Attendees learned to appreciate the history of Mexico’s folklorico dance, their influential figures like Frida Kahlo, food and culture just simply experiencing what it’s like to be part of a Mexican community.
Viva Frida Fest was a hit to Los Angeles locals as Pacifico Dance Company head to Plaza de la Raza with great food, music, games, dancing and even a Frida Kahlo costume contest to commemorate Mexico’s art figure Frida Kahlo for their Annual Fall Fiesta on Oct. 5.
The fiesta consisted of great Latin food like tacos, pozole,and menudo along with their famous horchata and beers for the grown ups.
If attendees wanted to take a break from the music outside, the Plaza had a room inside dedicated to Mexico’s culture, movie icons, homemade jewelry, and even altars dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
One attendee, Maria Victoria, 23, heard about the event through Facebook and was accompanied by a good friend of hers.
“I thought it would be a cool way to spend my Saturday night I’m really glad I came,” Victoria said, “I’m a big fan of Frida Kahlo’s work and coming here really made me appreciate folklorico.”
Pacifico Dance Company is a 501 © (3) non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and performance of Mexico’s traditional folk dance, Folklorico.
It is committed to a youth outreach dance program to help instill pride of Mexico’s heritage and promote cultural understanding.
Folklorico consists of colorful costumes and ballet characteristics such as pointed toes, exaggerated movements and highly choreographed.
Founded in 1992, Adriana Gainey, general director of Pacifico Dance Company, created the company with its own unique style in costume design, music, and choreography.
“I created this company because I have a love for the culture, food, music and bringing people together from different regions.”
Gainey adds, “We perform in theaters, community events, like this, so it really depends where we’re asked to perform.”
Gainey also mentions that she is a third grade teacher in the Los Angeles area and how much she enjoys being a teacher and a director.
Her face lights up when she talks about her favorite part of the night.
“What I most enjoy about tonight’s event is the music! Doesn’t make you want to dance?”
Her enthusiasm for the culture made it easy for people to volunteer at the event like Silvia Mier.
“I found out about the company through a friend of mine years ago so my daughter decided to join Pacifico Dance Academy and 5 years later she is now part of the company as a dancer.” Mier said.
“I really like how the company focuses on dancing and how the dancers learn about their heritage, music, Mexico, and their wardrobe.
“It gives them a sense of pride in who they are and where they come from. That no one could take that away from them. It’s part of their identity,” Mier said.
Mier ends the night on a happy note, “I enjoy how families get together and watch their kids dance. It’s like we’re a big, happy family.”
