Ballet Folklorico

Music and dancing are a big part of the Mexican culture. This is due, in part, to the fact that many of the states in Mexico have music and dances that are native to the different regions. A dance and the music from Jalisco is very different from a dance from Guerrero.

The Ballet Folklorico is the traditional dance of Mexico. The dances usually tell a story; the music is what you might have heard years ago, and still hear now during fiesta time; the costumes are indicative of the clothing worn by the people in in the past. The dances are a colorful expression of their culture and tradition and the dancing is characterized by a lot of energy and motion!

The Mexican people are proud of their heritage and teach each new generation the stories of their ancestors through the native dance and songs. Little children are anxious to imitate the dancers and mothers make costumes for them to wear at holiday celebrations. Some schools even teach the traditional dance and songs.

There are several Ballet Folklorico groups in Mexico and I have been fortunate to have seen 4 of them perform. I enjoyed the dancers from the University of Guadalajara, the University of Veracruz, The Ballet Folklorico of Oaxaca (which came to Atlanta to perform) and now, this past Sunday night, I saw the Ballet Folklorico group from PV.

The white dresses and white shirts are from the state of Veracruz.

In the dance from Veracruz, the women dance with a lighted candle, or sometimes a glass of water, on their heads. They move about without dropping the candle or spilling the water, moving only their feet and hands. You hold your breath it is so beautiful. This is one of my favorite dances.

The "charro" or cowboy costume and dance is from Jalisco. The women's dresses from Jalisco are the full. ruffled skirts with ribbons. Many of the things you are familiar with, when you think of Mexico, come from the state of Jalisco. The cowboys and rodeos, the beautiful, multi-colored, full dresses of the women, the Mexican Hat Dance and tequila are from the state of Jalisco.

The men bow and dip the ladies, and the women twirl about the senores, and at the end, a "kiss" is hidden from the audience by the big sombrero worn by the men! Aren't they lovely?

This dance with the water jugs is from the state of Sinaloa, I believe.

My friend, Nena, and I went to this performance last Sunday night. It was free---can you believe that? If you ever have an opportunity to see a Ballet Folklorico group dance, you must see it. You will be overwhelmed by the beauty and energy of the dancers and the pulsating rhythms of the music.

Hasta luego.