PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

The Hailey Public Library has invited traditional dancer Dirce Flores to teach a free dance class for adults in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.

The three-part series will feature traditional Oaxacan dances and songs and be offered from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, September 12, 19 and 26 at Town Center West. Spots are limited and pre-registration is required by emailing kristin.fletcher@haileypubliclibrary.org.

“We’re delighted to invite Dirce back to help us celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month,” said Kristin Fletcher, the Library’s program and outreach manager. “Last year she shared wonderful stories about the history and culture of Oaxaca, an amazing part of Mexico which wholeheartedly embraces its rich heritage.  This time she’s taking us deeper into her culture by teaching traditional dances steps and accompanying folk songs.  She will also talk a bit about Oaxaca’s multiple ethnic groups, ceremonial centers and indigenous cultural celebrations to help place the dances in context.”

Dirce Flores was born in a small town just 30 minutes away from Oaxaca de Juárez, the capital of the state. The area has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of significant pre-Hispanic archeological sites and vibrant Zapotec and Mixtec cultures. 

Each year Oaxacan dance and music from local regions is celebrated during a grand, month-long cultural festival called the Guelaguetza.  Inspired by the cultural richness around her, Dirce grew up learning dance and later became a professional dancer in the genres of ballet, contemporary dance and Mexican folk dance.  She moved to Oregon to continue her education and later moved to Hailey, becoming a property manager in 2010. 

Hailey Town Center West is located across from the library at 116 S River Street in Hailey.  The Hailey Public Library is located at 7 W Croy St.