Alegre Ballet Folklórico


Lo que me dio



Mis raices



Bienvenidos!

We would like to welcome you to our presentation of Lo Que Me Dio MIS RAICES.



Para la Programa en Espanol


Oprime aqui

Act 1



mexico



We bring to you a typical outfit to represent each state in Mexico.



Matlachines



MATLACHINES



Advanced Adults
Choreography by Pedro Perez II,
after Eduardo Gutierrez



The "Danza de Arcos y Tejedores" (Dance of Arches and Weavers) is a symbolic dance that represents the connection between indigenous beliefs and Catholic traditions in Mexico, often performed in the Bajío region. Its significance lies in its role as a cultural bridge, demonstrating how indigenous practices were adapted to incorporate Christian elements after the Spanish conquest, thereby preserving aspects of ancient ritual while facilitating evangelization. The dance is an example of the syncretism that occurred in many Mexican cultural traditions, preserving ancient spiritual practices through adaptation and storytelling.



Salon



Vals



Beginner/Intermediate Adults
Choreography by Pedro Perez II



This iconic dress is most often recognized for being the “traditional dress of México”, but started as the typical outfit of Puebla. Legends trace its origins to the story of an Asian princess, known across México as Catarina de San Juan, taken by pirates and sold to a wealthy Mexican aristocrat. Though her true country of origin was likely India, the prevailing Mexican stereotype at the time attributed anyone of Asian descent to China, leading to the name "China Poblana." Catarina incorporated elements from her homeland and blended them with symbols representing México to create the dress. Adorning the front is the majestic image of an eagle, México’s national bird, presented with its wings spread open. On the back, the Aztec calendar, an emblem of México’s indigenous origins. Alongside the sequined motifs, each skirt is lavishly embellished with geometric designs.



Baja California Sur



Costa



Advanced Adults
Choreography by Pedro Perez,



Danzón in Mexico is a popular ballroom dance and musical genre that originated in Cuba and found a second home in Mexico, where it has been embraced as a cultural treasure. It is a formal, elegant partner dance characterized by graceful movements, close embraces, and intricate footwork that plays with the syncopated rhythms of the music. Mexican danzón is often performed in public plazas, such as Mexico City's Zócalo or Plaza de la Ciudadela, where people of all ages gather to dance, and it is also enjoyed in dance halls and concert halls across the country.



GUerrero



Costa Chica



Juniors
Choreography by Reeses Torres
Beginning/Intermediate Adults
Choreography by Pedro Perez II



This region is notable for dances that have fast rhythm, strong footwork, and sensual movements. The music and dances of the region have heavy influence from the Africans who settled in the area as well as from the Chilean sailors who were on their way to California to work in the gold mines.



Campeche



Sarao



Beginning/Intermediate Adults
Choregraphy by Pedro Perez



Along the inner west side of the Yucatán Peninsula lies the state of Campeche. The region's dress and dance showcase the blend of African and Spanish influences on its roots. Originally, the apparel of the region was a simple huipil, a long embroidered blouse embellished with Mayan designs. The Spanish brought with them the concept of showcasing their clothes at major events, and so the peasant women began doing the same and blending the attire. Today, the traditional outfit consists of a white square neck blouse embroidered with pumpkin and onion flower Mayan designs paired with a bright skirt ornamented with bows and lace. There are regional variations in the dress, Sarao has a fuller skirt with a train.



Yucatan



Vaqueria



Advanced Adults
Choreography by Pedro Perez,



In Yucatán, the style of Folklorico is a fusion of Mayan and Spanish cultures. The typical dance seen here is the jarana, a style similar to a tap dance. The dancers maintain an upright posture that stems from the somber posture the Mayans maintained in their dances. The music is upbeat, and the footwork is a mixture of quick simple and complex steps. At some points of the dance the participants raise their arms and snap their fingers to the beat the Spanish would use their castanets. Between songs dancers shout “bomba!” and one of the dancers will begin to tell a joke, another Spanish tradition incorporated into the region. The clothing worn in this region highly represents Mayan culture with designs of native flowers embroidered on the huipil.



