After years of absence, the Ballet Folklorico Club at Riverside City College is being revived by a new generation of dancers.
The organization returned to campus this semester following a concerted effort by students and faculty to reclaim a space for Mexican traditional dance on campus.
The return was sparked by student Melissa Navarro, a second-year student who now serves as the club’s president. Navarro initiated the process by approaching faculty to see if the college had an active troupe.
Her plan to bring the club back led her to English instructor Jason Torres-Rangel, who has a lifelong background in the art form and had been waiting for a student leader like Navarro to step forward.
“I’ve been waiting for the kind of students to come forward and say (to me) ‘we want to start with you,’” Torres-Rangel said about the club’s revival.
He noted that the administrative setup moved quickly once Navarro and other students expressed interest, involving coordination with campus engagement centers like La Casa to get the club off the ground before the 2027-2028 school year.
For the members, the club provides a connection to their heritage and a break from the rigors of college life. Betzi Chávez, a first-year student, joined the club to maintain a passion she discovered in high school.
“I just feel more happy because I still get to dance even though I’m very busy with school and with work,” Chávez said. “It feels like dancing here and also dancing with my friends is like an outlet… like an escape.”
The technical diversity of the club is reflected in the favorite Mexican regions of its members. Club member Isaac Garcia cited Jalisco for its intricate footwork, while Chávez agreed with his preference due to the positive memories of performing the style with her friends. Torres-Rangel expressed an appreciation for Veracruz because of its complex Afro-Caribbean influences and technical difficulty.
These regional differences define the folklorico difference. Jalisco is often the “crowd-pleaser” characterized by the wide-skirted dresses and vibrant mariachi music, whereas Veracruz requires demanding precision and performs in white lace outfits for their coastal climate.
As the club establishes its footing, Navarro and the other leaders are focused on growth and securing more resources. While they currently appreciate having a dedicated studio space on campus, it is a luxury that many community groups do not have, Garcia noted. Their goal is to expand the club’s reach.
Torres-Rangel hopes to eventually transition the club into an accredited course at RCC. Beyond the classroom, there is a strong desire to begin performing publicly.
While the administrative hurdle and long hours of practice continue, the dancers find that the effort is its own reward. For the leadership, the goal remains centered on the students and the joy of the dance itself.
“I just want to bring people together with dance,” Torres-Rangel said. “A lot of people are sometimes timid or a little shy, but I think having this program will allow people to break out of their comfort zones.”
