Ballet Folklórico de México

History

From the group's founding by Amalia Hernández in 1952, the group grew from eight performers to a fifty piece ensemble by the end of the decade. In 1959 the group officially represented Mexico at the Pan American Games in Chicago, United States. In 1963 Guillermo Keys-Arenas was the Assistant to the Director of Ballet Folklórico de MéxicoFolklórico de México, while in 1969 he was its Artistic Coordinator. See concert programs here and here

Performances

The ballet works and musical pieces reflect various regions and folk music genres of Mexico. Many of the ensemble's works reflect the traditions of indigenous Mesoamerican culture. Numbers of performers in individual dance numbers range from two to over thirty-five. Under Amalia Hernández the group was a pioneer of Baile Folklórico in Mexico. It is practiced by many people in America as well as Mexico.

The ensemble performs three times weekly at the Palace of Fine Arts in Mexico City. Additionally, it has toured widely in the United States and has appeared in over 80 other countries.

There are three types of Ballet Folklorico: Danza, Mestizo, and Bailes Regionales (Regional dances).

Recording

In 1963 the ballet issued a Living Stereo LP record, Ballet Folklórico de México, on RCA Records of Mexico. Songs on LP record include: Flor De Piña, El Sapo,and El Patito.

Similar ensembles

Ballet Folklórico Mexicano Ollimpaxqui and Ballet Folklórico Puro México (based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada) also present performances of traditional Mexican dances. Some alumni from Ballet Folklórico México are members of these ensembles.