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SoLuna shines brightly in Vegas dance competition

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A Bakersfield folklórico group took a big gamble in Vegas — and it paid off with a big win!

On Aug. 9, SoLuna Ballet of Bakersfield placed second at the Las Vegas National Mexican Folkloric Dance Competition held in the famous Nevada city as they represented the state of California.

The so-called “gamble” the group took centered on their unique music and dance selection, going with a number found in Oaxaca, Mexico rather than the more popular and upbeat dances originating in Chihuahua, Jalisco and Veracruz, according to Manuel Fonseca, general director and co-founder of the SoLuna.

“We went with our hearts and presented our unique dance piece of Oaxaca, which the music was a gift from our Sister City in Queretaro by the famous orchestra, Ixchel, who played at the Fox Theater in 2006,” Fonseca said. “We decided to keep the same dance suite that we won first place last year in the regional competition in Hollywood last year.

“In my mind, SoLuna came in first place with its well-known originality and unique artistic expression!”

And in fact, reviews from audience members — many of which came to support SoLuna at their Vegas contest all the way from Texas, Bakersfield and Mexico — and other dance instructors were all positive, Fonseca said.

Also, the event’s organizers made it a point to let the SoLuna group know how impressed they were with their professional and respectable attitudes and performances, he added.

“All of SoLuna felt a strong sense of pride to represent the best of Kern County in Las Vegas,” Fonseca said. “We had an electrifying performance, as our bodies were filled with emotion! The audience really felt it and enjoyed it.”

SoLuna (Sun & Moon) was founded in 2005 by twin brothers, Manuel and Darío Fonseca.

SoLuna will next perform locally at the Kern County Fair from 4 to 5 p.m., Sept. 20, and 6 to 7 p.m., Sept. 28 as they showcase their folklórico talents at the Villa Festiva area of the fairgrounds.