The Ballet Folklorico is theatrical work that combines the classic art of ballet with the legends and customs of a people, in order to pay homage to the past and create pride in the future.

In ancient Mexico, dances were performed during festivals and were meant to entertain the gods. Today’s ballets represent both the struggle and the daily joys of Mexicans over the centuries. Many groups, in both Mexico and the United States, continue to perform these dances as a way to honor their culture and heritage.

The name Guelaguetza means “an offering.” This is a ballet inspired by the ancient Zapotec custom of offering a welcome through the language of music and dance. It is an expression of hospitality to visitors and respect to governors.

The most spectacular dance of the region is the Feather Dance, which requires of its performers great agility in order to perform the intricate movements and manipulate the richly adorned feather headdresses.

Another form of welcome is the series of jarabes from the Mixtec people of Oaxaca, one of the Indian peoples living in this region. These dances of welcome, with their light and lyrical steps, are performed to the accompaniment of a typical village band.