Mayor Yemi Mobolade presented longtime community leader and cultural preservationist Connie Benavidez with a Spirit of Colorado Springs Award at the Conejos Neighborhood Reunion on Saturday at the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum.
“Grandma Connie built a space where every dancer, no matter their age or income, could experience the dignity and beauty of Mexican folkloric dance,” said Mayor Yemi. “She has nurtured artists, mentored leaders, and preserved culture, turning ordinary rooms into stages and dancers into ambassadors of heritage and joy. Her life’s work embodies what it means to keep culture alive in Colorado Springs.”
Affectionately known as “Grandma Connie,” Benavidez founded Ballet Folklórico de la Raza more than 30 years ago with a heart full of purpose and a vision to share the beauty of Mexican dance with the broader community. She personally sewed hundreds of traditional dresses, each representing one of Mexico’s 31 states, complete with historically accurate embroidery, lace, and symbolism.
Her commitment to cultural accessibility ensured that youth from all backgrounds could participate in folklórico dance, regardless of financial means. Under her leadership, Ballet Folklórico de la Raza has performed across the country, including at President Barack Obama’s 2013 Inaugural Parade.
Benavidez's contributions were recently recognized as part of the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum’s Una Familia Grande exhibit, where her story is now preserved as a permanent part of the city’s cultural history.
The Mayor’s Spirit of Colorado Springs Award honors extraordinary individuals who embody the values of service, inspiration, and community leadership. Recipients are recognized for their transformative impact on the City of Colorado Springs and are presented the award by the mayor or an official designee. For more information, visit ColoradoSprings.gov/SpiritofColoradoSprings.