About Us

GROUP DESCRIPTION

Ballet Folklórico Alma de México of South San Francisco High School and Community was founded in September 1991 by Mrs. Patricia Martinelli and Mr. Martin Cruz at South San Francisco High School.

Patricia Martinelli	Martin Cruz

 

MISSION STATEMENT

Our Mission is to educate the community and dance participants about México and her culture, music, and history as well as to preserve her traditions and authentic folklórico dances.

 Our program is designed to develop a sense of pride and leadership skills while students contribute to their community through highly visible cultural performances. 

Mrs. Barbara Olds South San Francisco Unified School District Superintendent	Mr. Michael Coyne South San Francisco High School Principal

 

AWARDS

1997 San Mateo Russell Kent Award

Alma de México is the recipient of the San Mateo Russell Kent Award for an “Innovative and Creative Educational Program”, acclaimed by the California State Senate and Assembly as well as the U.S. House of Representatives.

Kent Award Ceremony Mrs. Patricia Martinelli, Mr. Martin Cruz, Mrs. Barbara Olds, Ms. Patricia Lagiss	Kent Award from the California State Assembly
Kent Award from the San Mateo County School Boards Association
Kent Award from the Congress of the United States	Kent Award from the California State Senate

 

South San Francisco
2003 Mayor’s Award 

In Recognition of Your Outstanding Support to the Citizens and Community of South San Francisco

Mayor's Award
Certificate from the State of California	Certificate from the California Legislature Assembly

 

2006 Diamond Award (Arts Organization)

For outstanding contribution to the Arts in San Mateo County

Diamond Award Ceremony		Diamond Award
Special Congressional Recognition
State of California Senate	State of California Senate		California State Assembly

 

OTHER AWARDS/CERTIFICATES

Certificate of Appreciation from the Federal Agencies and U.S. Courthouse in San Mateo
Certificate from La Barca, Jalisco, México	Proclamation from the City of South San Francisco

 

MAJOR EVENTS

Throughout the years, Alma de México has performed at various prestigious events such as:

·        San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival at the Palace of Fine Arts 1999, 2006

·        California School Boards Association Conference at Anaheim, CA

·        California Arts Council Conference

·        Association of California School Administrators San Francisco, CA

·        “Hacemos” International Conference Pacific Bell, San Ramon, CA

·        “Alegria Es Bailar” International Festival, San Mateo Performing Arts

·        International Festival Walnut Creek, CA

·        Oakland Coliseum

·        Pacific Bell Park, San Francisco, CA

·        Monster Park, San Francisco, CA

·        Paramount’s Great America, Santa Clara, CA

·        The Culinary Institute of America, St. Helena CA. (Napa Valley)

·        10th Anniversary Concert 2001 “Celebrating 10 Years of Pride, Culture and Tradition"

·        The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, CA

·        International Tour of Palermo, Italy

·        International Tour of the State of Jalisco , México, 2003

·        15th Anniversary Concert 2007 “Celebrating 15 Years of Pride, Culture and Tradition"

 

10th Year Anniversary Concert

15th Year Anniversary Concert

 

2007 – 2008 Folklórico Dance Club Officers

President:  Jennifer De La Cruz	Vice-President:  Juliana Vazquez
Secretary:  Angela Maldonado	Treasure:  Natalie Fonteno
Activity Chairperson:  Izamar Andrade (not shown)	Costume Preservation Chair:  Maria Guzman

 

2007 – 2008 Folklórico Leadership Group (Intermediate)

Anagency Moreno, Rebecca Castañeda, Jessica Guzman, Karen Ussorio, Magdalena Galvan, Karolyn Lopez

 

2007 – 2008 Folklórico Leadership Group (Beginner)

David Perez, Michelle Morales, Michelle Coronado, Angelica Fregoso, Eliana Robles, Irving Meraz