FOLKLORICO FUN

The county is home to several Mexican folklorico dance troupes, all of which welcome new members of any ethnic background and are available throughout the year to dance at community functions, schools and convalescent homes.

Ballet Folklorico Regional

* Troupe profile: Teen-agers come from around the county to dance in this Oxnard-based group under the direction of Javier Gomez and the instruction of Ofelia Rodriguez. There is no fee to join, but dancers must audition.

* Where to see them: On Sunday, they will dance at 3 p.m. on the Cultural Stage at Oxnard’s Cinco de Mayo Festival. On Thursday, they will perform twice: at 4:30 p.m. at the Newbury Park Library, 2331 Borchard Road, and at 6:30 p.m. at the Thousand Oaks Library, 1401 Janss Road.

* Contact: 486-7468.

Ballet Infantil Azteca

* Troupe profile: For four years, teacher Angel Sarabia has led this company of 16 children who range in age from 6 into their teens. Members pay $15 per month. The group is based in Santa Paula.

* Where to see them: They will perform twice Sunday, at 5:30 p.m. on the Cultural Stage at Oxnard’s Cinco de Mayo Festival and at 7 p.m. at Casa del Mexicano, 218 S. 11th St., Santa Paula.

* Contact: 525-6903.

Folklorico Alma de Mexico

* Troupe profile: About 40 children, teen-agers and adults have been dancing with teacher-director Nino Carrillo for three years. Members pay a monthly fee of $25. The group is based in Oxnard.

* Where to see them: They will perform on Cinco de Mayo at Point Mugu Naval Base in a private program, but the public can catch them Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. on the “Los Angeles al Dia” show on Channel 34.

* Contact: 485-0715.

Grupo Folclorico Mixteca

* Troupe profile: Children age 3 to 15 can dance with this troupe. “Not everyone’s a dancer, but everybody dances,” teacher Hector Mata said. Members pay $1 per rehearsal. The troupe rehearses in Oxnard.

* Where to see them: They will dance Sunday at noon at the Oxnard Cinco de Mayo festival on the Plaza Park Cultural Stage.

* Contact: 486-3023.

Teresa Cortes Folklorico Dancers

* Troupe profile: All 13 members are students at Moorpark High School. They perform dances from five regions of Mexico.

* Where to see them: They will perform at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the Moorpark Cinco de Mayo Celebration at the Moorpark Civic Center, 799 Moorpark Ave.

* Contact: 529-6176.