{"id":437055,"date":"2026-09-15T22:20:13","date_gmt":"2026-09-15T22:20:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/437055\/"},"modified":"2026-09-15T22:20:13","modified_gmt":"2026-09-15T22:20:13","slug":"the-art-and-beauty-of-ballet-folklorico-with-instituto-de-arte-nokali","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/437055\/","title":{"rendered":"The art and beauty of Ballet Folkl\u00f3rico with Instituto de Arte Nokali"},"content":{"rendered":"

Houston \u2013 For Heleny Paloma Mendoza, the love of dance started at just 6 years old.<\/p>\n

Her parents encouraged her to find an activity she enjoyed, and she tried gymnastics and ballet. But as a shy child, neither one felt quite right.<\/p>\n

\"\"Paloma Mendoza, creator and instructor at Instituto de Arte Nokali (Copyright 2026 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.)<\/p>\n

Then she discovered Ballet Folkl\u00f3rico.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs soon as I saw the dancers and music, the big skirts, the color, I was like, \u2018This is for me,\u2019\u201d Mendoza said. \u201cIt was love at first sight.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mendoza\u2019s passion never faded. She says she rarely missed a practice and was often the first one there and the last one to leave. Today, she shares that same passion with students through her work as owner and instructor of Instituto de Arte Nokali.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"Pamela Mendoza and dancers with Instituto de Arte Nokali (Copyright 2026 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.)<\/p>\n

Ballet Folkl\u00f3rico is deeply connected to Mexican culture and serves as an expression of pride, freedom and tradition. The colorful costumes, music and choreography help showcase the beauty and diversity of Mexico while allowing dancers to connect with their heritage.<\/p>\n

Mendoza says, teaching the art form is about more than dance. It\u2019s an opportunity to help a new generation build confidence while learning about and proudly representing their culture.<\/p>\n

That cultural pride takes on special meaning around Mexican Independence Day, celebrated Sept. 16. The holiday commemorates the beginning of Mexico\u2019s fight for independence from Spain in 1810 and is a time for celebrating Mexican identity, history and heritage.<\/p>\n

Mendoza hopes audiences see that pride when they watch her dancers perform.<\/p>\n

She says people often recognize Ballet Folkl\u00f3rico by the colorful costumes, ribbons and headpieces. Her goal is for someone to see a dancer and immediately think, \u201cThat\u2019s Mexican,\u201d while appreciating the beauty and meaning behind what they\u2019re seeing.<\/p>\n

\"\"Dancers with Instituto de Arte Nokali (Copyright 2026 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.)<\/p>\n

The dancers of Instituto de Arte Nokali recently brought that tradition to life with a performance showcasing the music, movement and energy of Ballet Folkl\u00f3rico.<\/p>\n

The group will also take part in an upcoming D\u00eda de los Muertos celebration on Oct. 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. in Deer Park. The event will feature vendors, food and a performance from the dancers.<\/p>\n

Instituto de Arte Nokali is also available for cultural, community and private events. Follow the organization on Instagram<\/a> and TikTok at @institutodeartenokali to learn more.<\/p>\n

Copyright 2026 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.<\/p>\n