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
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
Fun Facts About Mexican Folkloric Dance
The art of ballet folklorico accentuates these characteristics, encourages that these attributes are celebrated, and ensures that the the culture is well preserved.