Act 2



oaxaca



Santa Catarina de Juquila



Advanced Adults
Choreography by Pedro Perez II



The Mexican Revolution took place from 1910 to 1920. Prior to the revolution, Mexico was under the rule of a small group of wealthy elites who held immense control over all aspects of society, including culture, the economy, and politics. This domination left the farmers, miners, and other working-class individuals, many of whom were indigenous, questioning the unfair situation. Despite being the backbone of society, they had little to no influence over important decision-making processes. Fueled by anger over their lack of representation, the working class mobilized and rebelled against the ruling elite. Their collective efforts resulted in the overthrow of the president and a push to reform the government. This led to the redistribution of land, the establishment of labor rights, and the extension of voting rights to all citizens. Ultimately, the Mexican Revolution brought a new era of change and transformation.



Miahuatlan de Porfirio Diaz



Beginning/Intermediate Adults
Choreography by Pedro Perez II



Chihuahua is the largest state of México and borders Texas and New México. When the Germans immigrated to México, many settled in this state, bringing more European influence to the country through polka. This style of music, dress, and dance was adopted by Chihuahua, along with many other northern states, as its own.



colima



Juniors
Choreography by Reeses Torres



The Picota dances are an essential part of the cultural heritage of Tamaulipas, a state located in northeastern México. The origin of the dances can be traced back to Spanish colonial times when African slaves were brought to México. They were initially used as a way to celebrate religious festivals and special occasions. Over time, the dances evolved into a unique form of expression that incorporates elements from the different cultural influences of the region. The dancers wear dresses that represent various animals, plants, and mythical creatures found in the region. The movements are energetic and rhythmic, accompanied by live music.



jalisco



Tapatio



Beginning/Intermediate Adults
Choreography by Pedro Perez II



The state of Jalisco, often celebrated as the heart of Mexican culture, is most renowned for two iconic figures: the mariachis and charros. The vibrant attire worn by the people of Jalisco, particularly the women, is what often first comes to mind when people think about Ballet Folklórico. The dresses, characterized by their generous ruffles, ribbons, and lace, are an explosion of colors, making Jalisco one of the most instantly recognizable and widely represented states in all of México. Similarly, the charros, traditionally the outfits of the horsemen of Jalisco, are synonymous with the region's heritage. The suit, consisting of an embroidered jacket, wide-brimmed sombrero, and intricate details, stands as a striking representation of the Mexican cowboy tradition.



Sinaloa



Mestizo



Juniors
Choreography by Reeses Torres



Originally rooted in religious and ceremonial contexts, these dances have evolved over centuries, embracing a spectrum of influences that have enriched their character. The traditional dances of Sinaloa reflect a fusion of indigenous rituals with elements introduced through African and Caribbean influences. What sets Sinaloa apart is not only the captivating choreography but also the vibrant music that accompanies it. The region is renowned for its lively melodies and rhythms, which provide the heartbeat of these dances. The energy between the movements and the music creates an atmosphere of jubilant celebration that is both infectious and emotionally resonant.



La epoca de oro



Advanced Adults
Choreography by Pedro Perez II



An ode to the Golden Age of movies in Mexico, La Epoca de Oro is performed live in black and white. Inspired by his parents love of Pedro Infante movies, Pedro recalls a movie that had people dancing the Jarabe Tapatio at a party. The image of the dance where the ladies danced "in" the brim of the sombrero made such an impression he wanted to recreate it. Using vestuario made in black, white and shades of gray fabric, gray make-up, lighting and songs by Pedro Infante, Alegre performs a live black and white movie on stage.



