The students of Ballet Folklórico Tapatío need a new dance floor as part of a renovation the group is doing on its dance studio and yesterday they kicked off a GoFundMe campaign.
In our 2011 Heroes issue, we featured Eduardo Baca, one of those amazing parents we always hear about, who recognize the need for something for his kids and others in their South Fourth Avenue neighborhood.
Baca built the company's studio with his own hands on an empty lot adjacent to his upholstery shop:
His daughter, now grown, is a physical therapist, and his oldest son is a dentist with a practice in Phoenix. The youngest son, Jose Luis, is now the instructor for Ballet Folklórico Tapatío.Baca says he believes his children's success was based in part on their interest in folklórico.
"When you love something, you focus on that. I love upholstery. This is what I do, and I do it because I love it," Baca says. Giving children something that they love to do "helps them be successful."
Of course, as you can see in the video above—created and narrated by Daniel Buckley—that studio and time Baca and other parents have put in since 1997 have paid off.
The campaign goal is $5,000 and right now it's at $50, so get busy Tucson.
From the GoFundMe page:
Currently, the group is under the direction of the talented young heart of Jose Luis Baca. Ballet Folklórico Tapatío is based in South Tucson and draws its membership from the local Tucson community. The mission of the group is to provide a healthy and educational environment in which children and young adults are given the opportunity to learn about Mexican culture and history through engaging in traditional regional dances. Ballet Folklórico Tapatio provides an avenue in which students can gain a sense of pride, self confidence, and increase self-esteem, while encouraging them to work within the community for positive changes. The discipline we demand within our group is the discipline that prepares our youth for their educational pursuits as well as the workforce. Our goal of a healthy, productive community is achieved through the arts.We are currently in the process of trying to renovate our dance studio, and one of the major renovations that we need help with is with our dance floor!! We have over 135 students from ages 4 yrs to 40 yrs and all of those dancers stompimg and tapping on the floor over 17 years has finally taken its toll on our Dance Studio Floor!! Please help us raise the funds necessary so that we may be able to get our new dance floor and continue making all the magic happen on stage!! Any donation is greatly appreciated!!! From the members of Ballet Folklorico Tapatio, Thank you in advanced for your support!!!
