Our Bloggers' Thoughts
Experience
This show was interesting for me for two different reasons. One, I sat on a wheelchair the entire night and experienced how it might be for a person on a wheelchair. The lobby was very crowded but everyone was so nice and stepped aside to let me pass through. I received so many sympathetic looks and many questions from our friends. When the door opened my mom pushed the wheelchair up the ramp until we got to the door, but the ushers told us to go back and use another ramp to get to our seats. It would had been helpful if there was someone in the lobby guiding us before we went up the ramp or there were signs indicating which way was wheelchair accessible. A young gentleman who was a tech crew volunteered to show us the right way. Overall, I was treated fairly well.
Then there was the show. I loved the music and the dresses were so colorful and bright as I had anticipated. The dancers were fluttering on stage, and it looked like a butterfly garden. I wanted to get up and put on one of those dresses and turn in circles till I was dizzy! My favorite dance was the “Deer Dance.” The deer was so well interpreted. From reading the program I was looking forward to watching the “Wedding in the Huasteca”, but for some reason it was not done complete. I didn’t see the two men fighting till the rival dies (or did I miss that?) I found the show to be a bit lengthy. After the "Deer Dance" I was bored because I found it getting repetitive. Overall, I enjoyed the show.
Expectations
When I was a little girl, I danced both ballet and flamenco for five years. I loved dancing flamenco because of the long, flowing skirts and the Spanish music, which I find similar to Mexican folklórico and Mexican music. Being born and raised on the border, I have special ties with Mexico. I have many friends and tias and tios from whom I have learned much about the Mexican culture and have become accustomed with the traditions. Celebrating Charro Days with upbeat dances, lovely outfits and large bows year after year has also contributed to my knowledge of the traditions and costumes from different parts of Mexico.
Therefore, I am jubilant to watch Amelia Hernández’s Ballet Folklórico. In this show, I expect a wide array of colors, Mexican folk music and my favorite, the twirling skirts resembling flowers. I look forward to watching stories come alive on stage through brilliant choreography and fascinating dances. It amazes me that Señora Amelia Hernández has created this genre of dancing, and now she is bringing her magnificent creativity to Brownsville. I anticipate this show to be sold-out due to our location so close to Mexico and the cultural diffusion present in Brownsville. I think the audience will be made up of all ages -- from little girls who take dance lessons to abuelos with memories from their youth in Mexico to Winter Texans who would be entertained by this precious representation of Mexico.
Experience
As soon as the show began with darkness and an overture playing, a smile grew on my face from the beautiful, upbeat music of Mexico. When the curtain revealed the first dance, which was also my favorite, I knew these weren’t just your ordinary dancers. Throughout distinctive performances until the very end, every Mexican entertainer and every talented achievement proved that years of practice and experience makes perfect. I thought a performer was going to ruin a step, especially the actor handling the lasso creating the rope dance, but they continued to smoothly execute exaggerated, jaw-dropping moves easily! Each efficacy was uniquely refined, and the entire ballet was filled with colorful interactions. The highly event also gave off a resemblance of the sharks from the 60s musical, "West Side Story". The balcony view was amazing because I was able to view all of the choreography on stage which some audience members in floor seats could not cannot see.
Honestly, I didn’t think I would enjoy it so much since my grandparents always listening to “Tejano” tunes was enough for me, but this folklore actually persuaded me to look into the elegant, cultural past of these traditions which I did not know about before. So many prideful charros, chinas, mariachis, and musicians doing what they love the most to expose a different historical side to many crowds drawing them into compassion and nostalgia.
Expectations
Nationwide leading sources of news such as the Los Angeles Times and New York Newsday have reviewed and critiqued about the genre of dance from the foreign country bordering us called the Ballet Folkl&ooacute;rico de México de Amalia Hernández. The cultural choreography from Central America has been expressive in front of various audiences of all races performing and explaining Mexican history through a different, artistic way since 1952.
