MIDDLETOWN, Calif. — The Middletown Art Center invites the public to ¡Raíces Bailando!, a dance performance and folklórico dance workshop on Saturday, May 18, at 4 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public.

Produced in conjunction with the Middletown Art Center's groundbreaking exhibition Raíces Hermosas-Gorgeous Roots, this live, cross-cultural event will feature two local dance groups performing in the Middletown Art Center's gallery amidst a collection of over 50 contemporary Latinx artworks.

The afternoon event includes the world premiere of two original ballets choreographed by faculty at the Center Stage Dance Studios in Middletown for the North Bay Ballet Theatre: a new dance set to a selection from Carmen by Georges Bizet, choreographed by former San Francisco Ballet principal dancer Jamie Zimmerman Bracisco, and an original work choreographed by Center Stage faculty Bonnie Amante set to the popular guitar duo Rodrigo y Gabriela's flamenco-styled hit track Tamacun.

In the second part of the program, Middletown High School faculty Dora Lara brings her popular Dance Folklórico group to the gallery with performances by students of four different folklórico styles, including Jalisco, Sinaloa, Veracruz and Baja, all featuring the colorful costumes and rhythms of this distinctive Mexican musical tradition, and the latter infused with the cowboy culture so familiar to the Middletown area.

Lara follows her troupe's performance with a folklórico dance workshop for attendees, where they'll learn the basic steps to a folklórico dance, complete with costumes available for performing.

The Raíces Hermosas-Gorgeous Roots exhibit features the vibrant work of contemporary Latinx artists. The exhibit, which opened in January, is on view Thursday through Monday, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. through June 3.

A closing celebratory Food and Fashion Fiesta will take place Saturday, June 1, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. The event is free to the public.

Everyone is invited to dress up in cultural garments and join a celebration of Latinx cultures. Free food and food and beverages for purchase will be available.

For inquiries or further information, please contact the Middletown Art Center at 707-355-4465 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Raices Hermosas is funded by a Specified General Fund for the Museum Grant Program under the California Cultural and Historical Endowment.

Middletown Art Center is a Lake County nonprofit dedicated to engaging the public in art making, art education, and art appreciation. Through exhibitions, performances, workshops, and community events, the art center provides a platform for diverse voices and perspectives, striving to create an inclusive and accessible space for all.

To learn more and donate to support other MAC arts and cultural programs visit www.middletownartcenter.org or call 707-809-8118. The MAC is located at 21456 State Highway 175 in Middletown.