DOWNEY - Students with the Downey Unified School District's ASPIRE after-school program will be treated to a free performance by the Ballet Folklorico De Antioquia, Colombia at the Downey Theatre this Wednesday.Ballet Folklorico de Antioquia is a cultural organization with a 20-year history that promotes the strengthening of Colombian cultural identities with national and international audiences through dance and music. The ballet has been critically acclaimed for its professionalism, high technical level and artistic quality, and has been duly recognized within its field. Some of its awards and recognitions include the Cabe Citar gold medal at the Stylized Folk Olympics in France in 1998; the Ugo Re Capriata special recognition award at the International Folk Dance Festival in Italy in 2003; recognition for "excellent participation"‚Äàat the International Festival of the Performing Arts in Mexico in October 2005 and October 2009; recognition of "Perfeccion" as a special guest at the 25th Annual International Festival in Canada in 2006; excellence award at the Folkmoot International Festival in North Carolina in 2006; and special recognition for the best Latin American company to participate in the cultural program of the Olympic Games in Beijing, China in 2008. The ballet was also recognized for its participation in the inauguration and closing events of the South American Games in Medellin in 2010. In a statement, representatives for the Downey Theatre said they were "honored to present this show free of charge to the ASPIRE students." The ASPIRE program is open to elementary and middle school students. It provides a positive learning environment and provides students with unique experiences they may not otherwise receive.

********** Published: January 26, 2012 - Volume 10 - Issue 41