Grupo Folklórico Luna y Sol de San José State (GFLS) is a student-led folklórico organization and recognized group at SJSU where students and members learn various cultural dances from different regions in Mexico and connect them to the history of Folklórico, and ultimately perform at events.
The group has the mission to preserve and celebrate the heritage of Mexican folklórico dance and has become a cultural cornerstone on and off campus, according to the GFLS website.
The Mexican cultural dance is a mix that incorporates danza, mestizo, and bailes regionales (regional dancing) intertwined with the history of mariachi, according to blog published by AmigoEnergy.
Maestra Monika Andrea Angeles has been the artistic director of the group since 2021. Her passion for folklórico started at a young age when she first noticed the Mexican cultural dance.
“I had seen folklórico in community events and on television,” Angeles said. “I asked my mom if I could join a class, and after finding a group, my love for folklóriko grew. I initially was interested just out of curiosity and because I wasn’t doing sports at the time in my youth.”
She said this curiosity led her on a deep dive into the history and culture of Mexico and to absorb as much information as she could.
“Folkórico is an artistic expression of Mexico’s history,” Angeles said. “It ranges from its roots of conception with fiestas in pueblos to the synchronized choreographies of stage performances. It’s kind of a spectrum.”
Operating for 22 years, the co-founder of the group, Itza Sanchez said she, as well as Angeles and other students, saw the need for Mexican representation through folkloricó because of the population.
The dances have Aztec roots and the styles of dancing originate from over 31 regions of Mexico, while others were created with the integration of Indigenous and European cultures and the usage of regional idiosyncrasies, according to the same blog.
Jose Ramirez Zambrano, who is the current president, shared how his experience has been shaped throughout the organization.
“I have always admired Folklórico but was never exposed to it until I joined San José State. I was always a really shy person,” Zambrano said. “I feel like I needed to out myself out there, and this was a way for me to do it.”
The fourth-year business management and information systems student has been with the group since 2022 and has worked his way up and built his confidence within the group.
GFLS is not only open to SJSU students but also to alumni who wish to continue performing, college students who are over 18, and community members who are eager to perform and showcase their talents in Folklórico.
SJSU alumni Tamara Gonzalez has been with GFLS since 2017 and she also joined the group with no prior experience.
“I came into the group with no experience. I learned everything with GFLS, and practicing a lot helped,” Gonzalez said. “I would practice whenever I could.”
According to the group's website, it is also an outlet for students to connect with others, continue the preservation of Mexican culture as well as focus on their goals and education.
Alexandra Becerra, a first-year communicative sciences and disorders student, found a connection to her culture through dancing.
“I was looking into building my culture, and I have always loved dancing,” Becerra said. “ I was previously in Folklórico, so I knew being part of it on campus would be a really fun opportunity.”
According to an email sent from Angeles, some of the group’s many plans are to reintroduce a scholarship sponsored by GFLS and continue the yearly Noche Folklórica member showcase.
“Noche Folklórica is something that is all our own, that we can share with our loved ones and the community,” Angeles said. “It is the culmination of what the members have been working on through the academic year.”
Angeles said the preparations for Noche Folklórica usually start two years in advance.
This includes meetings with the Hammer Theater team, practices with the students and members, as well as adding new elements to the show.
“Even the day of there is a lot of involvement, (or) weeks leading up to the date,” Angeles said. “I am grateful to be supported by board members who help with costumes, graphics and communication. It truly takes a village, but the end result is so worth it.”
