Cisne de Nuevo México: A new spin on the timeless tradition of Mexican folk dancing

You know you’re in for a treat when you hear the upbeat rhythm of traditional Mexican music accompanied by a dazzling display of color and movement from members of local folklórico dance group Cisne de Nuevo México.

Members of the group, based in Belen, range from children to adults and everyone in between. The classes are free of cost and open to everyone, as founder Rosa Sisneros-Jimenez began the group in 2021 with the intent of it being a community resource.

“More than anything, I think it’s important to have a really good support system in the community, where you can engage with people and families while enriching the culture,” she said.

Folklórico, as Sisneros-Jimenez explained, is not one single style of dance, but is an umbrella term for traditional dances from Mexico’s different regions and states that emphasize local folk culture.

Sisneros-Jimenez said she was introduced to folklórico in elementary school where it is commonly featured as part of grade school curriculum in Mexico, where she was born and raised.

“Here, for fine arts in the school curriculum, they usually do music and art, but (in Mexico) they also incorporate traditional dances from kindergarten through sixth grade,” she said.

After sixth grade, Sisneros-Jimenez said you can continue dancing by joining local, independent dance groups, which she did in middle school. The group she joined was funded by the small town she lived in, and they would perform usually at special events and celebrations.

“I really like to dance, and I think besides being a really good form of exercise, it’s also a way of expression,” said Sisneros-Jimenez. “What I like about folklórico dancing is the engagement that you’re having with the audience and that you can express yourself as you’re dancing.”

After she was through with high school, she stopped dancing for a bit when she migrated to the United States and began a family.

“I started thinking, ‘I want to share my culture with my kids, and a way for me to do that was to teach them how to dance,’” she said. “At first, it was just my kids, my nephews and nieces and then little by little, they were inviting their friends, and then we decided this is our dance group and it just grew from there.”

Cisne de Nuevo México has been brightening up local community events ever since, all while providing a place where community members can take dance lessons free of charge while learning more about Mexican culture.

“For the case of this group, it’s not only aiming for members to have Hispanic backgrounds, because the way I like to see it is I am sharing my culture with people,” she said. “I want the objective to be for people in the community who do have that Hispanic heritage to be able to continue that connection with their roots, and also for the people that are not part of the culture, they can join the culture in an appreciation way, rather than appropriation,”

Sisneros-Jimenez teaches a variety of styles of folklórico dancing from various regions in Mexico through her classes, which she offers from 6-7 p.m. every Wednesday at the Belen Community Center.

While dancing is the main focus, Sisneros-Jimenez said they also do a variety of Mexican-inspired crafts to enrich their lessons.

“The folk culture is more than just dancing; there are a lot of components that take craftsmanship and this emphasis on creating,” Sisneros-Jimenez said. “So I just thought to add more value to the class was to also provide or introduce the skills of this craftsmanship.”

For example, some of the traditional dances incorporate paper mache masks, so they had a workshop where she taught them how to make their own masks to use during their performance. Whenever they do fundraisers, they also make their own traditional decorations like paper flowers. They also made a paper mache skeleton one year that they use for Day of the Dead performances and have painted sugar skulls during this time, too.

Most importantly though, Sisneros-Jimenez aims for her students to enjoy themselves and have fun in her classes. She recalled how when she was in a professional dance group in Mexico, there was often a lot of pressure and anxiety involved, so she wanted to ensure for her students here that it never became a source of stress.

“We’re not doing it for competition, you know, we’re doing it because it’s a passion for us to be moving and to just be experiencing the music,” she said.

Several Cisne de Nuevo México members agree that what initially piqued their interest in joining was the allure of extravagant dresses, a crucial component of folklórico dancing. Since then, the classes have become a significant source of joy for them all.

For member Alma Prieto, it also provides a great opportunity for bonding time with her 8 year-old daughter, who joins her for the classes and performances.

“We look forward to it,” said Prieto. “I never got to dance when I was little, and I love dancing so for me it’s a good stress reliever, and you feel like you’re an artist. Sometimes I mess up and I struggle, but it’s OK — it’s all about having fun and enjoying yourself.”

Ashley Diaz, 11, says in addition to all the fun and fascination she finds in folklórico, she enjoys it because it allows her to reconnect with and celebrate her culture.

For member Annabella Berniger, 14, the fast dancing and learning new routines all while wearing heels provides an “exhilarating” outlet and a welcome challenge. Though, one of the aspects she enjoys most about being in the dance group is the inclusive environment it offers and all the friends she has made through the program.

“I feel like I’ve been included in something that some people don’t always get the chance to be a part of,” said Berniger.

Cisne de Nuevo México started as an experiment, said Sisneros-Jimenez, and she never imagined it getting to where it is now, especially considering all the challenges she and the team have had to overcome to keep it alive. What keeps her motivated is the fulfillment it brings her from all the happiness it spreads to the community as well as the group members.

“I feel like I’m achieving what the objective of what the group is, to integrate a diverse community, where we all can join in one place, doing something we all enjoy,” she said.

Whenever they invite us to perform, I see before (we start) they’re nervous but, when they’re performing, they start having fun. When they’re done, they have these big smiles and they’re so excited and happy that they had the opportunity to put themselves out there. I do it because it brings me joy to see that they’re believing in themselves, and they’re building that confidence to show their talent.”

Cisne de Nuevo México is currently accepting new members, and more information can be found on its Facebook page. The classes are free and flexible, so it’s OK if you are not able to make every class. Sisneros-Jimenez emphasizes affordability and loans materials when able. The group also holds fundraisers to help cover any related expenses. All ages are welcome, though kids under six must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information, send a message to the group’s Facebook page or email rosasisji@gmail.com.

“It’s my way of giving back,” said Sisneros-Jimenez. “I feel like when you’re part of a community, there should be reciprocity. Something that I like to tell my kids is you’re not allowed to complain if you’re not trying to do something to make things better. So for me, the impact is I feel like I’m doing my part in helping my community flourish.”