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–  Founder of Ballet Folklorico de Mexico  –

Centenario de Amalia Hernandez

Oct 10 – Nov 4, 2018

The Firehouse Art Center is proud to present a series of photographs chronicling the life and performances of Amalia Hernández, Founder of Ballet Folkórico de México. The exhibit was first assembled in 2017 on the 100th anniversary of her birth. Ballet Folklorico combines traditional folk dancing with ballet characteristics, emphasizing the artistic and cultural value of Mexico. This exhibit is presented in coordination with our annual Dia de los Muertos celebrations, and will coincide with community arts events, street fiesta, Gigantes procession, and Catrina Ball.

After several years as a dancer, teacher, and choreographer at the Mexican Academy of Dance, Amalia Hernández began her own dance ensemble. This group, first known as “Ballet Moderno de México,” gained popularity due to the imaginative choreographies created by Hernández. In 1959, with newfound and wide popularity in the country, the Tourism Board of Mexico asked Hernández and her dance company to participate in the Pan American Games of Chicago, Illinois. This was the first time the Ballet Folklórico de México performed outside Mexico. In 1961, Ballet Folklórico de México won first place at the Paris Festival of Nations, competing against renowned institutions including Russia’s Moiseyev Dance Company. Soon after Ballet Folklórico de México was given a permanent residence in Mexico City’s Palace of Fine Arts, El Palacio de Bellas Artes, by President Adolfo Lopez Mateos.

With multiple international tours and 3 weekly performances at El Palacio de Bellas Artes, El Ballet Folklórico de México has performed for more than 22 million people, since its creation in 1952.

This exhibit is provided thanks to the generosity of the Consulate General of Mexico, Denver.