Mexican Ballet Folklorico:
An Artistic Form of Cultural
Expression
PROPOSED RESEARCH PROJECT
Researcher:
Trisha
Venisa-Alicia Martinez
Mentors: Dr. Cecilia J. Aragón
and
Lawrence Jackson
Department of Chicano Studies and
Theatre and Dance
Introduction:
Historically, the traditional Mexican dances of
Ballet Folklorico are viewed as a performing
event, something to be witnessed in the moment
of time in which the event occurs. There are
very few scholarly studies that look at Mexican
Ballet Folklorico as a regional cultural
phenomenon in a specific social context.
Importance of Study:
Methods:
My study will be done in two parts. First, I will identify the different regional Ballet Folklorico dances of
Mexico. In the second part of my study, I examine the different regional dances of Mexico based on their
historical origins, style, footwork, costumes, and musical accompaniment.
Data for this study of Mexican Ballet Folklorico will be gathered by utilizing literature reviews, attendance
at dance performances, interviews with Ballet Folklorico dancers and choreographers, as well as
participation in Folklorico workshops.
Mexican Ballet Folklorico reinforces historical
narration, establishes cultural exchange among
communities, and constructs ethnic identity
through culture, song, music, and language.
It is of paramount importance to add new
knowledge as the growing interest of Mexican
Ballet Folklorico expands and travels throughout
the Americas.
Statement of the Problem:
This research investigates the origins of
Mexican Ballet Folklorico, and the variety of
dance techniques and styles influenced by
regional flair.
Hypothesis:
I argue that Mexican Ballet Folklorico is traditional in its form of cultural arts expression. The dances of
each particular region will be different in presentation, but will also have similarities in form with other
regional dances. Ballet Folklorico is a dance form with precise traditional footwork that has been passed on
from generation to generation of dancers. Although the footwork is a stable and consistent factor of the
Ballet Folklorico dance, the choreography, spectacle, and presentation are fluid elements of each particular
region, making this cultural phenomenon site-specific.
Acknowledgements:
First and foremost, I would like to thank the good Lord for blessing
me with life and a passion for dancing. I would like to give a
special thanks to my mentors Dr. Aragon and Professor Jackson. I
thank the McNair Scholars program for funding this project and for
the guidance I received from Zackie and Susan. I want to
acknowledge my grandparents Alice and Mike Martinez, and my
father Victor Martinez for all of their support. I would also like to
recognize my children, Giovontá and Orlando, for being my source
of inspiration.