| Hispanic Folklore Dancers |
The YSS Hispanic Folklore Dancers (Marshall County)
The Hispanic Folklore Dancers began as an outreach program at Youth & Shelter Services of Marshall County in 1996. It continues today, for more information contact David Hicks at DHicks@yss.ames.ia.us
A young outreach worker named Louisa Ortega started the program as a way of preserving traditional music and dance for the immigrant population. Traditionally, folk music and the dances that developed along with it are at the heart of the Hispanic people. Louisa thought by using this art form for the basis of a program it would not only preserve their heritage, but also give these youth a positive and familiar activity to participate in. 
To date this has been one of the most successful youth programs at Youth & Shelter Services of Marshall County. Each year the dancers perform at numerous festivals & community events through out the state of Iowa.
The dancers are led in their performances by a professional dancer and costume maker from Mexico City named Juan Carlos Vasquez. Juan Carlos is taking this already successful program to a new and higher level of professionalism and performance quality.
The costs of hiring this unique performance group are low compared to the enjoyment the audiences get from watching them. Even though the core program is funded through grants from the Iowa Arts Council and the Martha Ellen-Tye Foundation, the programs continued growth and success comes from the fees earned by performing. These fees help to offset the high cost of costume development and maintenance, performance props and makeup, transportation, rehearsals and instructor fees.
To hire the Hispanic Folklore Dancers for your community event, you may contact David Hicks at YSS of Marshall County by calling 641-752-2300.
Fees:
$250.00 for ½ hour approximately 4-5 dances
$500.00 for 1 hour; approximately 9 -10 dances
The contractor will also be responsible for transportation costs at 32 cents per mile per vehicle (up to 3 vehicles) and one meal for the performers if distance more than 50 miles from Marshalltown.
