When you drive along Otter Creek Road, you might notice a building that looks empty from the outside, but inside a tried-and-true tradition is being taught.
Ballet Folklórico.
“The celebrations for the independence for the battle of Puebla for any heroes that we have in Mexico," Ballet Folklórico Quetzalli Founder Leticia Reta said. "Every celebration, even Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, we celebrate dancing."
One of those dances is Ballet Folklórico, something Reta grew up doing in Mexico.
“Begin in kindergarten, elementary, middle school, high school,” Reta said.
Reta came to the United States 30 years ago and said she felt like she left a piece of herself back home.
“When I came here, I felt lonely," Reta said. "I felt lost. I need to do something. I was just lost in my mind because it was work and my kids were staying in the house... I said, 'No, I need to spend some time with them,' and that's when Ballet Folklórico Quetzalli was formed."
For 18 years now, Ballet Folklórico Quetzalli has been sharing this Mexican tradition across Central Arkansas.
“I want the kids to have that," Reta said. "To learn something enjoying to the community and participate in fairs and make them feel safe and secure."
Every week kids like Edna Mendoza get to learn dances in outfits that reflect the culture of Mexico.
“There are many things that I’m learning that I didn't know about,” Mendoza said. “Sometimes when she's teaching us dances, she tells us a little bit about the history of the dance.”
Mendoza has been part of the group for three years now and said not only has it helped her learn more about her heritage, but also herself.
“I have gotten a little bit more confident than I was back then," Mendoza said. "Back then I was very scared to talk to people or just to be in front of people."
While the kids are having fun learning, parents like Christina Sario watch with pride.
“It's a lot of work," Sario said. "She loves it, so slowly but surely I’m hoping that she'll get to the next step with the other girls."
Sario's daughter joined one month ago.
“We want her to get more familiar with her culture,” Sario said.
Sario said she’s thankful they found a place where they feel represented and seen.
“To come here and have that big population," Sario said. "It’s not just Mexico, it's Central America... for her to have a taste of that, it’s amazing."
Finding a proper studio has been a challenge for the group, but they're happy to have a space at least.
“We're teaching them something that they're going to teach their kids too," Reta said. "I want them to follow a tradition, and I feel so happy. No words can describe what I feel every time that I see them participating and dancing.”
The group performs across Arkansas. If you want to know where they're headed next, check out their Facebook page.