International Mariachi Conference keeps focus on youth, education, tradition

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico -- Local and foreign students convene in Las Cruces this week to participate in a decades-old event teaching the art of Folklorico dancing on the NMSU campus.

The International Mariachi Conference is a popular cultural event focusing on education and entertainment.

Hundreds of students from the region participate. This year ABC-7's Sarah Coria joined a beginner ballet Folklorico class.

The student workshops continue through Friday. The conference includes a concert Friday night at the Pan Am Center with a concert from Spanish vocalist Shaila Dúrcal.