Mexican dance group “Raices de Mi Tierra Grupo Folklorico?s” presentation of “El Espiritu de Mexico” was an energetic performance at Sacramento State?s Solano Hall dance studio.

The first of three scheduled performances, the show was lively and colorful, with dances ranging from traditional Mexican styles to modern Salsa dancing.

The two-hour show started off brightly, with a ceremonial dance by several women in shimmering costumes and colorful feathered headdresses giving way to another group doing a Spanish dance in dark dresses and bright red shawls. From there, members of the dance troupe filtered on and off the stage as the various dances flowed into each other.

Dimming of the lights signaled the start of a new set of dances from a different region of Mexico, such as Jalisco and Guerrero.

The routines included both men and women, dancing in groups of either sex or with each other, in a wide array of styles and costumes, from bright, fancy dresses to plain white-and-brown clothing.

The dances too were varied, ranging from fast and up-tempo to stately and slow. Each dance was accompanied by its own distinct piece of recorded music; there was also a live musical performance by a trio who sang and played guitar and flute, and a lasso demonstration.

After a short intermission at 9 p.m., the show picked up again with a dance from Jalisco that eventually had the women balancing burning candles on their heads.

After several more dance routines and another performance of live music, the show finished around 10 p.m. with an energetic Salsa dance and a large group dance from Tamaulipas, with much of the troupe onstage at once in fringed leather outfits.

A lively and colorful show with a skilled group of dancers, “El Espiritu de Mexico” was entertaining and beautiful to listen to and watch.