Ivonne Vasquez

Ivonne is a first generation daughter of Mexican immigrants, born and raised in Fillmore California.   She first recalled enjoying Mexican Folklorico dancing when she was in preschool in Piru doing the Raspa. Then, in 2nd grade she was invited to practice and learn a folklorico dance to perform in honor of our local St. Francis of Assisi patron saint at the annual Fiesta.  Then, she moved to live in Jalisco Mexico where she finished 3rd, 4th and first half of 5th grade.  She experienced first hand the culture, and traditions not only those of her own family but community and country.  She was introduced, learned and performed Spanish flamenco dance.  She returned to Fillmore to finish her second half of 5th grade but there weren’t any dance opportunities.  Until, her first year at UCSB, she was reintroduced to Mexican Folklorico and realized her love for the dance when she took her first class. Thereafter, she was accepted to join the student led Folklorico  Dance Group, “Raíces de Mi Tierra” where she learned dances from Mexican states like Jalisco, Sinaloa, Tabasco and Veracruz.  Being part of Raises de Mi Tierra gave her the opportunity to travel and perform at schools like CSU San Francisco and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, attend Folklorico Dance Conference at CSU San Jose and perform at Santa Barbara Fiestas.  Ivonne is proud to be able to teach and help pass on these beautiful dance transitions.