Today we’d like to introduce you to Marsha Munoz.
Hi Marsha, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Our journey with Highland Park Elementary Ballet Folklórico began in 2008 with a vision to celebrate culture, build community, and bring the beauty of traditional Mexican dance to our school. That vision was sparked during our school’s very first Diversity Night, when a Ballet Folklórico group from an elementary school in Austin performed. Their performance inspired me to create an afterschool enrichment group of our own so our students could experience the same joy, pride, and connection through dance.
There was just one small challenge: I had never danced a day in my life! Before I could teach our students, I needed to learn myself. I began taking lessons with Round Rock Ballet Folklórico, where I learned the basics and discovered a new passion that would become such an important part of our school community.
Like many new programs, we faced the challenge of funding costumes, suits, and shoes. We started small, hosting our first fundraiser by selling tamales to our school staff. Those funds helped us purchase our first practice skirts and white blouses, giving our students what they needed for their very first recital for family and friends. What began with limited resources was fueled by determination, community support, and a shared love of our culture.
In our first year, we taught 20 students a dance from the region of Jalisco and held one performance at our school. Today, Highland Park Elementary Ballet Folklórico has grown to serve approximately 80 students each school year, teaching traditional dances from six regions of Mexico: Jalisco, Veracruz, Guerrero, Baja California, Michoacán, and Coahuila. We have also expanded from one school performance to approximately 40 performances throughout the Austin area each year!
What started as one inspired idea has grown into something so much bigger than dance. Our program gives students of all cultural backgrounds the opportunity to learn about the traditions of Mexico, build confidence, and develop teamwork and pride in who they are. Watching our students grow as dancers and performers, while sharing the Mexican culture with schools and communities across the Austin area, has been the most rewarding part of this journey.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been a smooth road; our first challenge was that I had to learn to dance before I was able to teach our students those basic dance steps and stay true to the Mexican culture as well as each of the regions that are learned and performed in our program. I danced with Round Rock Ballet Folklórico for six years, then I joined Guzman Ballet Folklórico. In the last 18 years, I have learned dances from many regions. I have been a member of ANGF (Asociación Nacional de Grupos Folklóricos-The National Association for Folklórico Groups) and have attended many dance workshops to learn new dances from different regions.
Our second challenge is that the trajes are very expensive. Again, I wanted to make sure that we represented each region accurately. In order to acquire the trajes, I began writing grants and am fortunate to have received several throughout the years that helped us build our current inventory.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a bilingual elementary school teacher. I have taught 2nd grade for the majority of 27 years. I of course am known for our afterschool enrichment Ballet Folklórico class. What students learn in our class is an extension of what we learn during the school day, with confidence, and developing teamwork being two of the most important.
I am incredibly proud of how far we have come since 2008. From learning my very first steps to leading a thriving program, our story is a reminder that a little inspiration, a lot of dedication, and the support of a community can turn a dream into something truly meaningful.
Every teacher is dedicated, but the amount of time invested in practices and performances is what sets me apart from others.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is the lasting impact we have on our dancers—not just as performers, but as individuals. I want every student who walks through our doors to leave with more than dance steps. I hope they gain confidence, build friendships, develop a sense of belonging, and carry a deeper appreciation for their culture and traditions.
One of the most rewarding parts of this journey is reconnecting with former students. When I run into them, we often reminisce about our time together, the performances we shared, and the memories we created. Those moments remind me that what we do reaches far beyond the stage. The lessons, relationships, and experiences our students gain can stay with them long after their time in our program has ended.
I also recognize how important access to the arts can be. Without this afterschool enrichment opportunity, some of our students might never have had the chance to take dance classes or experience Ballet Folklórico. I am proud that we can provide that opportunity at school, where students can explore their talents, celebrate their heritage, and discover what they are capable of achieving.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @hpes_ballet_folklorico
