Ballet Folklorico: A Story of Anita N. Martinez
Channel: Adrian Vit
Date: 2013-01-16

Anita Nanez Martinez (born December 8, 1925) is the first female Mexican-American member of the City Council of Dallas, Texas. Elected in 1969, she served the City Council for four years[1] and continues to promote Hispanic pride and knowledge in youth throughout the United States, most notably through the Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico.

One of the Southwest's leading Ballet Folklorico troupes. Dedicated to instilling pride and cultural awareness in Hispanic youth while educating the general public about this culture's contribution to the community. Offering a variety of programs and performances designed to entertain and enlighten.

Martinez began her role as a councilwoman with the goal of using politics to correct faults and vices she saw within her community, namely "crime, narcotics, and misfit teenagers".[6] However, her accomplishments in this area formed only a part of her agenda while serving as a member of the City Council. Other efforts included the implementation of streetlights, paved roads, and sidewalks in her constituents' neighborhoods.[5] After her service as councilwoman ended, she successfully established institutions whose stated aim was to "remove adolescents from the influences of corruption on the streets", including the Ballet Folklorico and her Recreation Center. In addition to employing youths in Dallas, the Ballet Folklorico has inspired more folkloricos to form, spreading Hispanic pride and culture throughout the country.[7] Martinez has received numerous awards for her volunteer efforts, including the Zonta Award for Constructive Voluntary Contribution to Community and Civic Affairs and the J C Penney Golden Rule Award for Volunteer Service.

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