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Pay It Forward: Quad Cities Ballet Folklorico

We “Pay It Forward” to a Moline man teaching area children about their heritage and culture through dance.

A group of students gathered on their day off to show how much they care about their teacher.

A man, they say donates his time and energy to pass on his heritage, through song and dance.

Alejandra Gonzalez nominated Ray Terronez for the News 8/Ascentra Credit Union "Pay It Forward" award.

Her daughter is a student at Quad City Ballet Folklorico.

She says "they love him, he's such a good role model for them."

Terronez holds practice twice a week for about 55 students.

Teaching traditional hispanic folk dance... for kids 5 years old through high school.

"He balances his time with work, he works full-time. He's still a young man with no family, kids yet. He treats them like his own", says Gonzalez.

Terronez joined the group and started performing at age 7.

"I was sort of forced by my mother to join the group, with toys.  Eventually I liked it and am still with it to this day", he says.

Dancing for 11 years,  he is now dance director.

"He loves it. He's passionate about it he loves teaching choreography. Helping the kids grow into beautiful people",  says Gonzalez.

Practice and performances for the students is free.

It's not just dancing... the members learn about the traditions of different states in Mexico.

"Every chance I get I try to explain the song whether it be explain the choreography or the dance or the meaning behind it."

Terronez continues a long-standing tradition, Quad Cities Ballet Folklorico just celebrated its 30th anniversary.

"When you do something and you just keep on doing it no matter how hard it is or how much time it takes you just keep on doing it.  That kind of tells you its your passion.  I don't get paid for what I do and I don't expect to, so this is very nice" he says.

If you know someone doing great things for the community... let us know.

Nominate them for our "Pay It Forward" award  by clicking here.

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