Centennial Elementary Mariachi Club

“When I was little, I was too shy to do anything. I wanted my kids to get out there on stage and be brave by doing something special and fun.” 

In 2021, Centennial Elementary School Instructional Assistant Griselda Najera Valdez started the Mariachi and Ballet Folklorico Dance Club. Motivated by her own children, Griselda wanted the after school club to provide students with opportunities to develop courage and confidence. Students have not only become more confident in dance, but in their learning. Griselda has noticed an increase in motivation among the students to come to school every day ready to learn in their classrooms. 

The school cafeteria substitutes as a dance studio for the 12 excited club members, who are currently learning the Mexican folk dance El Jarabe Tapatio. El Jarabe Tapatio is the national dance of Mexico and was composed by Jesús González Rubio in the 19th century. 

Students look forward to the club every day. Beaming with pride and dazzling in a traditional Folklorico dress, one student said, “It means a lot to dance because it’s part of my culture.” 

The club usually has two performances during the school year, one in the fall and one in the spring. Performances allow the dancers to show-off what they have learned and help educate their fellow Centennial Eagles about Mexican culture. 

When asked what it means to Griselda to sponsor this club, she said, “My heart fills up because it’s a combination of what I do and my culture. I enjoy the fact that this new generation wants to learn and enjoy this type of music. I feel so honored that the district gives us this kind of opportunity.”