Mexican dancers perform at area schools

Young Audiences of Northeast Texas brought Mexico 2000 Ballet Folklorico to Rusk Intermediate and Rusk Junior High and Palestine first and second grades May 3 and to three Tyler schools, Austin Elementary, Douglas Elementary and All Saints Episcopal School May 4.

Several couples from this Texas Commission on the Arts' touring group presented a fast-paced program highlighting dances from different regions of Mexico.

The program demonstrated influences from Czechoslovak, Polish, and French cultures along with Pre- Columbian dances still preserved today. "This delightful program, rich in the heritage of music, dance and colorful costumes which comprises modern and historic Mexican culture, was the perfect program to bring to northeast Texas the week of Cinco de Mayo,"said Executive Director Dana Sudduth.

Performances were available to local schools through Young Audiences of Northeast Texas, a not-for-profit organization providing learning through the arts.

Funds for these performances were provided by the schools, a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts, two anonymous donations, and Young Audiences of Northeast Texas.

For more information about Mexico 2000 Ballet Folklorico or other Young Audiences programs, contact Ms. Sudduth at (903) 561-2787.