Ballet Folklórico de México Brings Vibrant Mexican Dance to the Auditorium Theatre

Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández, known for bringing traditional and folkloric Mexican dance to audiences around the world, returns to Chicago and the Auditorium Theatre on November 10 and 11, 2018. The company performs a vibrant program that highlights Mexican cultural traditions from regions across the country, including Mexico City, Jalisco, and Veracruz.

"At the Auditorium, we have always presented companies from around the world that share their cultural traditions with our audiences, and our longstanding relationship with Ballet Folklórico de México continues this legacy," says Rachel Freund, Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Auditorium Theatre. "This internationally-renowned company will transport us to Mexico with its engaging, colorful performances that will capture the imaginations of audience members of all ages."

Ballet Folklórico de México was founded in 1952 by Amalia Hernández, who created over 80 works inspired by traditional Mexican dances for her company before her death in 2000. She drew upon various resources to create her choreography, including elements from Mexican folklore and codices describing various dances written by Aztec monks. Today, the company is directed by Hernández' grandson, Salvador Lopez, who oversees the process of updating company works in order to keep them relevant and dynamic.

"It is always a highlight for us to bring Amalia Hernández' original choreography to the Auditorium Theatre, where our company has a long, storied history," says Lopez. "This company represents the folkloric traditions of Mexico like no other. We are so excited to share this legacy with audiences in Chicago."

The company's Chicago program includes audience favorites like Charreada, or "the rope dance," featuring a charro (horseman) who shows off his skills with the lasso; and Deer Dance, which interprets the hunting rituals of the indigenous Yaqui people of Mexico. Other highlights include Tlacotalpan Festivity, a work inspired by the February 2 celebration of the Candelaria Virgin; Life is Like a Game, in which a bride, her groom, and her lover find their lives manipulated by the devil; and Fiesta en Jalisco, which features updated choreography and pays tribute to the charros and mariachis of the Jalisco region. The company also honors the great Mexican composer José Pablo Moncayo, who studied with American composer Aaron Copland and was known for creating music that captured the spirit of Mexico, in the piece Huapango. The costumes and sets used by the company are created specifically for Ballet Folklórico de México, representing the multifaceted cultures of Mexico's different regions.

Ballet Folklórico de México first performed in Chicago in 1959 at the Pan American Games at Soldier Field, dancing in the opening ceremony. The company has performed at the Auditorium Theatre numerous times since 1970, including its most recent appearance in Chicago in 2015. The company has performed over 5,000 times to audiences around the world.

Tickets start at $29 and are available online at AuditoriumTheatre.org, by phone at 312.341.2300, or in person at the Auditorium Theatre Box Office (50 E Ida B Wells Dr, formerly 50 E Congress Pkwy). Box seat tickets, which include a seat in the Auditorium Theatre's upper boxes, drinks, and snacks, may be purchased for $80 (adult) or $55 (for young people under the age of 18).

Ballet Folklórico de México is part of the International Dance Series (which also includes Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, American Ballet Theatre, and Eifman Ballet of St. Petersburg), which offers a 25% discount on tickets. A 10% family discount is available for groups of 4-5, and a 15% family discount is available for groups of 6-9. Discounts are also available for groups of 10+.

The Auditorium Theatre also offers $15 student rush tickets to full-time college students, and $5 tickets to young people ages 13-19 with Urban Gateways' Teen Arts Pass program. The Auditorium Theatre's ADMIT ONE program, launched in 2016, offers complimentary tickets to Chicago area community groups. Community groups may apply for ADMIT ONE here.

Photo courtesy of Ballet Folklórico de México

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