Alegre Ballet Folklórico

In October of 1993 the group began as a continuation from a group originally for students of the Government and Law Magnet High School and opened its doors to the general public. Since then, Alegre has built itself from a three-member group up to eighty members at a time and is consistently looking to build their repertoire. The group has always been fortunate to have rehearsal space enabling all the classes to be extremely low cost. In 1998, Alegre teamed up with the Ice House Cultural Center and the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs to set up a home for the group in the Ice House Dance Studio located in Oak Cliff. In October 2010, Alegre Ballet Folklorico moved to the new studio in the Oak Cliff Cultural Center.

Alegre has been blessed to have the respect and support of other groups both local and non-local. These connections have made it possible to broaden the dancer’s knowledge and technique in folklórico by bringing them experts in their respective fields. It is Alegre Ballet Folklórico’s belief that exposing the dancers to different teachers and styles of teaching makes them well-rounded and better dancers. Competitions are not a focus of Alegre Ballet Folklórico; they are a tool used to give dancers a sense of self improvement and unity. Alegre’s goal has always been to do your best and take pride in what you have accomplished.

Alegre Ballet Folklórico has many plans for the immediate and distant future. Alegre has already been invited to other parts of Mexico as an on-going exchange of culture and friendships. Alegre hopes to continue annual shows, performing their newest cuadros and sharing the stage with other groups from near and far.

PEDRO PEREZ II

Pedro Perez II, Alegre Ballet Folklórico founder and director, has been in folklórico for over 20 years. Born and raised in Oak Cliff, Texas, Pedro has always had a love for the artistry and beauty of Mexican and Latino Culture.

 At an early age, Pedro was given the option to “give folklórico a chance” in elementary school to see if he liked it. He enjoyed it, but never expected it to take the turn that it took. In May 1988, Pedro’s parents found Manuel and Guadalupe “Wally” Godinez and the Ballet Folklórico Hispano de Dallas. It was with Hispano de Dallas and the hard work and effort of the Godinez Family that changed and shaped the admiration, love and dedication that Pedro has for folklórico today! With Ballet Folklórico Hispano de Dallas, Pedro performed across the state in some of the most prestigious venues. In 1992, Pedro was asked to teach his fellow students at the Government and Law Magnet High School. In May of 1992 and May of 1993, he put the Law Magnet Cinco de Mayo dance program together for his school. In September 1993 Manuel and Wally decided to take a break from folklórico and ended Hispano de Dallas. Pedro tried other local folklórico groups, as well as flamenco, but his friends and classmates suggested he start a group outside the school.