Las Estrellas Reach for the Stars

Eddie Chen

Faldas twirl under the light, gleaming in their elegance and grace. Vestuarios flutter through the room as students dance across the floor, keeping in time with music. Their zapatos move swiftly through the space, stomping in synchrony. Sombreros dot the group. Tocados shine on heads. “¡Ajúa!” Los bailarines are ready for the stage.

Ballet Folklórico Las Estrellas, the performing group of the Ballet Folklórico Conservatory (BFC), consists of driven dancers, each passionate in performing their craft. Directed by Lilia Muñiz, a BF teacher and choreographer, the team is spreads the Mexican culture at OCSA and in local communities.

Ballet Folklórico is a traditional dance form originating in Mexico. The art form pulls elements from indigenous, African and European roots to display cultural dances that incorporate ballet, modern and contemporary techniques. The costumes, or vestuarios, are a splendor of colorful skirts with bright ribbons, representing different regions of Mexico. The rich culture and history behind the art form is what makes it such a special dance.

Saira Arias (BFC ‘23) stated that the team has performances once every two weeks “where we perform at different elementary and middle schools as well as the annual Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza.” With rehearsals every Thursday, the group continually improves their partner work and technique as they prepare to perform onstage. Through auditions at the beginning of each year, new folkloristas join a team of professional high school dancers, many of whom also train outside of school. The team hits the ground running, or dancing, right away, with their busiest months during September and October due to Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations. In fact, Muñiz states that in September, the team does around three performances weekly as it is asked to perform in many places. Through such frequent performances, the team grows to be a tight-knit family of supportive and hard working individuals.

Karina Lariz (BFC ‘25) spoke to the strong support system of the team where “we all bond over things and everybody is closer knit to each other.” They are continually pushed by Muñiz to rehearse and prepare for any upcoming performances. Carlos Lozano (BFC ‘25) said that Las Estrellas is very similar to conservatory classes but is much faster and more intense: “We usually only have one practice to get an entire show done.” They most recently performed at OCEAA, inspiring future generations to engage in the rich culture. Currently, the team is preparing for a performance in Oxnard for a prestigious Mariachi band as well as celebrations for Cinco de Mayo at middle schools throughout Orange County.

Muñiz aims to push the dancers to succeed in every aspect of their lives. After high school, dancers can join professional companies and continue to engage in the art form as professional bailarines. Through it all, the spirit of the dance continues to shine through the dancers as they embrace Mexico's rich cultural heritage and reach for the stars. ¡Arriba México!

You can find Ballet Folklórico Las Estrellas on social media!

Instagram: @ocsa_balletfolklorico

Facebook: OCSA Ballet Folklorico Dance Conservatory