Alegre Ballet Folklórico


Rumbo Al Norte



Bienvenidos!

We would like to welcome you to our presentation of Rumbo Al Norte. This presentation takes you on a journey from the heart of Mexico to the northern border of the United States. It is a path that thousands have taken, and continue to take every day. We present this as a reminder of the distance people have traveled in search of a higher quality of life. What many people have left behind hoping for a better future. This journey has been going on for generations, and continues to this very day (and from even further south). We do this in honor of our ancestors, who made it possible to be here on this day. We pray for those who continue to travel this harsh, yet beautiful path. May they be safe on their journey, and find a safe home, where ever that may be.



Para la Programa en Espanol


Oprime aqui

Act 1



mexico



We bring to you a typical outfit to represent each state in Mexico.



Puebla



Danza de Arcos y Tejadores



Beginner/Intermediate Adults
Choreography by Pedro Perez II



The "Danza de Arcos y Tejedores" (Dance of Arches and Weavers) is a symbolic dance that represents the connection between indigenous beliefs and Catholic traditions in Mexico, often performed in the Bajío region. Its significance lies in its role as a cultural bridge, demonstrating how indigenous practices were adapted to incorporate Christian elements after the Spanish conquest, thereby preserving aspects of ancient ritual while facilitating evangelization. The dance is an example of the syncretism that occurred in many Mexican cultural traditions, preserving ancient spiritual practices through adaptation and storytelling.



Jarabes



Advanced Adults
Choreography by Pedro Perez II



The term "Jarabe de Puebla" refers to a type of regional Mexican folk dance and music. Its significance lies in its representation of mestizo (mixed Indigenous and Spanish) culture, its historical role as a symbol of cultural identity and nationalism.



China Poblana



Beginner/Intermediate Adults
Choreography by Pedro Perez II



This iconic dress is most often recognized for being the “traditional dress of México”, but started as the typical outfit of Puebla. Legends trace its origins to the story of an Asian princess, known across México as Catarina de San Juan, taken by pirates and sold to a wealthy Mexican aristocrat. Though her true country of origin was likely India, the prevailing Mexican stereotype at the time attributed anyone of Asian descent to China, leading to the name "China Poblana." Catarina incorporated elements from her homeland and blended them with symbols representing México to create the dress. Adorning the front is the majestic image of an eagle, México’s national bird, presented with its wings spread open. On the back, the Aztec calendar, an emblem of México’s indigenous origins. Alongside the sequined motifs, each skirt is lavishly embellished with geometric designs.



Huasteco



Beginner/Intermediate Adults
Choreography by Pedro Perez II



The Huasteca Poblana is another one of the six regions of the Huasteca. The style is very humble and has not changed much from its Mestizo origins, however that does not make it any less notable than the other Huastecas.



Veracruz



Danzon



Advanced Adults
Choreography by Edgardo Villalobos



Danzón in Mexico is a popular ballroom dance and musical genre that originated in Cuba and found a second home in Mexico, where it has been embraced as a cultural treasure. It is a formal, elegant partner dance characterized by graceful movements, close embraces, and intricate footwork that plays with the syncopated rhythms of the music. Mexican danzón is often performed in public plazas, such as Mexico City's Zócalo or Plaza de la Ciudadela, where people of all ages gather to dance, and it is also enjoyed in dance halls and concert halls across the country.



Sotavento



Juniors
Choreography by Reeses Torres



Along the coast of the Gulf of México, the state of Veracruz is where the Spanish first stepped foot in what is now México. With colonization, the Spanish brought slaves as well as created a port connecting México to even more countries from around the world, thus bringing new cultural influences. The music and dances from this area have a blend of African rhythms mixed with footwork that is very similar to those seen in flamenco dance. At the fandangos in the Sotavento, the men sport their guayaberas and the women wear long lavish dresses that are heavily laced and accessorize with rebozos, aprons, and fans, all originating from their Spanish colonizers.



Campesino



Beginner/Intermediate Adults
Choreography by Pedro Perez II



The fandangos of Veracruz have not changed much in the last century. The people of the various pueblitos (small towns) still come together in the jardin (town square). The men are typically dressed in their guayaberas, while the women come dressed in their simple daily wear or something a little more elegant. The music and way of dancing has not changed. The sones and zapateados still have a Spanish flair with the African undertones.



San Luis Potosi



Rio Verde



Juniors
Choreography by Reeses Torres



The term "Valonas de San Luis Potosí" refers to both a traditional style of rural Mexican folk music and dance originating in the state of San Luis Potosí, and the specific dance groups that perform this style. The accompanying folk dance is an important part of the cultural expression of the region. The stylized female costume used in the dance is a modern creation designed to represent the "La Región Naranjera" (Orange Grower Region) of San Luis Potosí, which is known for its extensive citrus fruit cultivation.



Huasteco



Advanced Adults
Choregraphy by Daniel Negrete



The Huasteca is a region that extends through six northeastern states of México, including San Luis Potosi. San Luis Potosi consists of a traditional outfit rich in ornate elements. The Quechquemitl is a garment that dates back to pre-Hispanic times and is similar to a poncho in design. It is intricately hand embroidered with designs in multicolored thread. It was originally worn as a huipil and reserved for special occasions by high priestesses and women of significant social standing. The necklaces, adorned with beads, not only represent wealth but also convey the marital status of the wearer. For single women, ribbons tied to the beads cascade down their backs, while married women omit the ribbon, making these adornments a significant cultural symbol.



