for Mexican culture. The performance and dance of folkloric dance display the richness of the Mexican heritage. Each dance performed by Los Mejicas consists of representing different regions in Mexico and historical periods of Mexican culture through dance. There are over 21 regions in Mexico that have their own cultural traditions and performances of Baile Folklórico. Los Mejicas have performed regions such as: Chihuahua, San Luis Potosi, Guerrero, Tamaulipas, Veracruz, Sinaloa, Jalisco, Nayarit Costa, Colima, Durango, Puebla, Tabasco, Veracruz, Sonora Bronco, Yucatán, Baja Norte, Aguascalientes, Chiapas, and many more from past years. Mexican folkloric dance was used to represent a cultural symbol of national unity in post revolutionary Mexico. Mexican folkloric dance is unique to the Mexican culture by representing dances that originated in the indigenous areas of Mexico. Mexican folk dancing varies from region to region. In Guadalajara, the Jarabe Tapatia, or Mexican hat dance, is popular. The Jarabe is a courting dance and also the national dance of Mexico. In Guerrero, many folk dances mimic animal movements-the Iguana is a popular dance. The national sense of unity of folkloric dance is thus a result of each region's distinct performance. Cultural Significance The mission of Los Mejicas is derived from the folkloric reasoning of promoting the Mexican heritage. The Mejicas wish to celebrate and preserve the beauty of Mexican heritage and culture through dance. Their well known slogan, "Once a Mejica, Always a Mejica", acts not only as motto, but also as a statement of a sense of identity and as a sense of belonging. It is a tagline that holds both literal and symbolic meaning, one that represents more than the simple association of having once participated in the group; it indicates something deeper, an acknowledgement of where one has come from, and the promise to take that knowledge into the future. A UCSC student and Mejica, Edgar Ontiveros, says as he was growing up in Tijuana, Mexico he was always surrounded by folklórico: “It was just something that I took for granted, but when I came here to university and I realized that I was kind of far away from home, I started getting in touch with folklórico as a way to feel connected with Mexico,” he says. And the group continues to be an avenue that connects that culture with campus life. “The group provides a space where you can feel welcome at this university,” he