News & Events
Seguimos Zapateando: Celebrating 50 years
October 17, 2022
When Leticia Quezada arrived at UC Santa Cruz in 1971, she was one of 300 Latino students among a student body of about 4,000. Separated from her culture and community, Quezada felt isolated and alone but determined to establish roots. She joined forces with fellow student, Juan Rios, and together they launched a Ballet Folklorico group to create community and a self-described “home away from home” for themselves. Little did they know that they were building a long-lasting legacy for future Banana Slugs.
Dancing for joy: Los Mejicas dance troupe provides a home away from home
January 7, 2018
"The original idea wasn't to be a performance group, but it was something we enjoyed doing," she said. "When I was a student, there weren't many minorities on campus, so it was a place to enjoy Mexican culture, food, and traditions—although we're open to everyone. We always have been. We've always had non-Chicano participants."
Using Campus as a Dance Studio
June 1, 2017
Dance groups at UCSC don’t just exist to perform — they are often spaces of culture, family and growth. Coming to college is a new and difficult experience for many and for dancers, finding a community to dance with is like finding a home away from home.
2013 Chancellor's Achievement Awards for Diversity
June 13, 2013
Every year, the campus honors people and programs that contribute to diversity at UC Santa Cruz. Diversity is one of UCSC's core campus values, and the Chancellor's Achievement Awards for Diversity recognize the progress we're making as we strive to create a campus that reflects the full diversity of society at large.
Grupo Folklórico Los Mejicas honored at 39th annual performance
June 7, 2011
Grupo Folklórico Los Mejicas was presented with two awards of recognition during the troupe's annual spring concert Friday, June 3 and Saturday, June 4 at the UC Santa Cruz Main Stage at the Performing Arts Complex.
