Director/Owner, Ballet Folklorico Mexico Lindo
Hello from Idaho! My name is Monique N. Michel. I’m a traditional Mexican folklorico dancer, dance director, teacher and learner for life. I’m the proud owner of my own dance company, the Ballet Folklorico Mexico Lindo from the Treasure Valley, in Idaho. I originally began dancing as a child in my hometown of East Los Angeles, California. After attending college, I moved to Idaho in 1997. I began my dance company in 2003 with the help and support of four dance parents and their children. I’ve since grown my dance company to forty-five members of all ages and abilities. Through my dancing I’ve met incredible people, formed wonderful relationships, and connected with communities in Idaho, Oregon, California, Washington and Utah. My dance outreach has afforded me the experience of sharing my culture and heritage with so many. I’m a staunch LGBTQ+ Ally, as both of my adult children are gay. I am ridiculously blessed to have not one, but two beautiful gay children who’ve shown me the richness of this world through their eyes. I’ve worked extensively with underserved populations in California and Idaho. I’ve taught the children of migrant workers for many years. Representation is super important to me. I want to leave this world knowing I made a difference in education, outreach and compassion. My hope is to start a Latinx Arts non-profit. I want to leave a legacy for future generations to know their heritage and culture and be proud of themselves and their roots.
