Celebrating the heritage of Mexican dance

Adrienne Dominguez

Sophomore Adrienne Dominguez and the 15 other dancers in Ballet Folklórico de Princeton will present the group's sixth annual show at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 12, in the Frist Campus Center theater. The student organization is dedicated to performing the traditional folk dances of México.   

Above left: Freshman Norma Lopez Campos and junior Oscar Castro dance to "Jarabe Tapatio," known in English as the "Mexican Hat Dance." It is considered by many the national dance of México, seen as a symbol of national pride and honor of the Mexican people. The dance tells the story of love and courtship.
 
 
At left: From left, freshmen Rocio Gutierrez and Marieugenia Cardenas, sophomore Adrienne Dominguez, and freshman Norma Lopez Campos showcase the group's repertoire, which spans several states of México including Jalisco. In this piece, "Fiesta en Jalisco," the women are getting ready for a party.
 

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View a video made by sophomore Adrienne Dominguez about Ballet Folklórico de Princeton. Below left: From left, sophomore Adrienne Dominguez, junior Hugo Arellano Santoyo, freshman Norma Lopez Campos and junior Oscar Castro conclude "Jarabe Tapatio," with the men winning the women's hearts. Photos: Brian Wilson

Campos and Castro dance to "Jarabe Tapatio"

Ballet Folklórico de Princeton, a student organization dedicated to performing the traditional folk dances of México, will present its sixth annual show, "De Colores," at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 12, in the Frist Campus Center theater.

Founded in 1991, Ballet Folklórico de Princeton seeks to enrich the University's cultural community by spreading an appreciation for México's unique folk dancing heritage. The group's repertoire spans several states of México -- Jalisco, Veracruz, Baja California Sur, Guerrero -- and its newest region, Huasteca Veracruzana.

Ballet Folklórico dancing

Traditional Mexican Folkloric dancing is best recognized by the colorful dresses worn by the women and charros (suits) worn by the men. The dance is typically accompanied by mariachi music, which is a definitive part of Mexican culture.

Members of Ballet Folklórico de Princeton have varied backgrounds and levels of dance experience. Tying every member together is the love of dance and the desire to display a very important aspect of Mexican culture through dance and song, according to organizers. The group is made up of 14 current students and two members of the class of 2007.

The concert is sponsored by the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Students, the Program in Latin American Studies and the Department of Spanish and Portuguese Languages and Cultures.

Admission is free with Tiger Tickets marked "Student Events Eligible," or tickets can be purchased for $6 for general admission. They are available online through University Ticketing, by visiting the ticket office in the Frist Campus Center or by calling (609) 258-9220.

Dancing the "Jarabe Tapatio"