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 Entertainment | September 2007 
Mexican Troupe Steps Up as Ambassadors
 Jane Vranish - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
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| Ballet Folklorico de Mexico
Where: Byham Theater, Downtown Pittsburgh
When: 7 p.m. Sunday
Tickets: $20 to $37
More information: 412-456-6666 or www.pgharts.org |
Times were simpler when Amalia Hernandez founded Ballet Folklorico de Mexico in 1952, but even today, the company's mission remains the same. Manager Salvador Lopez, her grandson, says that Ballet Folklorico still has a wide-ranging appeal as ambassadors of Mexico.
"This company has represented the Mexican culture for a long time. It's an interpretation of the dances, the music, the color, the spirit of Mexicans. We're bringing part of our culture to not only the Mexicans who live in the United States, but to the American people. It's a very successful and strong company that brings the soul of Mexico."
Social issues have always played a part in the Ballet Folklorico history. "[Mexico's heritage] includes a lot of civil wars," Lopez explains. "We're bringing a part of the program called 'The Revolution,' which explains the part played by women in that war."
With a main company totaling 600, Ballet Folklorico has sent tours extensively around the world, where "we are appreciated by many kinds of people." Other aspects that lure audiences are the Spanish heritage, the indigenous Indian ancestry and strong Catholic ties.
Lopez can also point to the home company's performances every Wednesday in Mexico City at the Palace of Fine Arts, noting that "80 to 90 percent of the audiences come from the U.S."
The main attraction for this company, last seen here circa 1973, is a seemingly unending rainbow of colorful costumes, with headdresses that can reach 6 feet in length, that depict Mexico's rich and varied history.
Lopez cites two numbers that were on the Pittsburgh program: The "Deer Dance" of the Yacqui Indians is a favorite in the repertoire of some modern dance companies, filled as it is with bounding leaps that depict an animal trying to escape hunters, and "Los Matachines" ("The Masqueraders"), culled from the center of Mexico and featuring costumes of vibrant pinks and greens and capped by feather headdresses resembling large saucers.
Also included in the 60-member program at the Byham Theater will be "Las Catsalas," from Puebla, and dances from Vera Cruz, with exquisite lace gowns that would be worn to a fiesta, and "La Bamba," in which two dancers tie a lover's knot with their flying feet.
Jane Vranish can be reached at jvranish@post-gazette.com |
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