Danzantes Unidos is pleased to announce the participation of Maestra Alicia Mendibles Vaca teaching “Sew Folklorico” at DUF 2025. Maestra Alicia will teach you to sew smarter not harder by utilizing fashion Industry shortcuts to make your costume construction more efficient. This year the project will be a woman’s Sinaloa costume.

Maestra Alicia Mendibles is a third generation Mexican-American born and raised in Southern California. She started dancing at the age of eight. It was in the sixth grade that she began to form dance groups at her schools. She studied Mexican Folklorico under the direction of Lily Aguilar and Maria Quiroz. She has shared the stage with many performers including: Linda Ronstadt, Lalo Guerrero, Mariachi Cobre, and Mariachi Sol de Mexico.

Maestra Alicia envisioned a place where she could promote cultural pride and self-worth through the art of dance. From this dream, she created the performing dance troupe Paso de Oro Dance Company in 1994. The dream flourished as she has produced thousands of performers and dancers over the years. Maestra Alicia represents the American born Mexican–she is dedicated to preserving the Mexican culture embracing current traditions and ideas established by Mexican-Americans who have culturally participated in the United States since the 19th century. With courage, character and commitment, she takes pride in fusing the best of both her cultures.

At DUF 2025 students will create a basic blouse & skirt block for your Folklórico Costume Collections. These blocks can be used for many regions. Students will also sew a pair of bloomers.

Tools & materials that you will need for this course:

• Pattern paper 10 yds
• C-thru ruler 2”x18”
• A yard stick
• Clear scotch tape
• Patterns notcher (optional)
• Pattern hole punch (optional)
• Tracing wheel
• Small pattern weights
• Measuring tape
• Fabric scissors & paper scissors
• Awl
• Pencils &markers ( blue black red green
• Dress pins 1 1/2 “ length is best
• A MUST: TABLE TOP SEWING MACHINE

1. Fabrics and Notions you will need:Skirt
   • 8 yds solid fabric
   • 12 yds of print fabric for the ruffle and the top of the skirt 
   • 1yd iron on fusing for the waistband

   Ribbon

   • 25 yds of 1 ½” ribbon for hem
   • 35 yds of 1” ribbon for skirt

   Blouse 

   • 4 yd of solid stretch fabric

   Slip –(This can match the blouse, Or it can be in white)

   • 2 yds of fabric solid color for the slip
   • 1’ wide ribbon 3 yds for slip
   • Zipper 22-24 inch

You may have these items already 

All items are available at JoAnnes Fabrics, Ace’s Sewing Supplies in Downtown LA 

Fabric and notions, that you will need:

Skirt

• 8 yds solid fabric
• 12 yds of print fabric for the ruffle and the top of the skirt 
• 1yd iron on fusing for the waistband

Ribbon

• 25 yds of 1 ½” ribbon for hem
• 35 yds of 1” ribbon for skirt

Blouse 

• 4 yd of solid stretch fabric

Slip –(This can match the blouse, Or it can be in white)

• 2 yds of fabric solid color for the slip
• 1’ wide ribbon 3 yds for slip
• Zipper 22-24 inch

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Danzantes Unidos is a cultural network of Mexican folk dancers and artists. The 501(c)(3) organization was incorporated in 1994 to promote and support the Mexican Folk experience through the performing and visual arts, including, but not limited to, the annual three-day festival known as the Danzantes Unidos Festival. The 46th annual Danzantes Unidos Festival DUF 2025 “Fortaleza y Resiliencia” returns to Fresno on April 11, 12 & 13. The festival highlights Mexican culture through dance and music while reconnecting more than 1500 dancers from across the U.S. and Mexico.