Ale Ramos RGV Folklorico History Research

Hello, my name is Alejandra Ramos and I will be presenting my research "Sembrando Flores: Ballet Folklórico in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas" at the Latinx Studies Association conference at Arizona State University and the National Association for Chicana and Chicano Studies conference in San Francisco.

My research documents the history and development of ballet folklórico programs in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas and illustrates how these programs have allowed for students and alumni to explore cultural and artistic expression throughout generations at local, academic, and professional levels. Following an ethnographic approach, I use participant-observation and oral histories collected from conducting interviews with folklórico dancers, parents, students, alumni, and directors of varying ages to paint a portrait of a saturated and thriving dance community in the RGV Borderlands. Drawing from an interdisciplinary approach from fields of study such as anthropology, political science, Mexican American studies and dance, I analyze the social and political implications of the development and growth of ballet folklórico programs in the educational systems of the Rio Grande Valley of Texas since the 1970s.

I am currently raising funds for travel expenses. I am in need of funds to cover plane tickets, hotel accommodations, and food costs throughout my stay in both cities. Please consider donating, anything helps!! (: Thank you all