Ballet Folklorico Flores, a Longview-based dance troupe, has performed traditional Mexican folk dances across East Texas for 22 years, connecting audiences and dancers to their cultural roots. The group performs at Mexican Independence Day and Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, as well as other community events, with members swirling ornate, colorful dresses to traditional rhythms. The troupe's mission is to keep Mexican heritage alive and pass the tradition to others, sustained by consistent community support.
Erica Flores, 44, a first-generation Mexican-American from Gladewater, co-founded Ballet Folklorico Flores with her sister-in-law, Nerina Martinez, 47, from Veracruz, Mexico. Their first group performance took place in 2004 after St. Matthew’s Catholic in Longview asked them and other church members to perform for a celebration of the Virgin of Guadalupe. Flores, whose parents are from San Luis Potosi, Mexico, learned folklorico as a child. Martinez, who immigrated to the United States around 2003, discovered folklorico at age 10 while attending an arts school.
The dancers practice at least once a week year-round. Flores notes the importance of the troupe’s work, stating, "It just takes one generation to forget where you're from." She emphasizes that she can be proud of both her American identity and her Mexican roots. Martinez describes dancing folklorico in the U.S. as fulfilling and making her feel at home, explaining there is "something beautiful when you enjoy doing it and teaching it." The troupe performs dances from various Mexican regions, including Sinaloa, Jalisco, Veracruz, Nuevo Leon, and Baja California, with each dance featuring a distinct dress to represent its region.
Other dancers in the troupe contribute to its longevity and impact. Maria Gonzales, 27, of Longview, has danced with the group for 11 years and teaches folklorico to students at Pine Tree Primary School. Gonzales finds joy in teaching children to ensure the tradition continues, noting that "you'll know (the tradition) doesn't die down with us." Laura Salas, 30, also of Longview, has been a member for 10 years, with her parents hailing from Zacatecas, Mexico. Salas states that the troupe "makes us proud of our culture and just shows everyone part of our culture." Ari Fernandez, 22, a Longview native whose parents are from San Luis Potosi, Mexico, joined the troupe two years ago after seeing them perform at a Cinco de Mayo event at the Longview Arboretum and Nature Center. She had learned dance at East Texas Dance Co. in Longview and sought to continue dancing after high school.
Flores attributes the troupe's ability to perform for two decades to consistent community support. She explains that invitations from churches, schools, or other events are why they continue to dance. While not professionals, Flores states, "We're not professionals, but we love it," describing the energizing feedback from audiences that encourages the dancers to keep going. The group can be contacted via their Facebook page.
