L. Rocio Espinoza Cotero
 At the age of eight, Rocío Espinoza began dancing with her grandfather in Cuernavaca, Mexico. He taught her about pre-Hispanic dances and ceremonies. Later, she attended two professional schools of dance where she continued her study. During her 15 years as a dancer, she performed with several groups throughout Mexico. Since moving to Oregon, Rocio has been teaching folklorico and pre-Hispanic dance at the Centro Cultural in Cornelius and throughout the region.
Area: Statewide Folklorico Dance Rocío teaches a workshop in Mexican folklorico dance that includes historic and cultural information. She brings a picture display of dancers from all over Mexico and explains the names and background of each dance, including the region where the dance originated. Classes begin with warm ups for flexibility. After mastering the basic steps, students practice the dance(s). The class ends with a performance. Rocío’s goal is to share her love for her culture and traditions. CONTENT STANDARD CONNECTIONS: Social Science: World History & Geography Arts: Create, Present, Perform; Aesthetics and Art Criticism; Historical and Cultural Perspectives Math: Patterns, Rhythms, Counting |