Down here in the Rio Grande Valley, Mexican pride is important to most of its population, which is not surprising since Brownsville residents are so nearby the location where this tradition originates from. I’m not into Mexican heritage very much or as spiritual about the legacy of Mexico, but I’ve always wanted to attend a ballet about its beliefs, customs, etc. Despite how the lifestyle is over there at present, the ancestry and ethnic background of the region’s past people used to be thankful for the beautiful environments and wisdom which surrounded them, the time when I wouldn’t have minded being proud to be a Hispanic citizen. My excitement for this folklore toe dance rises as my imagination of active mariachis and dressed dames performing proudly for their own nation cavort and bring out their passion onto the stage.
Experience
Watching the The Ballet Folklórico de México in person was an incredible experience. It truly did feel like Charro Days in October. All my expectations were not only met, but the performance had several surprises that I was not anticipating. My expectation for “a spectacular night, full of fast paced folk dance with great colorful costumes” was met; and it was a sight to gaze at the huge headpieces. They were 6 feet in diameter. I kept thinking the headpieces might fall off or bump into another performer, but it was a flawless performance. The foot stomping foot work of the dancers made me feel as if I was witnessing the Spanish version of the "River Dance." It was also very beautiful to see the women float and sweep the floor of the stage with their long flowing costumes. They danced so effortlessly making it seem like their skill is so easy to learn. Incredibly, The Ballet Folklórico de México was also full of surprises.
As my nine year old and I were anticipating the dance part of the performance, we never imagined how much we would enjoy some other aspects of the show. For example, one of the dances was "Charreada," or the rope dance. Both my daughter and I were surprised at how long the gentleman could lasso. He kept the rope moving constantly for the entire dance (probably for over 10 to 15 minutes). He had a fast pace, a slow pace, and even did several tricks that kept the audience clapping. Another surprise was the mariachis. One of the men held a note for so long that my jaw dropped in amazement. What a talent! The Ballet Folklórico de México over exceeded our expectations. It was a night full of culture and fun. ¡Viva México!
Expectations
The Ballet Folklórico de México is one of the performances I am looking forward to watching the most this season. It is a Mexican folkloric ballet ensemble from Mexico City that has been performing for over 60 years using ballet works and music that reflect the various traditions from all over Mexico especially the customs of indigenous Mesoamerican culture. Since my daughter is studying ancient history this year, it will be intriguing to witness the traditions of the Mesoamerican culture before our very own eyes. What a terrific treat. It will be like going back in time. I am also thrilled about viewing it because these customs are part of my Mexican heritage.
While watching the promo video on the UTB webpage, I jokingly told my daughter, "You would not want to attend that performance, right? It seems long and boring." To which my daughter quickly remarked, "Of course I want to zoom over to that show; it (folkórico) is in my blood." Well, how could I disagree with her? So both of us are longing to experience what is promised to be a spectacular night, full of fast-paced folk dance with great colorful costumes. In the promo video, we caught glimpses of some huge headpieces that we cannot wait to gaze at in person.
Watching The Ballet Folklórico de México in person will be like having Charro Days in October. Don't miss this night of culture and fun.
Experience
Ballet Folklórico de Mexico was outstanding! Watching them showing off their routines highlighting the music, dance and costume of all of Mexico was a sight to behold. From the "Matachines" to the "Charreada" to the folklore of the mariachi, they were all displayed in vivid color and motion, better than I could have ever imagined. Having only seen mariachis previously, I was surprised by the wide variety of music types and instruments used in the performance. I had a hard time keeping up with the fast fingers of that harp player!
My favorite section was probably the "Deer Dance". You could feel the freedom of the dancer in deer costuming initially, then the tension as the hunters arrived and in the battle between them. Even though I do not understand Spanish, I was still able to thoroughly enjoy all the singing presented: the power, range and beauty of all their voices. I applaud all the performers and look forward to having the privilege of seeing another of their fine performances!
Expectations
When I saw this ballet group on the schedule this year, I wasn't sure what to expect. Last year's schedule also had a dance group, which I must say I didn't find too enjoyable. I do enjoy watching dance and ballet, but, I guess I wanted to see more movement and action. I did become more hopeful during the intermission at "The General", when a clip of the Ballet Folklórico was shown. There looks to be a lot of fluid dancing and a LOT of color! Put that together with the Latino musical flavor, and it will be a vivid display of dancing that I won't forget anytime soon!
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