Ballet folklÓrico

In Mexico, cultural diversity is reflected in a variety of traditions, languages, and typical and folkloric dances that represent each state of the country. These dances were born with the purpose of representing the Mexican identity and we find them present in civic events, national celebrations, such as September 15th and November 20th, as well as on patron saint festivities. The variety of rhythms in the country is impressive, some are fast dances and others are slower, but all of them have a rich history that contributes to Mexican culture.

Anna Pavlova was a famous Russian prima ballerina and choreographer. The company she founded in 1911 was the first to tour ballet around the world. In 1919 Pavlova would travel to Mexico to share her talents. While in Mexico she took the regional folk dance, the jarabe tapatío from Jalisco, and fused it with classical ballet. Pavlova then added this dance to her repetoire, which nurtured the widespread desire to see Mexican dances performed beyond the nation’s borders. The Secretaría de Educación Pública ensured that Mexicans themselves would see these regional dances as representative of the nation as a whole by incorporating them into its school curriculum, teaching generations of Mexicans to perform them as an expression of shared nationality.

Doña Amalia Hernandez was a pioneer in developing Baile Folklorico and founded the Ballet Folklórico de Mexico with only 8 dancers. By 1959, the ensemble had grown to 60 performers. It was commissioned to represent Mexico at the Pan American Games in Chicago, Illinois, in 1959. Hernández created over 60 choreographies in her lifetime and is regarded as the largest influence on Ballet Folklorico.

Today you will find ballet folklorico Mexicano across Mexico, the United States, and the world. The variety of group styles range from keeping as much authenticity as possible, to groups performing them completely as contemporary dances. These differences only show the respect and admiration each group, director, dancer and collaborator have for Mexico's history and culture.