Written by Tanya Terry
El Ballet Folklórico Estudiantil sees the benefits and importance of public health and the health benefits that come from practicing the arts, according to Asa Ascencio Zuccaro, executive director of the Latinx Technology & Community Center.
In the community, here locally, the organization called El Ballet Folklórico Estudiantil focuses on the cultural arts, music and dance. They also wanted to make sure the community was aware of the most recent information about who’s eligible for the vaccine and any changes about vaccine distribution
Zuccaro had the idea to promote COVID-19 vaccination from 5:30-6:3-0 p.m. Monday, August 30 at the Latinx Technology & Community Center utilizing El Ballet Folklórico Estudiantil. It will also be promoted from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 2 at El Potrero Mexican Restaurant.
“The tech center is the perfect location to host one of these events to the community and get the word out on vaccine and health awareness,” Zuccaro said.
He also said here, locally, there are amazing Mexican and Tejano-style restaurants.
“The really big ones have the perfect space to have a whole mariachi band there,” he added. “That’s really helpful, too, to connect with the communities that visit the restaurants and the families that work at the restaurant. It also helps add that excitement around culture.”
The majority of the performers have a degree in the arts, often related to the instrument they play.
In addition, there are mental and physical health benefits that come from practicing the arts.
Zuccaro is participant in El Ballet Folklórico Estudiantil’s program, and he considers is “spiritual” and “beneficial.” He takes trumpet from Instructor Matthew July and took voice lessons from Jerry Vargo.
“It makes my soul smile.”
The food for the August 30 event will be provided by Tia Helita’s while a El Ballet Folklórico Estudiantil performance takes place. The food will be at no charge to the community for that particular event. The food at both events is intended to add to the cultural experience.
Those who have not been vaccinated will have the opportunity to connect with someone who can share more information about their own experiences on getting the vaccine or help them stay up to date with changes which happen frequently related to the vaccine.
El Ballet Folklórico Estudiantil had many events that were lined up which had to be cancelled at the beginning of the pandemic. However, music was shared via videos with each performer on the screen. They also support their participants with online instruction.
They shared other important messages, such as about the importance of voting and participating in the census.
Class registration is open September 20. For those who are not bilingual, these classes offer the opportunity to learn a second language.
“Learning about another language and another culture is for everyone to experience! Using events like this allows us to let everyone know as a community we have a responsibility among one another to make sure we’re talking to our families, our neighbors and anyone else we’re running into that they’re aware and understand the current climate of what’s happening as far of public health, the virus and the vaccine.”
Those who speak Spanish can get connected to others who speak Spanish at the event.
RSVP is required for both the August 30 and September 2 events.
Hamilton Community Health Network visits the Latinx Technology & Community Center twice monthly to host pop up vaccinations. For details, call (810) 715-5050.
