Ballet Folklorico de Veracruz

The “ Ballet Folklorico de Veracruz ” is part of the Ministry of Education and Culture from the Mexican State of Veracruz , it culturally represents the General Direction of High Schools in the State of Veracruz . This group, whose initial name was “Conjunto de Danzas Folkloricas Nacionales” (Group of National Folkloric Dances) and “Conjunto de Danzas de Jalapa ” ( Jalapa ’s Dance Group), was founded in 1990 by Professor Angel Ciro Silvestre.

Originally it takes part in the cultural promotion bringing to Xalapa and other cities of Mexico a rich sample of the stage folklore. Soon it receives several awards and acknowledgements at indigenous dance contests (State level), summoned by the General Direction of high schools.

In 1993, “ Ballet Folklorico de Veracruz ” recived the “Merito Juvenil de Danza” (Dance Youth Merit) award granted by the State of Veracruz , the Youth Institute of Veracruz and the Ministry of Education and Culture. This has been the only time this award had been granted to the folkloric ballet

In 1995, it is selected by the National Council for Culture and Arts to act at the III International Dance Show in Mexico City- being the only folkloric group invited to perform during the whole event.

In 1997, due to the high quality of its work, “ Ballet Folklorico de Veracruz ” is invited to “ Havana ’s Carnival” in Cuba and to the commemoration of the Mexican independence in Ottawa , Canada . Just a year later it performs at the closing show in the “Camino Real Spring Break Folklorico Workshops”, in San Marcos , Austin and San Antonio , Texas , USA .

In the summer of 2000, this company represents Mexico in many international festivals of folklore in France organized by the International Council of Folkloric Organizations and Federations (CIOFF), UNESCO, where it is labeled as the best Mexican group in 12 years.

Due to its success, in 2001, the group starts a tour across Italy, Spain and France where it participated in “Les Folkloriades” of Dijon winning “La coupe du Syndicat d’initative”, also in the 39 International Festival of the Pyrenees and acting in “El Primer Salon Mundo Latino en Paris”.

Among the comments:

“… It has been the best Mexican group we have ever presented at the festival”

“… It is a homogeneous and strong group, with a perfectly controlled talent and a stage quality worthy in every aspect”

In 2002 this group performs in different schools and universities of the USA with remarkable success. Once again, assists to European musical festivals in 2003 and 2004, representing Mexico , also with satisfactory outcomes. In February, March and April 2005 goes on tour across Spain visiting Cataluna and Aragon.

Professor Silvestre makes sure all the members of his company not only learn music and dances routines, but also norms and rules of self-control, responsibility and persistence in work through the desire of showing and bringing their culture every where in the world, but more over, the pride of their roots. All this assures the public that they will see one of the best Mexican stage dances.