Ballet Folklorico

Level 1 – Intro Ballet Folklorico

 

Our Ballet Folklorico program is based on the traditional art of Mexican folklore and dance. We offer 3 groups of varying difficulty and age levels. Our youngest students thrive in this class as they begin to learn about skirt and arm placement, carriage, beginner footwork, and performance presence.

Intro Ballet Folklorico class attire for young ladies:
Any color/print/style leotard
Biker shorts or jazz shorts over leotard
Hair pulled back into bun
Black folklorico shoes
Socks optional

Intro Ballet Folklorico class attire for gentlemen:
T-shirt (not oversized)
Athletic shorts or pants (not oversized)
Hair pulled back into ponytail if long
Folklorico boots
Socks recommended

Level 2 – Intermediate Ballet Folklorico

Our Intermediate Students are thrilled to stomp their feet and spin around as we introduce more intricate footwork and lively folklorico choreography. This program expounds their knowledge of the notable distinctions of the music and dance found among each state in Mexico.
We encourage these students to awaken the audience with their enthusiasm on stage.

Ballet Folklorico class attire for young ladies:
T-shirt (any color or print)
Leggings (any color/print)
Hair pulled back into bun
Black folklorico shoes
Socks optional

Ballet Folklorico class attire for gentlemen:
T-shirt (not oversized)
Athletic shorts (not oversized)
Hair pulled back into ponytail if long
Folklorico boots
Socks recommended

Level 3 – Ballet Folklorico Pro

The complexities of the footwork involved in this genre are potentially limitless. Our Pro program is not exclusive to adults, but it may be our most challenging program to perform masterfully. We focus not only on the most ambitious footwork but also on more sophisticated and elaborate choreography with precision in placement, sound, and an enthusiastic spirit. Ultimately, we aim to inspire dancers to offer a most exquisite and breathtaking overall performance experience.

Ballet Folklorico class attire for ladies:
T-shirt (any color or print)
Leggings (any color/print)
Hair pulled back
Black folklorico shoes
Socks optional

Ballet Folklorico class attire for gentlemen:
T-shirt (not oversized)
Athletic shorts (not oversized)
Hair pulled back if long
Folklorico boots
Socks recommended

Click Here for a peek at one of Genafe’s favorite baile folklorico dances!

History of Folklorico

Baile folklórico, literally “folkloric dance” in Spanish, is a collective term for traditional Latin American dances that emphasize local folk culture with ballet characteristics – pointed toes, exaggerated movements, highly choreographed arrangements. Baile folklórico owes its inception to Amalia Hernandez who started her dance company in the 1960s with a small group of dedicated dancers.

Each region in Mexico, the Southwestern United States and Central Americancountries is known for a handful of locally characteristic dances. The costumes and the music attempt to reflect the living cultures of their regions.

Given the synthesis of cultures in each region, elements from all cultures are combined to produce a language of movement that inspires and representsthe regional, national and personal notions of beauty and entertainment.

Ballet Folklorico

as presented by

Texas Dance Culture

 

Quick Overview

Our Ballet Folklorico program aspires to stay true to the art form, but sometimes we gloss things up to elevate the performance.

 

Practice Attire

Girls: Folklorico shoes – preferably black, but any color is permitted

Folklorico skirt

Leotard – preferably black, but other colors/prints are permitted

Workout shorts or leggings on bottom

Socks recommended to prevent blistering

Hair pulled up out of face – bun preferred

Boys: Folklorico boots – preferably black, but any color is permitted

T-shirt – not too baggy

Workout shorts or pants – not too long or baggy

Socks recommended to prevent blistering

 

Resources

Mariachi Connection – skirts, shoes, leotards

Miguelitos – skirts & shoes

elcharro1.com – shoes

shopnimbly.com – leotards and leggings

discountdance.com – leotards and leggings

Dancewearsolutions.com – leotards and leggings

Allaboutdance.com – leotards and leggings

Perform With Passion

Do It For The Tacos

Fun Facts About Mexican Folkloric Dance

Mexico is comprised of 31 states, each region possessing its own distinct subculture of music, clothing, and dance styles.

The art of ballet folklorico accentuates these characteristics, encourages that these attributes are celebrated, and ensures that the the culture is well preserved.

Interested In Mexican Baile Folklorico?