Members of the community recently participated in a beginner’s Jarocho dance class on the stage of the Cabrillo Theater as part of the first international folklorico dance and music conference in California, “Reinforcing Cultural Identity.”

Esperanza del Valle and Cabrillo College are hosting the Ballet Folklórico del Puerto de Veracruz de la Universidad Veracruzana in Watsonville and Aptos through August 25. 24 dancers from the Universidad Veracruzana and eight university musicians, Nematatlin, are here to teach, disseminate and perform the rich cultural dance and music traditions of Veracruz, Mexico. Reinforcing Cultural Identity offers beginner, intermediate and advanced Son Jarocho dance classes for youth, teens, college students, adults/seniors and the general public.

Students will participate in a community performance of Son Jarocho “Todos Bailan Su Son” at a fandango for all to enjoy at Watsonville Plaza on Friday at 5 p.m. The conference will culminate with a performance of “Raíces del Pueblo,” a commemoration of the customs, festivals and traditions of Veracruz, at 8 p.m. on Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday at the Crocker Theater on the Cabrillo College campus.

For tickets and information visit esperanzadelvalle.weebly.com.