Baile Folklorico - Common App-Expand on Extracurricular

Some of my most vivid memories from my childhood are of my hometown's annual Fourth of July Fiesta. As a young girl, the beautiful dancers on stage mesmerized me with their twirling brightly colored skirts, adorned with even brighter colored ribbons. Fueled by inspiration, I pestered my parents into allowing me to join a dance troop. My first day of practice was hard work. I learned that baile folklorico involved much more than just twirling skirts. Footwork, facial expression, body language, and choreography are just a few of the many facets utilized to cross language barriers and visually express the passionate mariachi lyrics. Now as a principle dancer, I am thankful for the chain reaction that dance has set off for me. I have had the opportunity to travel across New Mexico for performances, meet dignitaries and activists alike, learn about my history, and pass on my knowledge to young girls with a familiar glint of admiration in their eyes.

Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

Wow, I love the chain reaction idea, very clever transition. I do think you need to expound more on those events of how dance has effected you in the present, rather than spending so much precious character space on how it left an impression in your young psyche--though it is very "colorful" imagery.