Washburn University Serves as Host Location for Two Ballet Folklórico de Topeka Special Events

Topeka, Kan. - Washburn University will welcome Ballet Folklórico de Topeka to campus as the long-standing Mexican folk dance company and cultural program of Justicia, Inc. holds two special events Friday, Sept. 25, and Saturday, Sept. 26, in celebration of the group's 50th anniversary.

"Corridos of the Semiquincentennial: Voices of Courage and Hope"
When: 1-3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25
Where: Plass Learning Resources Center, Room 118

The public is invited to a family-friendly performance of "Corridos of the Semiquincentennial: Voices of Courage and Hope," a musical storytelling project developed by the acclaimed Sones de México Ensemble.

The program honors eight national heroes through the creation and performance of eight new traditional Mexican corridos. Dating to the 1840s, corridos are epic ballads that tell stories of courage, resilience and hope from a folk perspective.

Juan Díes and members of the ensemble will narrate the program in Spanish and English, combining live music, storytelling, projected visuals and audience interaction to bring these powerful stories to life.

The program is sponsored by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts | America 250.

Ballet Folklórico de Topeka 50th Anniversary Performance
When: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26
Where: White Concert Hall

Celebrate 50 years of Ballet Folklórico de Topeka sharing Mexican culture through dance and music. The event will feature special guest performances by Sones de México from Chicago and Topeka's own Mariachi Habanero. The event is free and open to the public. Join the celebration and experience five decades of Mexican culture, community and tradition through dance and music.

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For further information, contact:
Lacey Kinder
Content Specialist
Telephone: (785) 670-2154
Cell: (785) 845-1909
Email: [email protected]