Coming Fall 2026



Dancers



Juniors



Abigail Nunez

Allison Bernal

Ariana Diaz

Aryanna Rockmore

Briana Garcia

Camila Casteneda

Camila Lopez

Castiel Hernandez

Dayana Lopez

Evelyn Nunez

Fatima Tavera

Gabriela Alonzo

Ileana Monreal

Jasmine Leon

Joselyn Gutierrez

Juan Gutierrez

Lourdes Lazalde

Lucas Gonzaba

Makinly Garza

Marlin Martinez

Paula Trujillo

Samantha Teakell

Sara Mata

Victoria Garza



Beginner/Intermediate Adults



Adriana Guzman

Adriana Sanchez

Adrianna Cabrales

Aida Dominguez

Alexa Cantu

Amy Torres

Ana Bautista

Aryanna Rockmore

Austin Johnson

Berenice Sanchez

Cloris Rangel

Dina Ramirez

Felicia Rockmore

Griselda Garza

Jorge Rojas

Jose Alvarez

Justin Carrillo

Leslie Guerrero

Luz Maria Garcia

Maria Isabel Pulgarin

Melissa Lara

Michael Cortina

Monica Monreal

Nora Hernandez

Oscar Lazo

Sandra Matthews

Xochitl Fuentes

Yahaira Rodriguez

Yazmin Monrreal



Advanced Adults



Alejandra Ortega

Alejandro Marin

Alesandra Davila

Christian Woelfle

Daniel Negrete

Dominique Avila Fleming

Elena Cruz

Fiona Woelfle

Francisco Villarreal

Jazmine Gutierrez

Nelly Gomez

Reeses Torres

Roman Montenegro

Yesenia Lerma



Credits



Folkloric dance, like any cultural expression, is a dynamic art form that continually evolves. From the arrival of the Spaniards on the shores of Veracruz to the technological advancements of today, the people and places of México have been subject to various influences. Ballet Folklórico, as a representation of Mexican culture, also undergoes transformations. These changes can manifest in a variety of ways, whether through fusions of musical influences, adaptations to dances, or the blending of regional clothing. This dynamic and ever-changing nature is what keeps Folkloric dance vibrant, relevant, and a living expression of culture. It adapts to the times and continues to tell the captivating stories of México's heritage through the power of dance. Mosaico is a collection of choreographies that takes Mexico's culture and makes it into a dance representation. Whether it showing patriotism or influenced by iconic events or eras, these creative expressions as an extension of appreciation and love of Mexico.

Alegre Ballet Folklórico, a 501c3 Non-Profit dance troupe, was founded in September of 1993 by Pedro Perez II. The organization's roots trace back to a group of students from the Law Magnet High School (now the Judge Barefoot Sanders Law Magnet) who wished to continue their dance education and nominated Pedro to lead them. From these humble beginnings, the group has grown from a 3-person backyard pastime to an award-winning company with over 100 dancers.

Over the past thirty years, Alegre has performed in numerous venues across the United States, including the AT&T Stadium and Walt Disney World, as well as internationally in México and Oslo, Norway. The group has consistently strived to uphold the value of preserving Mexican heritage through in-depth classes that equip dancers with the knowledge to share with others. This commitment to education and cultural preservation is at the heart of Alegre Ballet Folklórico's mission and continues to guide their work today.

Our classes are under the expert guidance of Pedro Perez II, Jessica Garcia, and Reeses Torres, a dynamic team with a combined dance experience of over 30 years. Their commitment and dedication are key in preserving and nurturing the vibrant tradition of Ballet Folklórico, ensuring that it continues to thrive and enchant audiences for generations to come.



Production



Director / Founder...............................Pedro Perez Instructor............................................ReesesTorres Instructor...........................................Jessica Garcia

Assistant.........................Dominique Avila Fleming

Toros................................................Daniel Ramirez

Lighting...................................................CPVA Staff

Hand Program......................................Ibeth Perez

Program Information.....Dominique Avila Fleming




Board of Directors



President..............Chabelita Guel

Vice-President.....Ibeth Perez

Secretary..............Naomi Meza

Treasurer..............Albert Rojas

​Member................Rita Castillo Vela

Member................Dina Ramirez

Member................Albert Wash

Member................deLaurence

Member................



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Contact us



info@alegreballet.com | Phone: 214.755.3989 (Text preferred)


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