Though the primary focus of Ballet Folklorico Internacional's Cinco de Mayo performance May 2 at D'Evelyn Junior and Senior High School was on Mexican dances, western, Irish, French and Middle Eastern cultures also were highlighted.

Lucia Lightfield, director and choreographer for Ballet Folklorico, said she wanted to "incorporate different cultures, trying to make a melting pot" with the sold-out show. Lightfield said the original intent of Ballet Folklorico was to highlight different dances around the world.

"Really, we are all citizens of the world," Lightfield said. "We should be one. I hope this show reflects that."

Lightfield, a teacher at D'Evelyn High School, first started Ballet Folklorico in 2003 as an after-school dance club. The group comprises about 10 girls and boys, and ranging from middle school to high school age. Lightfield's daughter, Sofia, 14, attends Dakota Ridge High School but performs with the troupe.

In addition to local residents, including the mayor of Lakewood, Steve Burkholder, Lightfield said seven schools were invited to attend the morning performance at D'Evelyn. The troupe had a second performance later that night at the school.

"I thought it was remarkable," Mary Scott, of Elizabeth, said about the May 2 celebration. "All the hard work they put into it, it's amazing. And it was much more multicultural this year."