2012-283 EDC - Arts - Glenwood Elementary School PTA for Spring 2012 Grassroots Arts Awards $ 1,000

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Ballet Folklorico Mexico The full name of this spectacular folk dance company is the Ballet Folklorico Mexico de Los Hermanos Avila, founded in 1972 by Carmen and Jesus Avila(sister and brother)who are still performing with the company. Joined by a second and third generation of Avilas,Jesus is the director while Armando Contreras is choreographer, costume designer and artistic director. The authentic traditional regalia,as lavish and colorful as they are,are an important part of the show as they transform the energetic dancers from one scene to another. The majestic costumes are symbolic and are adorned with beads,suede,and colorful pheasant tails,some of which are six and a half feet in length. The Ballet Folklorico Mexico has been recognized by U.S.and Mexican officials as one of the most exciting groups presenting authentic regional dances of Mexico. The group has received proclamations and commendations from the State of Wisconsin,as well as from the Mexican Government Tourism Office.The dancers consider themselves multi-cultural ambassadors from around the world. As many of the dancers are college students,some come from Mexico,Puerto Rico and from as far as Japan and China.While the home base of the group is in Madison,Wisconsin,some members have performed in Germany,Russia and of course Mexico. The dancers perform rigorously and in great precision. Even though the dancers are all volunteers,they endure practice four or five days a week. Members of the company range in age from 15 to 35. The Ballet Folklorico Mexico was created not only to preserve Mexican folk dances,but also as a means to provide others with the opportunity to appreciate diversity among cultures. The dances of culturally rich Mexico certainly reflect diversity,and the troupe goes out of its way to perform dances from many regions of Mexico. From Tamaulipas to Veracruz,the Ballet Folklorico Mexico is like taking a live rhythmical and colorful trip through Mexico. The program includes historic dances from Azteca,Michoacan,Guerrero, Sonora,Jalisco,and other regions of Mexico,as well as dances dedicated to the"soldaderas,"the courageous women who supported and even fought alongside the men during the Mexican revolution. Regional dances reflect the unique tradition of a great country where many groups were physically isolated from one another,yet shared for the most part,language and common spirit. The Ballet transcends cultural influences from around the world. A 900 year pilgrimage to find a symbol that would tell the people where to build their empire,ended when a band of Aztecs discovered an island on which they saw an eagle devouring a serpent over a cactus. The island in Lake Texcoco is where the Aztec men and women,and their Gods,celebrated life together with magnificent rituals and ceremonies in which music and dance were key elements. Elaborate feathered outfits were thought to provide mystical communication with the Gods. Zapateados are dances enjoyed throughout the state of Guerrero,and they reflect the rhythm of people willing to express the joy of life with all their strength. In the state of Sonora,the Yaqui Indians perform their elaborate Deer Dance before beginning the hunt. To honor and show respect for the deer's endurance of spirit,a member of the tribe wares a deer's head and through gestures and manurism metamorphises into the animal The state of Jalisco is famous for its beautiful women and dashing caballeros. Its folklore is known throughout the world for its violent and sensual music exhibited in the vigorous dances,and dazzling dress. From Jalisco comes the Jarabe Tapatio,the infamous"Mexican Hat Dance." "The Ballet Folklorico weaves history with rythm,and seduces the senses with sights,and sounds, from the thunderous opening,to its climatic closing."