If you have ever attended multicultural assembly season in our Spring Semester, you would have remembered the dozens of performances from our diverse student dance groups here at Quartz Hill High School. This year, the Multicultural Club is hosting a smaller event for you all to enjoy on December 5, 2025: the Multicultural Rally. The Rally itself will take place during A and B Lunches in the main quad. But what should you expect from each group performing?
You will notice our Folklorico Ballet team even before they start their formation and dance. The boots hit first, then the skirts sweep out in their bright colors. QHHS Senior and Folklorico Captain Camila Espinoza has stated that the team has been preparing nonstop.
“Our team has been preparing for the multi-rally by practicing every week and even at home in our free time,” Espinoza said. Yet, the biggest obstacle has not been learning the choreography, but the practice conditions. “Lancaster’s bipolar weather. We practice outside, and often the sun is so bright that we end up feeling a bit lightheaded. Or other times it will be cold and windy, preventing us from using our skirts correctly.”
Even so, Folklorico is bringing dances from the region of Nayarit, including popular song El Jarabe Nayarit. “What makes this region so interesting is that traditionally, the male dancers use machetes as props,” Espinoza added. For the rally itself, the team will represent Sinaloa, which is known for its dramatic skirt work. They will be dancing to the songs El Gallito and La Cuichi.
Moving away from traditional dance, we arrive at Spanish Dance, recognizable by its intricate partner work and choreography. QHHS Junior and Spanish Dance Captain Nadia Salgado said, “My girls and I have been preparing for the multi-rally by having two practices on Tuesday through Thursday, but this past week we have been having practices every day.”
For Spanish Dance, their most challenging part has been keeping the group together in rehearsal. “Attendance. Most girls have poor attendance, and that makes practices difficult because we do partner work, and even creating formations with barely anyone at practice is frustrating and hard,” Salgado said. Still, the club has remained strong in delivering a cultural experience that feels familiar and fun. And yes, matching outfits are part of their tradition. “The Spanish Club always has matching outfits. We went for more of a Mexican attire this time.”
Unlike music-heavy performances with other dance teams, BSU Step Club makes its own rhythm. You will be sure to hear stomps, claps, and sharp beats roll across the quad like a drumline made of people. QHHS Senior and BSU Step Captain Relia Alexander stated that the team has been practicing three times a week, building on their most recent performance at the Dia de los Muertos event.
Step stands out because it does not rely on background music. “Our style step uses our bodies to create beats and rhythms instead of relying on music,” Alexander said. “Step is also a big part of Black culture and comes from fraternities and sororities and HBCUs, and through our performance, I hope the audience understands the history, pride, and cultural significance behind it.”
But what challenges have they endured? “The most challenging part for me has been managing my availability because I am busy with sports and other activities,” Alexander said. She added that her partner, Averee Jennings, has helped lead when schedules conflict.
And finally, there is the sound that can be picked out from anywhere on campus. The 12-foot-long Tinikling sticks clap in a steady rhythm while dancers jump in and out with speed and accuracy. QHHS Senior and Tinikling Captain Kian Allen said, “Our team has been performing extensively by doing full run-throughs every practice. Even if it is raining, our team is prepared to go to our advisor, Dr. Reti’s room, and act like we have 300 people watching us already.”
The most challenging part has been keeping up with the new choreography. “Tinikling is constantly trying to elevate our look and introduce new moves, but sometimes they can be hard to put together,” Allen said. “We will have our traditional music, of course, but we will have an upbeat song that I am sure everyone knows.” Even though Tinikling is an activity rooted in Filipino culture, the primary purpose is to demonstrate how easily people of all ethnicities can come together through energetic and rhythmic steps.
On December 5th, Quartz Hill High School’s main quad will feel different in the best way. The Multicultural Rally is a reminder that our campus encompasses more stories and cultures than we typically notice on a regular lunch day. Please make sure to attend, and let each group showcase what they have been working on throughout the semester.
