Ballet Folklórico de México to Appear at Center for the Arts

September 20, 2007

In 1952, Amalia Hernández founded Ballet Folklórico de México, a dance group committed to keeping the dance traditions of Mexico alive. The company has since achieved international success, delighting audiences in more than 5,000 performances worldwide with vibrant dance, music and costumes that exude the spirit of Mexico.

Ballet Folklórico de México Photo courtesy Ballet Folklórico de México

Ballet Folklórico de México will perform at Mason's Center for the Arts on Saturday, Oct. 6, at 8 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 7, at 4 p.m. A pre-performance discussion will be held 45 minutes prior to each performance on the Hall’s Grand Tier.

Hernández’s exuberant choreography performed by classically trained dancers in exquisite costumes makes Ballet Folklórico de México a visual feast for audiences. Inspired by dances from the pre-Colombian era, the Hispanic viceroy period and the revolutionary years, Hernandez’s choreography captures a country with rich and diverse cultural traditions.

“Tlacotalpan Festivity” portrays the celebration of the Candelaria Virgin, while “The Quetzals of the Puebla” recreates a dance executed by highly trained performers personifying the quetzal, a sacred mythological bird of Mesoamerica.

“The Deer Dance,” perhaps the ballet’s most renowned work, is based on a ritual performed by the Yaqui people in preparation for a hunt.

Amalia Hernández created more than 40 ballets for upwards of 70 dancers before her death in 2000. Ballet Folklórico de México is currently run by Hernández’s daughter and Artistic Director Norma Lopez Hernández and is permanently housed at the Palace of Fine Arts in Mexico City.

Tickets are $44, $36 and $22. Tickets for Mason students are free. Charge by phone at 888-945-2468.

Return to Main Gazette Page