Mexian Migraton

Mexican migration to the United States has evolved through several key phases. From 1900 to 1941, private contractors and government programs brought Mexican laborers for manual work. During 1942 to 1964, the Bracero Program facilitated temporary work visas, allowing many to migrate legally. After the program ended, undocumented migration increased between 1965 and 1985, with many workers relying on established networks to enter the U.S. From the late 1980s onward, border enforcement intensified, which led to permanent residency issues and the emergence of "Dreamers," children brought by undocumented parents. More recently, deportations rose during the Obama administration, and the Trump administration focused on border wall construction, heightening political tensions over immigration. Today, Mexican migrants continue to face challenges related to immigration reform, shifting policies, and social integration in an uncertain political landscape. 

Indian Migration

Indian migration to the U.S. occurred in three major waves, each with distinct characteristics. The first wave, spanning from 1965 to 1980, primarily consisted of young men from Northern India, drawn by educational and employment opportunities after the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 relaxed restrictions. The second wave, from 1980 to 1990, brought families from Western India, many of whom came from lower-income backgrounds seeking better economic prospects and stability. The most recent wave, beginning in the 1990s and continuing to the present, has been largely driven by migrants from Southern India, particularly those with technical expertise in fields such as engineering and information technology, contributing significantly to the U.S. workforce in STEM industries. Today, Indian immigration continues to grow, though it faces challenges from shifting U.S. immigration policies, especially regarding work visas and green card backlogs,  which creates uncertainty for many families.

Ballet Folklórico

Ballet Folklórico is a traditional Mexican dance that portrays Mexican culture. Ballet Folklórico has been a part of Mexican culture since 1952. The style of dance was founded by dancer and choreographer Amalia Hernandez. She combined cultural roots and traditional Mexican dances to choreograph unique musical performances of dance with costumes. Ballet Folklorico took three major principal styles: Danze, Mestizo, Bailes Regionales. Danza, being the original style, was performed by the indigenous people before the Spanish arrived. Mestizo, a Spanish word meaning “mixed-race people with indigenous and European ancestry.”, was developed shortly after with influences from Spanish, German, French and Italian dances. Lastly, Bailes Regionales corresponds to different regions of Mexico that developed their own ways of dance. Since 1952, the art of Ballet Folklórico has spread worldwide and is practiced by many around the world every day. 

Indian Classical Dance

Indian classical dance has existed for thousands of years, originating around 200 BCE in India. Bharatanatyam was the first recognized style, and since then, over 12 distinct styles have emerged. Today, six main styles are widely practiced, each with its own unique characteristics: Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Kathak, Kathakali, and Bharatanatyam.

Odissi, traditionally performed by women, comes from Eastern India and replicates postures found in temple sculptures. Kuchipudi, originating in Southeastern India, incorporates both dance and vocal performance, and was historically performed primarily by men. Manipuri, from Northeastern India, is performed by both men and women and portrays scenes from the life of the god Krishna. Kathak, often called “the dance of love,” involves intricate footwork with bells worn around the ankles and is performed by both men and women. Kathakali, a dance from Southwestern India, features men wearing elaborate painted masks and headdresses, drawing inspiration from stories in the Ramayana and Shaiva traditions. Bharatanatyam, originally a temple dance performed by women, expresses religious stories through a series of symbolic hand gestures.

In more recent times, Bollywood dance has emerged as a fusion of classical, folk, and modern dance styles, driven by the influence of Indian cinema. Bhangra, originating from Punjab, has also gained popularity both in India and abroad, evolving from a traditional harvest dance into a lively, energetic form that is often performed at celebrations and cultural events.