Santa Ana nonprofit Relampago del Cielo Grupo Folklórico preserving traditional Mexican dance for 50 years

SANTA ANA, Calif. (KABC) — Half a century – that’s how long nonprofit Relámpago del Cielo Grupo Folklórico has been serving generations in Santa Ana, offering low-cost Folklórico – or Mexican folk dance – classes.

“We’re building community, we’re building families, most people say we’re la familia, we’re heritage,” said Norma Bleecker Trujillo, the nonprofit’s board chair.

Relámpago del Cielo Grupo Folklórico launched their 50th anniversary celebration at Bowers Museum, honoring the impact on the youth and Orange County community through traditional Mexican dance.

They perform locally and internationally.

“It helps keep our heritage alive amongst the Mexican community and that is something very important to us,” said Maxaira Baltazar – Consul of Mexico in Santa Ana.

“Relampago del Cielo” means lightning from the sky in Spanish.

The Consul of Mexico says RDC preserves history, culture and music of different regions in Mexico.

“They serve as ambassadors of the Mexican culture. I think showing the richness of the culture, of our music, our dances, but also the discipline and the diligence of the dancers and the musicians. This is great to show what Mexico stands for,” Baltazar said.

Over the years, the group has served more than 400,000 students.

RDC is featured in the annual Disneyland Resort Holiday Show – Viva Navidad as well as the show, “A Musical Celebration of Coco” for Día de los Muertos.

They’ve awarded more than $300,000 in scholarships.

Marlene Peña-Marin, the group’s artistic director, says it helps kids understand who they are and where they come from – no matter their financial situation.

“I can’t tell you how many a student has come back to me and has said when I was dancing as a child, it helped me understand who I was. When I was dancing, I realized when I got older it gave me a voice to express myself,” Peña-Marin said.

The group strives to bring in dancers of all ages and all levels to connect to this art form.

Now they’re asking for support, donations for future generations, or even people to just come out and dance.

“This anniversary celebrates the beginning, but it also celebrates the next 50 years. I’m confident we will be around for the next 50 years,” Peña-Marin said.