Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Magana.
Hi Melissa, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Hello! I’m Melissa Magana, the director of Ballet Folklorico DFW. I’m originally from El Paso, TX, and started dancing Ballet Folklorico at the age of 4 and danced through college. After graduating in mechanical engineering, I moved out to DFW and started working in Aerospace and later Medical Devices thinking that my dancing days were over. However, during my time as an engineer, I was blessed to meet and marry my amazing husband, start a family, and now stay home with our kids. In 2019, I started giving ballet folklorico classes at the NRH Centre because they were looking for a dance teacher, and as a new stay-at-home mom, I was looking for something to do. As we all know, the world went on brief pause in 2020, but in 2021, I decided to start my classes again, but this time on my own as Ballet Folklorico DFW. What started with 2 students has quickly grown into a group of over 40 students with children young as 3, teens, and adults.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There always seems to be two common struggles for Folklorico groups. First, finding a tap-shoe-friendly place that can accommodate our students for practice has been a challenge. Because of that, I currently hold classes between two locations (the NRH Centre and the Dance Station in Watauga) but hope to one day open my own private studio that can better suit our needs… And second, finding some teen boys that can dance! (PS – if you know of any, send them my way!)
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The mission of Ballet Folklorico DFW is to share and preserve the Mexican culture through dance. We strive to create a nurturing & inclusive environment for dancers of all ages and skill levels to explore their passion, develop technique, foster creativity, and give back to the community. For me, as the director, students and their families in the group aren’t just learning ballet folklorico or about the Mexican culture. They are developing teamwork, discipline, respect, honesty, integrity, AND gaining confidence – skills they can use on and off the dance floor.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
The doors have opened for Ballet Folklorico DFW in our short 2 years as a group; we have had many invitations to perform, incredible mentorships, and connections made, but above all – I feel lucky to have the amazing support of my husband and my kids, all the dancers, their families, and the community!
Pricing:
- Classes $50/month (Ages 3-Adults. All levels welcomed)
- Private Performances Available Upon Request
Contact Info:
- Website: balletfolkloricodfw.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/folkloricodfw
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/balletfolkloricodfw/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@folkloricodfw
Image Credits
Hannah James
Juan Badillo
shotsbyjaybadillo
