The Universidad de Guadalajara Ballet Folclorico is including a segment from Oaxaca’s colorful Guelaguetza Festival in their summer season that opened at the Teatro Degollado on Sunday, June 23.
This season’s revamped repertoire will include dances from the Candelaria de Tlacotalpan in Veracruz, as well as some danzon numbers. The choir will also interpret a piece in the Zapotec language.
The famed UdG troupe is made up of 14 pairs of dancers, and 32 musicians and singers. Most have been trained since they were small children, participating in the university’s junior troupe, the Ballet Folklorico Infantil.
Formed 47 years ago, the Ballet Folclorico performed in the 1968 Olympic Games opening ceremony and has made multiple national and international tours. Over the years its fame has grown to the point that now, along with the Amelia Hernandez troupe in Mexico City, it is considered the finest folk dance outfit in the nation.
This year’s season will run every Sunday through September 29. (Performances will not be held on September 1 and 8.)
Tickets cost from 80 to 250 pesos. There are discounts for over 60s, students and teachers. They are available from the Degollado box office and from Ticketmaster at www.tickemaster.com.mx and (33) 3818-3800.
Those who purchase tickets prior to July 6 for any of the season’s performance may obtain a 25-percent discount. For more information go to http://balletfolcloricoudg.com.