Ballet Folklórico

Ballet Folklórico, Son de la Palma, is a great opportunity for students interested in performing arts, dance, and Mexican culture. Students from all backgrounds learn Mexican folkloric dance, music, history, and culture, all in one class. The class builds confidence and self-esteem, along with leadership skills. Finally, it's fun and a chance to make life-long friends.

No experience is necessary to join the elective class or the after-school class. The only requirements are a good attitude to learn and respect for everyone's effort.

A signed permission form is needed from your parent/guardian. Pick up a permission form in Room 141. In addition, all Ballet Folklórico students will need to turn in a Publicity Authorization Form.

Palms Middle School Ballet Folklórico – Son de la Palma – was founded in 2016 by UCLA's Groupo Folklórico.

Instructors and Overview

Son del la Palma is honored to have UCLA’s most skilled dancers as their instructors: Ms. Monica Magaña, Ms. Paola Ornelas, Mr. Kenneth Sanchez, and Ms. Christine Castañon.

Ballet Folklórico Son de la Palma has received many positive reviews and has been recognized as one of LA Unified School District's most talented artists. Son de la Palma performs yearly at UCLA's Royce Hall with UCLA's Grupo Folklorico. In past years, we have performed for LAUSD's We are One concert at the Music Center's Dorothy Chandler Pavilion as well as other venues in the community and school events. Please join us in supporting this wonderful experience for our youth and community.

Meetings

We meet on Wednesdays and Fridays after school in the Auditorium, from 3:15 to 4:30pm.

2023-2024 Performances

Saturday, October 7, 2023, 12:30pm: Muertos Artwalk on Olvera Street Kiosk

Saturday, October 28, 2023: Dia de los Muertos Festival at Olvera Street Kiosk

Wednesday, November 1, 2:30-8:30pm (time tentative, location to be announced): Dia de los Muertos, sponsored by LAUSD’s Arts and Education Branch. Transportation and compensation will be provided for our group.

Friday, November 3: Dia de los Muertos assemblies (for Palms students)

Spring 2023 Performances

April 2023: Auditorium performance with Grupo Folkórico de UCLA too

May 2023: UCLA's Fiesta Mexicana at UCLA Royce Hall. The group performed 2 dances at the start of the show and another 2 dances at the end of the show. UCLA's own Ballet Folkórico performed as well. Admission was free, but tickets had to be reserved (up to 4 per email address).

June 2023: Clover Elementary School's International Fair

June 2023: Knott's Berry Farm

Castle Heights Elementary School

Fiesta Mexicana 2022

2021-2022 Performances

September 2021: Back to School Night

February 2022: Open House

April 2022: Son de la Palma Big Show (assemblies for students and public evening performance)

May 2022: Cinco de Mayo Celebration on Olvera Street

May 2022: Castle Heights Elementary School

May 2022: UCLA Fiesta Mexicana in Royce Hall at UCLA