being in the group has helped him overcome his shyness. Before joining two years ago, she said, he hardly spoke in public. Now, the 8-year-old gets up before large crowds without a problem.

“He is the shyest person; you couldn’t believe how shy he was. When he started folklorico, he started talking. It changed his life so much,” she said. “I am so thankful to Miss Malagon. She put him in front to dance, and he is a whole different person now.”

The dance instruction is offered without charge to the students. Ruiz studied dance at the Bellas Artes performing arts school in Guadalajara and taught in Mexico before coming to the United States. The only fundraising the group does each year is a calendar featuring the dancers, which they sell in the fall. The proceeds from the project go toward the cost of the elaborate, colorful ballet folklorico costumes. Each intricate dress can cost anywhere from $100 to $375. Malagon brings some back from her annual visits to Mexico, while others are made and modified locally.

Jorge Perez, director of parent and community support services for Modesto City Schools, said that although Ballet Folklorico Los Falcones isn’t an official district group, area schools collaborate with the company frequently.

“This is something really special for the students and the parents,” he said. “They area learning a lot of great leadership skills. All the young people in this group are not only committed and dedicated, but also showing they place a higher value on education. And through their hard work, they’re also able to engage their parents. It’s a win-win for all of us.”

The group was due to perform this weekend before the keynote address of playwright, actor and director Luis Valdez at the Modesto City Schools-sponsored Parents Make a Difference Conference. It also is scheduled to perform at the Mexican Independence Day celebration in Empire on Sept. 13 and at the International Heritage Festival in Modesto on Oct. 3.

The company accepts almost any invitation to perform. Named after the Fairview school mascot, the Falcons, it has been able to endure all these years thanks to the help of the parents and the enthusiasm of the students, Malagon said.

“I try to teach the girls and boys to be useful, to have a purpose in life. And give yourself to where you are. To me, it’s a duty for each person to give,” she said. “I know this is so meaningful for the students. It gives them a good perspective in life.”

This story was originally published August 28, 2015 at 2:35 PM with the headline "Founded 17 years ago, Ballet Folklorico Los Falcones joyfully serves the community."