BALLET FOLKLORICO RIVERSIDE

In 1976, Ana de la Tejera founded Ballet Folklorico de Riverside, formerly de Arlanza, for the preservation of Mexican culture and heritage through the instruction and presentation of traditional Mexican dances. Ana along with 13 children started practicing on driveways and in garages. The costumes were simple. The girls’ costumes consisted of white peasant blouses, red skirts with yellow ribbons, and rick-rack. Their hair was braided with colorful ribbons. The boys dressed as cowboys wearing jeans, a western shirt, boots, and a cowboy hat.

The Ballet Folklorico’s membership has grown to over 100 dancers ranging from 5 years old and up. The dancers present traditional Mexican folk dances from more than 33 regions of Mexico and eras in Mexican history. The dances are based on traditional stories and rituals that have been passed from one generation to another. The broad range of regions includes the states of Jalisco, Veracruz, the historical periods of the Azteca Indians, and the Mexican Revolution. The dances presented range from early European-influenced polkas and Spanish-influenced Zapateados to recreations of prehispanic Azteca rituals and the most popular dance of Mexico, El Jarabe Tapatio or the Mexican Hat Dance.