High school students from different folklórico groups visited, on April 25 for the High School Folklórico Summit, an event centered on culture, dance and higher education. Under the direction of Victor Torres, a professor in the Department of Chicano and Latin American Studies at Fresno State and director of Los Danzantes de Aztlán, the summit brought students from across the Central Valley to campus for a day of workshops, performances and college exploration. The event aimed to encourage students to pursue higher education while celebrating Mexican culture through folklórico dance.
Throughout the day students participated in dance workshops led by members of Los Danzantes de Aztlán. They had the opportunity to explore the university campus, connect with current Fresno State students and ask questions about the admissions process and college experience. Participants also attended workshops about Bulldog Bound, Fresno State’s guaranteed admissions program for students from partnering school districts who meet the minimum California State University admission requirements.
Folklórico teachers who attended the summit emphasized the importance of creating spaces where students feel represented, supported and encouraged to continue their education.
Lisa Perez, folklórico teacher at Woodlake High School, said her students arrived motivated, disciplined and ready to learn with an open mind. She explained that one of the most meaningful aspects of the summit was allowing students to see college dancers who continue preserving their culture while pursuing higher education.
“They can see students who are proud to be Latino, proud of their culture and still dancing while attending college,” Perez said. “The most important thing is building a folklórico family and learning together.”
Perez also encouraged students to take advantage of every opportunity available to them and to step outside their comfort zones as they prepare for the hard work that comes with college.
Camila Gutierrez, a senior at Clovis East High School, said she first joined folklórico because she wanted to challenge herself and gain confidence.
“My biggest takeaway is seeing how far dance can take you,” Gutierrez said. “Seeing all the college students still dancing makes me feel like that could be me one day.”
Felisa Patiño-Longoria, part of the leadership team for Asociación Nacional de Grupos Folklóricos, explained that one of the summit’s goals is to help students become familiar with Fresno State while deepening their understanding of Mexican folklórico traditions.
“The more students attend events like this, the more comfortable they become on a college campus,” Patiño-Longoria said. “They learn that there is a path where they can continue dancing while also pursuing higher education.”
She added that folklórico helps students develop pride in themselves, their roots, and their cultural identity as they continue their education.
Delilah Felix, a junior at McLane High School who hopes to become a pediatrician, said folklórico has helped her connect more deeply with her culture.
“We are all a community and a big team that supports and encourages each other,” Felix said.
Felix added that the Bulldog Bound workshop helped her realize how many opportunities Fresno State offers and how important it is to build connections on campus.
To some attendees the event also inspired them to attend Fresno State in the future to become a part of Los Danzantes de Aztlán.
The High School Folklórico Summit brought together culture, community, and education, showing students that higher education spaces can also celebrate identity, tradition, and belonging.