Steps of Tradition, Strides of Unity: Celebrating J.J. Pearce Folklorico, a Texas High School Dance Team
As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, the J.J. Pearce Folklorico Team proudly carries forward the traditions, artistry, and spirit of Hispanic culture through the beauty of dance. Since its founding in 2019, the team has grown into a vibrant community of students who share their heritage and passion across Richardson (TX) —performing at schools, community events, competitions, and cultural celebrations. With every colorful turn and rhythmic step, the dancers not only honor centuries-old traditions but also inspire pride, connection, and belonging for audiences of all ages.
What is the mission of your organization, and what need does it address?
The mission of the J.J. Pearce Folklorico team, along with director, Madison Coleman-Paul, is to celebrate and spread the joy of Hispanic culture through traditional dances. We perform at events throughout the school year and all around Richardson. Our performances include feeder school events, community events, Multicultural Nights, pep rallies, end of year showcases, the North Texas Ballet Folklorico competition, and of course, Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations.
How has your organization grown or evolved since it was established?
The group started in 2019 as a class offered at the school. Just in the three years that I have been the director, the team has grown in a multitude of ways. When I came in as the Director in 2023, I knew very little about the style of dance and the students knew little about me, but we grew together as a group. Each year, the team’s knowledge of the technical elements of the style expands, including different turns and footwork. As time goes on, our confidence increases, allowing us to spend more time growing together as a team while working hard to reach our goals. As our team continues to develop, I am able to raise my expectations for the team as leaders on campus and as they take the steps to reach their full potential.
What impact has your organization had on the communities or groups you serve?
The impact our team has on our community and school continues to expand as well. Having a group of students connected through their interest in learning more about and celebrating Hispanic culture through dance, gives our members a sense of pride and acceptance. It also allows other students with similar cultural backgrounds to see themselves and their heritage spotlighted in big events like pep rallies, along with other larger groups like band, cheer, and drill team.
Which programs, projects, or initiatives best represent your work today?
When we perform at elementary and middle schools, we get to see the kids’ faces light up when they see our team show up in their colorful skirts and perform a song from their families’ home country or in their native language. Our team serves as a sign of belonging and hope. When we perform at senior living facilities, we get to see glimmers of joy and nostalgia as some are just soaking in the entertainment, while some can’t wait to share their stories of when they performed Folklorico years ago. Being a small part of these much bigger moments is what keeps us motivated through our busy schedules.
Each year, our biggest performances are at the annual competition held at the AT&T Performing Arts Center and at our drill team’s spring show. While all of our performances are fun and rewarding, these performances specifically are where we really get to show off all of the hard work we put in throughout the year.
How can partners, funders, or networks like GlobalMindED collaborate with or support your work?
The best way to support our group is to help get our name out there as a performance group. The more we can perform, the more we get to spread the joy and knowledge of Hispanic culture through Folklorico dance. Additionally, cultural accuracy is extremely important in the Folklorico world, with each hair piece and uniform item usually being hand-made, our costs rise very quickly. We currently don’t have the students pay very much at all to be on the team and we would love to continue doing so, while also adding more pieces to our collection. Any donation or sharing of our group’s pictures and videos helps us reach that goal.
Contact the JJ Peace Folklorico Dance Team
Instagram: @jjpearcefolklorico
Director - Madison Coleman-Paul's email: Madison.Coleman-Paul@risd.org
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