UTPA’s Ballet Folklorico celebrates tradition with annual performance

By: Sarah Perrill
A brilliant display of color swept across the stage as dancers in traditional Mexican costumes dazzled audiences during Alegria 2012, the yearly performance by UTPA Ballet Folklorico.
Audience members gathered at the Fine Arts Auditorium Jan. 28 and 29 to watch the eight-act show, now in its 43rd year. Each dance was set to the theme of a state in Mexico and was accompanied by UTPA’s mariachi troupe Mexico Lindo.
“It is about enjoying the show and being festive and happy,” said Francisco Munoz, the current Dance Program coordinator for UTPA and professor of dance education.
Munoz coordinated each performance to get his students and the audience to see and experience the heart of Spanish culture through this vibrant showpiece of festive, traditional dances.
“We are trying to get more young people to come see the show, they need to be aware of this, it’s a part of their culture,” he said.
The 30 students who were selected to be part of Ballet Folklorico were chosen by Munoz based on their performance in his classes. On average the dancers practice twice a week for three hours to perfect each live performance.
“It’s like a way of life. I’ve been dancing since I was 7,” said Norma Silva, dancer and graduate student of art and design. “I continued ‘cause I love to do it, and it’s the only way for me to express my feelings for my culture.”
Ballet Folklorico has gained much recognition performing at national and international competitions, and for many on campus and cultural events. The group has collaborated with the Valley Symphony Orchestra, the UTPA theater, and Department of Music producing choreography for musicals, ballets and concerts.
In 1999, they received the honor of performing for the Texas House of Representatives in Austin, and at the National Organization of Folkloric Dance and the American College Dance Festival in 2007, were selected as one of the top 10 choreography’s from the South Central division.
“Seventy-five percent of the student population is Mexican American,” Munoz said. “We need to be involved to have more of a cultural awareness.”
The concert series will continue throughout the month from Feb. 3, 10, and 17 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 4, 5, 11, and 12-19 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $7 for students, and $12 for the general public at the door.