This outstanding production was mounted on the grounds of the Castillo de Chapultepec.
The original Ballet Folklorico de Mexico was a project created by dancer and choreographer Amalia Hernández in 1952. It brings together the music, dance and costume of Mexican folklore from pre-Colombian civilizations to the modern era. She incorporated traditional dances and cultures from all across Mexico. The version we saw last night was a Christmas version, including the nativity scene with certain Christmas elements.
It was spectacular. There were live musicians and a cast of at least 40 dancers, and more than 20 singers. The costumes and props were fantastic, there was audience participation at times, including a singalong portion at the end. As a former theatre director, I was so impressed by the sheer magnitude of the show – the logistics were dizzying- so many costume changes and moving parts.
Bonus was that we were sitting next to the father of one of the main vocalists – he was beaming with pride the entire show. Occasionally he was providing commentary (in Spanish and sometimes in broken English). He also sang along at times in a beautiful voice.
I put together a small video compilation of moments from the show, but it doesn’t do it justice.
https://youtu.be/WiXnxtxnTm8?si=SKWZ6CiGxX0paQqm
Overall a fantastic day, but barely have time to process it before the next adventure that Michelle has planned for us!
I would have to say what stood out for me the most was this feeling of irrepressible joy that was bubbling up in my chest for the entire 90 minute show. This is something I think all of us desperately need. Yesterday’s activities remind me that sometimes it is easy to forget the importance of having beauty in art and music and theatre and culture in our lives. In our darkest moments we need moments like these.