For SoCal folklorico group, dancing is an act of faith
They come from all walks of life — psychologists, lab technicians, post office workers, public school employees, college students, and even a director of human resources.
They are led by a man who grew up in Watts, hung out with African American friends, and knew next to nothing about his own Mexican heritage — or, for that matter, how to speak Spanish.
They practice next to a Reseda church in a residential area, making sure they are quiet and respectful of their neighbors, which is a challenge, because folklorico dancing is, if nothing else, a joyful, artistic expression part of Mexican culture tied deeply to the faith.