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Our first school visit, in 1980

10th Mar 2015

Our first school visit, in 1980

Graciela dancing

40 years ago Graciela was invited to dance at our oldest daughter’s primary school... (Compiled by Ian Mursell/Mexicolore)

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On April 2nd. 1980 Graciela was asked to perform some Mexican folk dances in front of the entire school (including our two oldest, Romy and Paulo) at Ethelburga Primary School, Battersea, London, by Romy’s teacher Joan O’Pray. The school has since closed, sadly. Joan went on to become Headteacher of Sheringdale Primary School, Wandsworth for many years and, in recognition of her services to the local community, she was awarded an MBE by the Queen.

Ian supported by demonstrating some Bolivian folk instruments. Paulo danced the Jarabe Tapatío (Mexican Hat Dance) with Graciela.

The entry in our diary for that day reads “Very spontaneous. Very well received. Decision made returning home by car that Graciela could do this on a regular basis ...” Little did we know! We’ve kept a record of every single school visit ever since...

Recalling that (for us) momentous day, Joan has generously written the following:-

Who would have thought that, 35 years later, such an amazing venture has affected the learning of so many thousands of children? I remember the very first performance at Ethelburga which was almost an experiment and certainly a dry run. I realised from the onset, however, the show would definitely go on and on.

Mexicolore wasn’t about telling children about Mexico, the Aztecs and the Mayas. I could have done that as a class teacher, reading a book to them, showing them some relevant pictures and maybe even introducing a slide show to really bring it all to life! They would have forgotten about it all in no time.
What Mexiclore was able to achieve, through the differing talents of the two of you, was the children’s immersion in the whole experience. They were actively engaged in the access to Mexican culture as though they were living through it. No mean feat!
I worked for forty years with specialist Artists in Residence, Dramatists, Historians, Scientists, Musicians and a whole range of experts who brought a rich curriculum to the children and whom I valued.
But the great strength of Mexicolore is in the range of different aspects of Mexican and Aztec life that it encompasses. Is there any other company that gives children access to music, song, dance, art, history, geography and cooking? I doubt it. Now there’s value for money for you!

MANY THANKS, Joan! If it wasn’t for you, Mexicolore wouldn’t exist!

• B/W photos of Graciela and Ian taken by Tessa Howland/IFL at Bellenden Primary School, SE London, November 1980 - no photos were taken at the time at Ethelburga School
• Photo of Ethelburga School from the London County Council Photograph Library, courtesy of and © London Metropolitan Archives, City of London, cat. ref. SC/PHL/02/0315/69/8232.

Collage (source of the photo of Ethelburga Primary School)

Comments (3)

R

Romy Schmetzer

14th Mar 2015

I remember the day Mexicolore was born, as a child feeling the excitement and nerves of your parents dancing and playing music infront of the whole school. All the other children would stare in amazement. Little did I know that it was the beginning of a great adventure bringing Mexico and its culture in a rich and meaningful way to schools all across the U.K. Children are captured in the history and culture of Mexico through artefacts, music and dance. Congratulations on 35 years of inspiring and educating children.xx

P

Paulo Schmetzer

11th Mar 2015

That first visit 35 years ago was the start of a truly wonderful journey taking Mexicolore to hundreds of schools the length and breadth of the UK. My own children are now part of the thousands who have had the delight of a Mexicolore workshop visiting their school, enchanting them with the history and wonders of Mexico and its indigenous people. Their school friends and parents still talk about the day Mexicolore came to visit and just how much the kids talk about it months later. A true testiment to the great work you have done in educating children about other cultures.

M

Maria Mursell

10th Mar 2015

Brill! Almost brought a tear to my eye! It’s amazing to think all you’ve done and how you’ve impacted education on Mexico here in the UK. Bringing alive another culture, civilization and way of thinking not only celebrates our differences, but highlights our collective humanity too. Love you guys, xx

Our first school visit, in 1980

Graciela dancing

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