Analysis: El Ballet Folklorico De Mexico

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It is said that Ballet Folklórico has played a crucial role in creating an identity within the Mexican culture. It has been embedded as a “public symbol” because it demonstrates the richness that Mexican heritage and culture values (Ramírez 15). Originating from folk dances that have been around since the early 1800’s; Ballet Folklórico is known for is it mixture and expressivity within the footwork, costumes and creativity in choreography (Cantú). Amalia Hernandez, known coining the term Ballet Folklórico, came from a ballet and modern background before taking an interested in folk dances (“Ballet Folklorico de Mexico”). In 1952, Hernandez began to form her company Modern Ballet of Mexico, which later changed its’ name to El Ballet Folklórico…show more content…
This was the first step in the Hernandez transformation of a cultural identity. Although Hernandez has been criticized for her lack in value of authenticity within her work, despite her strong praise for creating an official representation of Mexican culture. In order to further understand and determine whether Hernández is authentic in her movement, there must be an understanding in the history and development of folk dancing in Mexico followed by Amalia Hernández’s impact on Mexican culture and the creation of El Ballet Folklórico de Mexico. This untimely leads to the question of whether Hernández’s movement is an authentic Mexican movement or commercialized version of folk dance. Dance has constantly played an important role in Mexico’s history since the end of the…show more content…
Completely taking away the authenticity of the ritual dance since the Yaqui consider to the deer to be a “sacred animal” (Gonzalez 33). In examining the work, there is an immediately clear distinction on how Hernández appropriates from the original ritual. In comparison to how the original dance is executed, Hernández choice of the male solo and his capabilities stands out compared to an authentic Yaqui descent performing the dance. Hernández choreographed the piece to be performed by a strong, defined, athletic male who can achieve high jumps and complicated turns that only a trained dancer can perform. Unlike the original tale, which do not require such athletic abilities (Gonzalez 33,34). In viewing an excerpt from the deer dance of Ballet Folklórico de Mexico dance, the male creates a strong presence when entering the stage. His first move is a strong leap on the set and he to search through the forest. As he continues to move the rhythm intensifies, adding to the dramatic setting. His movement is bond and heavy while indirect with his focus. As soon as he is shot, his movement becomes shaky and distorted as he falls to the ground in anguish over his death. It is important to note that his death scene is drawn out in Hernández version ("Danza Del Venado | Gala 60Años Ballet Folklórico De México De Amalia Hernández”). Compare to Hernández,
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