For more than 25 years, Westside Dance has been teaching youth the heritage, culture, and traditions of Mexico through Folklorico Dance. Photo courtesy of Westside Dance.
A dance group established in 1997 continues to thrive and make moves on the Westside and beyond in Salt Lake valley as they explore becoming a 501(c)3 organization. The move is coming with its own challenges, but Westside Dance has overcome many other trials as they expanded over the last 25+ years.
Westside Dance was established by Maxine Lucero at the Our Lady of Guadalupe church, when a group of girls approached her and asked her to share her passion and knowledge of the Folklorico dance. Maxine, an experienced and passionate folklorico dancer, accepted the call and has led the group ever since.
Ms. Lucero’s own journey began in her childhood, when she performed at a Bicentennial performance at 8 years old — the only youth traveling with an adult dance group. Augustine Del Razo, Utah Arts Council director at that time, has been a mentor to Ms. Lucero and encouraged her to keep pursuing her passion. She continued performing and later taught traditional Folklorico dances to her children.
Since its establishment, Westside Dance has continued to stay authentic to the tradition of Folklorico dancing. Folklorico is a traditional dancing style in Mexico, instantly recognizable by its colorful dresses and intricate footwork. Special attention is paid to the hair pieces, costumes, and style of dancing, all of which varies by state or regional area in Mexico. Ms. Lucero weaves history as she teaches the dances and creates additional activities to support education about the heritage, such as building altars and teaching history.
Today, Westside Dance is led by Ms. Lucero and one assistant director. The group practices at Sugar Space, with additional spaces to be announced shortly (follow them on social media for updates). The program is open to kids up to 17 years old. Currently, there are 15 girls and 4 boys in the elite program, ages 5 to 14. The season coincides with the school year, with a school year-end dance recital. In the last 27 years, more than 500 dancers have been a part of Westside Dance.
Anyone of any size or background in the age range is welcome to join the group — the goal is creating an inclusive space for kids and teens who are interested in learning the heritage of Folklorico. The only rule that participants are required to follow is respect for the directors and the community.
The group has performed at a variety of events, including quinceaneras, birthday parties, retirement parties, weddings, and even at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics! While there is a fee for performing at most events that helps to cover some of the group’s expenses — some of the performances are done for free as a donation — additional costs for studio time and dancers’ birthday celebrations are covered by the parents of the dancers. Costumes are an additional cost for the parents.
In addition to learning, practicing, and performing Folklorico, Westside Dance works to improve the community. Before COVID, they have served over 500 sandwiches to the homeless, completed yard work for the elderly residents, and hosted food drives. After the pandemic, the efforts shifted toward warm clothes drives and free performances at senior community centers.
Ms. Lucero and Westside Dance will continue to be a pillar of the Westside community, with exciting plans for the future. They are looking at expanding their teen program and establishing a program for the adult dancers (or dance curious). Funding continues to be a challenge, especially post-COVID, which affected some of their previously reliable funding sources (such as bake sales). Westside Dance is currently exploring becoming a 501(c)3 organization, which would allow them to apply for grants to support the funding. Until then, donations are welcomed to ensure the program continues to carry on the knowledge and tradition of Folklorico dancing.
With all of the upcoming changes, one thing that won’t change is keeping the roots in the westside and representing the community with pride.
Folklorico is a traditional dancing style in Mexico, instantly recognizable by its colorful dresses and intricate footwork. Special attention is paid to the hair pieces, costumes, and style of dancing, all of which varies by state or regional area in Mexico. Photos courtesy of Westside Dance.
If you have expertise in setting up a 501(c)3 and would like to volunteer your services, please contact Ms. Maxine Lucero at Westside Dance.