Local Ballet Folklorico group created to help keep kids off the streets

SEASIDE, Calif. (KION) Local Folklorico group, Ballet Folklorico Aguila Real, was created with the intention of keeping children away from gang violence.

Sonia Villalobos is keeping the legacy of the group alive.

Through the heart of traditional Mexican folk dance, participants say they found community. Sonia Villalobos has been teaching dance since she was 14 years old and says the children are her biggest motivation.

"Even if people told me like, 'oh well, this kid is going to fall through the cracks because it shows signs that he’s doing bad at school. he gets nothing but F’s and this and that,' and I’m like, bring him. Bring him to the dance group. Let’s give him a chance,” said Sonia Villalobos.

Since 1990, the dance group has served around 1,000 children regardless of income or circumstance.

"Whether they’re working or have three jobs to buy a house, whether they’re doing something so positive and I’m like, wow mom, you planted that seed to them you know," Sonia said. "You gave them an opportunity and we just got to push through.”

Katie Burton started the group since she was seven years old and has been in it ever since. For her, she joined the dance group at a crucial point in her life.

"Me and Sonia have been through so much together like almost all her kids I’ve raised. It helped me to not get in trouble and just everything,” said Burton.

Luz Villalobos currently has dementia and no longer leads the group but is thankful for all the experiences the group has given her.

"I’m very happy and I thank god for it. I hope they move forward. I help in any way that I can but I’m old now,” said Luz Villalobos.

The group plans on having a residential youth program for children suffering from substance abuse.