Ballet Folkorico de Mexico de Amalia Hernandez Returning to Auditorium Theatre

The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University presents the return of Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández September 26 and 27. Known as "The Cultural Representative of Mexico to the World," the troupe lights up the historic Auditorium Theatre stage with spirited dances rooted in live traditional folk music. Full of movement, rhythm and technical perfection, the company, who has been presenting cultural dance throughout the world for the past six decades, will take audiences on a journey through Mexico's history, Saturday, Sept. 26 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 27 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $30-$73, and are currently on sale online at AuditoriumTheatre.org, by phone (312.341.2300) or in-person at the Auditorium Theatre Box Office (50 E. Congress Parkway). Subscriptions for the Auditorium Theatre's 2015 - 2016 season and discounted tickets for groups of 10 or more are also on sale. For more information visit AuditoriumTheatre.org.

"A Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández performance is a visual manifestation of the beauty of the Mexican culture. Their energy fills not only our historic stage, but all of the Auditorium Theatre. From their precise movements to the intricate costumes to the sumptuous music, this company transports the audience to a world filled with music, color and dance. This celebration of centuries-old traditions reminds us of the rich history and passion of the Mexican people, and we are proud to share those traditions in dance with our audience," said Executive Director Brett Batterson.

From the heart of Mexico City, Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández has presented dances that are reflective of the culture in Mexico for the past five decades. Founded in 1952 by Amalia Hernández, the ballet has historically celebrated traditional dance and musical pieces from various regions and folk music genres native to Mexico. A Chicago favorite, many of the ensemble's works depict the traditions of indigenous Meso-American culture that delight audiences with their authentic, spirited movement.

The International Dance Season is made possible by the NIB Foundation.

Promotional Partners for Ballet Folklórico de México include National Museum of Mexican Art, Consulado General de México en Chicago, and Rincón Alteño & Rojo Verde Tequila.

The program for the September engagement at the Auditorium Theatre is as follows:

Los Matachines

Los Matachines originates from the North side of Mexico and is danced during religious celebrations. It comes from the habit of the pre-Hispanic people dancing to honor their gods. With the Spanish Conquest of Mexico, the Spaniards adapted the dances to their Christian God in the 16th century and much of the original dances with a Spanish influence are performed today.

Guerrero-Guerrero

A fascinating dance, full of movements and rhythm that reflect Mexican culture, Guerrero-Guerrero is inspired by Vicente Guerrero, a Mexican independence hero, and one of the most important military leaders and politicians of the time. Also, guerrero is an adjective in Spanish, which means courage and bravery.

Revolución

Big social changes came with the 1910 Mexican Revolution. This dance is dedicated to the soldaderas, women who supported their men and even got into Mexico's fight for liberty. In this piece, aristocrats are celebrating at a party when a group of rebel revolutionaries led by Juana Gallo disturb their celebration and start dancing to popular music, such as La Adelita.

Charreada

One of Mexico´s deepest traditions is charreria, where men and women demonstrate their bravery in sports competitions. During a celebration full of color and fun, the Charro shows his beloved his abilities with the rope, captivating her to the rhythm of a Jarabe.

Fiesta En Tlacotalpan

Every February 2, there is a festivity dedicated to the Candelaria Virgin. This celebration is all about fandango competitions and the appearance of huge figures called mojigangas, which represent all kinds of subjects related to the village. Caribbean music is played with Congas (drums) similar to a Mardi Gras celebration parade.

INTERMISSION

Danza De Los Quetzales

This ancient dance is based upon the quetzal legend. The quetzal is a mythological Central American bird that native people considered sacred and a symbol of elegance and beauty. Emperor Montezuma's headdress was, supposedly, made up by twenty-four quetzal feathers. This dance is performed particularly in the state of Puebla, by dancers who practice for months until mastering performing as birds. It represents dignity, sanctity and grace that Native American people associated to such a divinity. The headdresses the dancers wear have at least a two-meter diameter and require much practice in order to achieve the ability to perform the dance while in full costume.

