Although the term baile folklorico literally translates to folk dancing, it has a broader meaning than the English term. Baile folklorico refers to the traditional dances of Latin America, specifically Mexico and Central America, although there are some dances indigenous to the American Southwest that people also call baile folklorico. The origins of the many Latin American dances that fall under the umbrella term of baile folklorico are diverse, but the history of the popularization of baile folklorico is easy to trace.
History
Some folk dances in Mexico and Central America can be traced back to indigenous traditions and ancient cultures. Other dances are derived from the time the Spanish colonized Mexico, such as Jalisco's classic Jarabe, which features men in Spanish charro regalia and women in white dresses with bright ribbons, an indigenous tradition. However, the popular form of baile folklorico, in which traditional dances were modified and presented as a stage performance, began in 1952. Amalia Hernandez used her knowledge of ballet and modern dance to alter indigenous folk dances and premiered her troupe, the Ballet Folklorico Mexico. She also started a school in Mexico City focusing on folk dances.
Significance
These beginnings of Ballet Folklorico Mexico were humble. Hernandez had only eight dancers in the troupe, which restricted the types of performances they could give. Within five years, however, she had an ensemble of over 50 artists. She was able to expand her choreography to include some of the pieces for which the genre is known, involving over 35 dancers backed by live musicians. The Ballet Folklorico Mexico took to the road, performing everywhere from New York to Chicago to Paris. It has also continued to perform in its birthplace of Mexico City, every week, at the Palacio de Bellas Artes.
Features
The features of many dances categorized as baile folklorico are similar. The dancers wear traditional dress, often with ornate beading, embroidery, weaving and ribbons. Most dances tell a story, which often involves flirtation, love or jealousy. The movement and style is theatrical, with spinning, tapping, stomping and hopping. The most lavish performances feature live mariachi musicians who perform onstage as well, typically behind the dancers.
Expert Insight
Amalia Hernandez describes her troupe's unique fusing between ancient traditions and modern techniques as "the Mexico from yesterday and today," noting that the songs and dances are "born from ruins created between the black braids of the natives." She strives to capture both the pathos and the beauty of her country's long history.
Effects
The popularization of ballet folklorico has inspired many dance troupes to master indigenous dance forms with modern flourishes. In the city of Oaxaca, this fusion is on display in the annual Guelaguetza festival. This dance event, which usually takes place in late July, includes some notable dances such as The Dance of the Plumes, in which the performers wear enormous multicolored feather headdresses, and another dance that concludes with dancers pelting entire pineapples into the crowd.
Tags: Ballet Folklorico, Ballet Folklorico Mexico, folk dances, Folklorico Mexico, Amalia Hernandez, baile folklorico