[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8548]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING EL GRUPO FOLKLORICO ATOTONILCO

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                          HON. KAREN McCARTHY

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 5, 2004

  Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise to announce a 
celebration to honor El Grupo Folklorico Atotonilco, a nationally 
renowned traditional Mexican folk dance troupe.
  On May 6, 2004, they will be celebrating 25 years of performing 
outstanding traditional Mexican folk dances for audiences in the 
greater Kansas City area. The event at the Folly Theater in Kansas City 
is part of a week of celebrations commemorating the 142nd anniversary 
of Cinco de Mayo. May 5, 1862, is the date of the famous triumph of 
Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguin's small, poorly armed band of 
4,500 men over a well equipped French army of 6,500 soldiers, which 
occurred against all odds. Mexican culture and heritage is 
traditionally celebrated in commemoration of this historic victory for 
independence.
  El Grupo Folklorico Atotonilco was founded in 1979, when Maria 
Chaurand was asked to round up some neighborhood children and teach 
them a dance to entertain festival goers. It was an opportunity for 
Chaurand to share her love of dance and Mexican culture. Since then, 
the dance troupe has had over 700 children learn this art, and the 
dance company currently boasts 85 members, ranging in age from 5 to 40 
years old. El Grupo Folklorico Atotonilco is also the most highly 
requested dance group on the state of Missouri folk arts roster.
  Dance in Mexico is considered one of the most basic artistic 
expressions of the culture and spirit of its people. Each region has 
its own unique style and each dance is performed in its distinctive 
costumes native to that region. An extensive repertoire, presented in 
lavish costumes worn by energetic dancers, makes El Grupo Folklorico 
Atotonilco's program an exciting and educational experience. The swing 
of every folkloric skirt and the bow of every sombrero represent the 
rich cultural heritage and unique characteristics of Mexico's 32 
states.
  Over their last 25 years, El Grupo Folklorico Atotonilco dancers have 
showcased their talents in theaters and performance halls in: Missouri, 
Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Iowa, New Mexico, Texas, Illinois, 
California, Spain and Mexico. The dance troupe has received numerous 
awards and recognition for their performances and has garnered a 
reputation as one of the best Mexican folk dance companies in the 
country. In 1997, El Grupo Folklorico Atotonilco received the honor as 
the ``Premiere Mexican Folk Dance Company in U.S.'' They are the sole 
recipient of that honor to this day.
  Maria Chaurand has come a long way from her first Cinco de Mayo 
fiesta 25 years ago, when she coached 16 children in the art of sharing 
Mexican culture through regional dance and costume. Thousands of people 
throughout Kansas City and around the country have been thrilled to 
hear the exuberant beat and see colorful performances that have graced 
stages in many communities. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring 
Maria Chaurand and the dancers of El Grupo Folklorico Atotonilco for 
carrying on the folkloric traditions of old Mexico through the 
pageantry of music, costume and dance for the past 25 years. 
Viva El Grupo Folklorico Atotonilco!

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