Jennifer Fischer profiles Sacramento man James Barrera, a professional trick roper and whip master. The exotic art form that he displays on stage, "floreo de riata," was originally brought to the United States from Mexico more than 100 years ago.

Barrera is also manager of Folklorico Latino de Woodland, a
local Mexican troupe of boys and
girls who perform the traditional
dances of Mexico.

Barrera became interested in trick roping more than 10 years ago while writing a series of articles on the history of the lariat. It took him four months of intense practice before he took to the stage during a performance at the 1994 Folklorico Latino de Woodland Anniversary Showcase.


Now, Barrera frequently travels all over Northern California with the dance troupe to perform for various schools, county fairs, and other special events. He is heavily involved in his community and loves to preserve the Mexican culture by acting as co-chair for Sacramento's cultural yearly extravaganza "Festival de la Familia."