Jalisco
Known as the land of mariachis and the infamous "Jarabe Tapatio," known as the "Mexican hat dance" is embraced as the national dance of México. The folklore in Jalisco has turned into one of the national symbols par excellence. Dances and tunes (sones) reached a development in the late decades of the last century, such as the Dance of the Rope and the Jarabe Tapatio, along with La Negra. With their rhythmic footwork, large sombrero charro, and colorful dresses, the dances from Jalisco express the characteristics of the Mexican culture and evoke the heart and soul of Mexico.
Veracruz
Veracruz is the land of fishermen and home of the oldest and most important port in Mexico. Their music is comprised of a mixture of Spanish music influenced by African and Caribbean rhythms. This lively and contagious music is played on a harp, jarana (small guitar), and requinto (small rhythm guitar). Its dances, Sones and Jarabes are made up of very intricate footwork or “zapateados” with flamenco characteristics. The complex footwork is the emphasis in the fast-paced Veracruz dances. The women wear beautiful white long dresses decorated with gold that represent the ocean and sea life.
Sinaloa
Sinaloa is located in the Northwestern part of Mexico, on the coast of the Sea of Cortez. Home of Banda music, Sinaloa's music is energetic and explosive. The womens costume is a calico ruffled dress with the top off the shoulder. Hats adorned with tropical flowers or very colorful hairpieces with cascading ribbons are worn by the ladies. The men wear a tropical button up shirt with white pants and a Tejano hat. The dance is strong, powerful and very flirtatious. Sinaloa dances are known for big skirt movements, shoulder shimmies and long leans from the hip.
Chiapas
Chiapas is located in the southeastern region and is the "other" frontier of Mexico. Its name comes from the Nahuatl: Chiapan or river of Chia. Most of the state is embedded in a semi-tropical forest full of vegetation and wild life and is the home to various indigenous groups, direct descendants of the Mayan civilization that inhabited the area before the Spanish conquest. Chiapas is sub-divided into several regions, each demarked by the most predominant indigenous group. Because of this regional and ethnic division, the state's folklore is extensive and varied. It includes several styles, most of which are reminiscent of ancient Maya rituals that have managed to survive to the present. These dances either include mocking animal moves of sounds or are still extremely religious in their themes. The dance style follows the "son" style found in the rest of Mexico: Intricate foot stomping, partner choreography or soft, waltz-like tempos. The traditional "Chiapas" costume is a modern creation that has captured the vivid colors of local flora against the darkness of the jungle. Music for indigenous dancing is also varied, it is played on harps, flutes, wind orchestras, violins, marimbas, or plain percussion. Typical music for the Chiapas "son" is mostly played on marimbas of local manufacture. The marimba is a percussion instrument similar to the xylophone that came from Africa into Mexico during the colonial period by the African slaves. The original instrument created the resonance with tuned water filled gourds. But the abundance of precious woods in the Chiapas and Guatemala jungles have provided the resonance bars that to the present characterize this masterful instrument. Marimbas have been the source of inspiration for many Mexican musicians, while most of Guatemala's folklore is played on them. The destiny of both locations lived a converging history some time ago.
Oaxaca
Oaxaca is located in Southwestern Mexico The state is best known for its indigenous people and cultures. The most numerous and best known are the Zapotecs and the Mixtecs, but there are sixteen that are officially recognized. These cultures have survived better than most others in Mexico due to the state's rugged and isolating terrain. Many of the traditional dances are representative of the daily life of the indigenous people. Music and dance are almost inextricably linked to the state's folkloric heritage. Traditional music and dance has its roots in the indigenous traditions that existed long before the Spanish arrived. To these traditions were added elements from European culture and Catholicism. The three main traditions to be found in the state are those of the Zapotecs and the Mixtecs, with a small but distinct community of Afro-Mexicans. Some of the best known dances include Los Diablos, La Tortuga, Las Mascaritas and Los Tejorones. In the Afro-Mexican Costa Chica region, a dance called Las Chilenas stands out. La Sandunga is a song that typifies the musical style of the Tehuantepec region and a musical style called "son bioxho" is an endemic form of the son style played with drums, an empty tortoise shell and a reed flute. Flor de Pina is a well known dance from the Tuxtepec region where the women dance with pineapples on their shoulders. The Guelaguetza festival is held every July in the city of Oaxaca which celebrates the rich indigenous culture.
PLUS MANY MORE!
We also perform many dances from the states of Michoacan, Aztec period, Chihuahua, Tamulipas, Durango, Colima, Campeche, Yucatan just to name a few. Our dancers are always eager to learn new dances from various states.
We also perform many dances from the states of Michoacan, Aztec period, Chihuahua, Tamulipas, Durango, Colima, Campeche, Yucatan just to name a few. Our dancers are always eager to learn new dances from various states.