History
Grupo Folklorico Sabor de Mexico was founded in 1999 by Irene Hernandez. She truly enjoys sharing her love for this rich culture and continues to do her best to incite excitement in her students. The following are only a brief description of where Grupo Folklorico Sabor de Mexico have performed since 1999:
1999
City of Carson Special Interest Recital
City of Carson Sister City Japanese Luncheon
2000
City of Carson Special Interest Recital
Cinco de Mayo at Carson Park
2001
City of Carson Special Interest Recital
USA FOLKLORICO COMPETITION
1st Place Northern Mexico
1st Place Female Soloist (over 18)
Cinco de Mayo at Carson Park
Theater Recital "Musica y Bailes Tradicionales de Mexico"
2002
City of Carson Special Interest Recital
Cinco de Mayo at Carson Park
S.A.B.E. Awards
Vanessa's XV
Unity Day at the Carson Community Center
Lomita Fair
Country Western Fair at Dominguez Park
Mariachi Festival w/ Perla Tapatia y Reyna de Los Angeles
Knott's Berry Farm
2003
City of Carson Special Interest Recital
Filmed a commercial for Mexican Riviera Restaurant
Carson Anniversary Parade
USA FOLKLORICO COMPETITION
1st Place Veracruz(ages 13-18)
1st Place-Veracruz(ages 18 and over)
2nd Place-Northern Mexico "Calabaceados"(ages 18 and over)
2nd Place-Female Soloist(age 8 and under)
Cinco de Mayo Festival at Carson Park
Unity Day at the South Bay Pavilion
Albertson's Promotional Showcase
Country Western Fair at Dominguez Park
Los Angeles County Fair-Plaza de las Americas
Knott's Berry Farm-Fiesta Plaza
2004
City Of Carson Special Interest Recital
Cesar Chavez Day at Carson Park
Danzantes Unidos at San Diego State
Cinco de Mayo Festival at Carson Park
"Magia y la Cultura del Folklor" theater recital
Calabaceado Festival, La Mision, Baja Ca. Norte, Mexico
USA FOLKLORICO COMPETITION
1st Place Central Mexico, Nayarit (ages 13-18)
1st Place Central Mexico, Nayarit (ages 18 and over)
1st Place Male Soloist (age 13-18)
1st Place Female Soloist (age 8 and under)
Angela Marie's Graduation from CSU Fullerton
Aileen's XV
Unity Day at the South Bay Pavilion
Maria and Neil's Wedding
City of Carson Mariachi Festival
Albertson's Promotional Showcase
L.A. County Fair V.I.P. Fundraiser
Los Angeles County Fair-Plaza de las Americas
South Bay Latino Community Development Center Grand Opening
Kid's Faire hosted by CBS and Hoy Newspaper
St. Margaret Mary Posada Fundraiser
City of Carson Sister City Japanese Luncheon
Rotary Club Holiday Party
Knott's Berry Farm-Fiesta Plaza
2005
(events pending)
Magic Mountain and Disneyland in the month of February
Irene Hernandez has over 25 years of dance experience. She was fortunate enough to have trained with Sandra Nicolas, Director and Founder of Grupo Xochitlan for 17 years. Sandra has been and remains her biggest influence in the art of folklorico.
Irene has used her talent and skills in teaching folklorico to Lakewood High School and Redondo Union High School students for Cinco de Mayo and International Dance Recitals.
She founded Grupo Folklorico Sabor de Mexico in 1999 through the City of Carson's Parks and Recreation program, replacing coincidentally her mentor, Sandra, whom had decided to retire earlier that year. These were big "zapatos" to fill. Since beginning with only 3 students, she has grown to over 65 "folkloristas" to share her passion with.
Irene continues to educate herself by attending workshops and training under master teachers such as Juan Gil Martinez Tadeo, whom trained her in the art of "Calabaceados", the traditional dances of Baja California Norte. Tadeo personally invited Irene to showcase her dancers at the Calabaceado Festival in Mexico in May 2004.
She continues to have the privilege to teach at every opportunity whether it be waltzes for XV's or weddings. Currently, she is also an instructor for the Gardena High School Bilingual Ballet Folklorico under the direction of Linda Ritchie Daza, working alongside Rosalie "Dancin'" Deverona, Director of Fiesta Grupo Folklorico and Julio Cesar Flores, Director of Ballet Folklorico Mixteco. She feels honored to work with great people.