Life Like a Game

The "game" is controlled by the devil. He handles all characters as if they were marionettes and with their cords, he manipulates their destiny. Reality and fantasy interact when the devil uses both "Cupid" and "Death" to perform a tangled love story between a bride, her groom and her lover.

Danza Del Venado

The Yaqui people are excellent hunters and have stayed away from the Spanish influence to constitute the only aboriginal tribe of Mexico, where they continue to live under their own autonomy. The Yaqui are very religious in most of their activities and according to their ancestor's methods, enriched with rites and traditions, Danza del Venado is a symbolic performance of a deer hunt.

Fiesta En Jalisco

The state of Jalisco is the land of Charros, Chinas and Mariachis, symbols of Mexican nationality. It is only possible to understand a village´s joy, grace and beauty by listening to the traditional mariachi and watching a couple dance to the rhythm of sones jaliscienses. Two dancers, the China and the Charro, joyously show, in all kind of artistic expressions, how to captivate a lady. Finally, the Charro throws his sombrero to the ground and starts a tap dance that will, once and for all, complete his conquest.

About Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández

In 1952, Amalia Hernández, dancer and choreographer, founded the Ballet Folklórico de México, having embarked, at a very early age, on a never-ending quest to rescue the dancing traditions of Mexico. In 1954, Amalia started a series of presentations that credited her as the Cultural Representative of Mexico to the world at large. International success was achieved during the first tours of the company and has been maintained through the sixty years of incessant artistic endeavors. From the early sixties, Amalia Hernández and the Ballet Folklórico de México have developed the choreographies for 40 ballets composed of 76 folk dancers. The music, technical perfection, sophisticated wardrobe and original choreographies, create this singular character of the Ballet. Amalia Hernández and the Ballet Folklórico de México have been distinguished with more than 200 awards in recognition to their artistic merits. The Ballet was initiated by performing a weekly program on television, sponsored by the Mexican government. Since 1959, it is permanently presented at the Palace of Fine Arts, the foremost stage for art in Mexico City. The Ballet has two main artistic companies called The First Company and the Resident Company: both alternate tours and performances in Mexico and abroad. They have already performed more than five thousand presentations. The music, dance and costume of Mexican folklore combined with the talent of their artists have achieved national and international success.

About the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University

The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, located at 50 E. Congress Pkwy, is an Illinois, not-for-profit organization committed to presenting the finest in international, cultural, community and educational programming to Chicago, and to the continued restoration and preservation of the National Historic Landmark Auditorium Theatre. In September of 2014, the Auditorium Theatre was awarded the inaugural Fifth Star Award by Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. On December 9, 2014, the Auditorium Theatre celebrated its 125th Birthday with a proclamation from the City of Chicago declaring it "Auditorium Theatre Day.

The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University presents the return of Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández September 26 and 27. Known as "The Cultural Representative of Mexico to the World," the troupe lights up the historic Auditorium Theatre stage with spirited dances rooted in live traditional folk music. Full of movement, rhythm and technical perfection, the company, who has been presenting cultural dance throughout the world for the past six decades, will take audiences on a journey through Mexico's history, Saturday, Sept. 26 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 27 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $30- $73, and are currently on sale online at AuditoriumTheatre.org, by phone (312.341.2300) or in-person at the Auditorium Theatre Box Office (50 E. Congress Parkway). Subscriptions for the Auditorium Theatre's 2015 - 2016 season and discounted tickets for groups of 10 or more are also on sale. For more information visit AuditoriumTheatre.org.

The Auditorium Theatre is generously supported by the MacArthur Foundation, the Illinois Arts Council, the Sage Foundation, and the Palmer House Hilton. For more information about programming, volunteer and donor opportunities or theatre tours, call (312) 341-2310 or visit AuditoriumTheatre.org.

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