Act 2



chihuahua



Revolucion



Juniors
Choreography by Reeses Torres & Pedro Perez II



The Mexican Revolution took place from 1910 to 1920. Prior to the revolution, Mexico was under the rule of a small group of wealthy elites who held immense control over all aspects of society, including culture, the economy, and politics. This domination left the farmers, miners, and other working-class individuals, many of whom were indigenous, questioning the unfair situation. Despite being the backbone of society, they had little to no influence over important decision-making processes. Fueled by anger over their lack of representation, the working class mobilized and rebelled against the ruling elite. Their collective efforts resulted in the overthrow of the president and a push to reform the government. This led to the redistribution of land, the establishment of labor rights, and the extension of voting rights to all citizens. Ultimately, the Mexican Revolution brought a new era of change and transformation.



Polkas



Advanced Adults
Choreography by Reeses Torres



Chihuahua is the largest state of México and borders Texas and New México. When the Germans immigrated to México, many settled in this state, bringing more European influence to the country through polka. This style of music, dress, and dance was adopted by Chihuahua, along with many other northern states, as its own.



Tamaulipas



Picotas



Beginner/Intermediate Adults
Choreography by Nallely Ramirez



The Picota dances are an essential part of the cultural heritage of Tamaulipas, a state located in northeastern México. The origin of the dances can be traced back to Spanish colonial times when African slaves were brought to México. They were initially used as a way to celebrate religious festivals and special occasions. Over time, the dances evolved into a unique form of expression that incorporates elements from the different cultural influences of the region. The dancers wear dresses that represent various animals, plants, and mythical creatures found in the region. The movements are energetic and rhythmic, accompanied by live music.



Baja California



Calabaceados



Juniors
Choreography by Reeses Torres



​Calabaceados de Baja California are dances that originated in the city of La Misión, in the northern Mexican state of Baja California. These dances are lively and upbeat as dancers stomp, jump, and kick, imitating various animals that can be found on the ranches of Baja California.



nuevo Leon



Centro



Advanced Adults
Choreography by Pedro Perez II
after Maestro Isidro Salas



Bordering the tip of Texas is the state of Nuevo Leon. This northern state was also influenced greatly by its European settlers and is known for polkas and huapangos. The polkas made their way into Mexico from their Czechoslovakian and Polish origins in the 19th Century. The dances of Nuevo Leon have recently gained attention through challenges that have been created for people to guess which country the music or outfit presented is from since the styles between the original countries and the traditions that emerged in Mexico are very similar.



Centro



Children 1
Choreography by Jessica Garcia



Bordering the tip of Texas is the state of Nuevo Leon. This northern state was also influenced greatly by its European settlers and is known for polkas and huapangos. The polkas made their way into Mexico from their Czechoslovakian and Polish origins in the 19th Century. The dances of Nuevo Leon have recently gained attention through challenges that have been created for people to guess which country the music or outfit presented is from since the styles between the original countries and the traditions that emerged in Mexico are very similar.



Linares



Advanced Adults
Choreography by Maestro Luis Diaz



The history of Nuevo Leon's folkloric dances dates back to the 16th century when Spanish colonizers arrived in México. The indigenous people of the region had their own traditional dances, which eventually blended with Spanish influences. Throughout the years, various other cultures such as African and Caribbean also contributed to shaping the dances. The dresses are often brightly colored with intricate embroidery and ruffles, and are typically long and flowing, allowing for graceful movements during the dances.



Coming june 6, 2025



Dancers



Juniors



Abigail Nunez

Abigail Suarez

Allison Bernal

Aryanna Rockmore

Briana Garcia

Camila Casteneda

Camila Lopez

Castiel Hernandez

Christian Woelfle

Dayana Lopez

Evelyn Nunez

Fatima Tavera

Gabriela Alonzo

Ileana Monreal

Isabella Garza

Isabella Villegas

Jasmine Leon

Joselyn Gutierrez

Juan Gutierrez

Lourdes Lazalde

Makinly Garza

Marlin Martinez

Olivia Meza

Paula Trujillo

Samantha Teakell

Sara Mata

Sofia Steele

Victoria Garza

Yadira Robledo



Beginner/Intermediate Adults



Adriana Guzman

Adriana Sanchez

Adrianna Cabrales

Aida Dominguez

Alejandra Ortega

Alexa Cantu

Amy Torres

Ana Bautista

Aryanna Rockmore

Berenice Sanchez

Brianna Kendall

Cloris Rangel

Dina Ramirez

Felicia Rockmore

Griselda Garza

Ilse Trevino

Isabel (Chabelita) Guel

Leslie Guerrero

Luz Maria Garcia

Maria Isabel Pulgarin

Melissa Lara

Monica Monreal

Nelly Garcia

Nora Hernandez

Sandra Matthews

Uriel Baez

Xochitl Fuentes

Yahaira Rodriguez

Yazmin Monrreal

Yesenia Lerma



Advanced Adults



Aileen Vilchis

Alejandra Lopez

Alesandra Davila

Allison Contreras

Christian Woelfle

Daniel Negrete

Dominique Avila Fleming

Elena Cruz

Eric Galindo

Fany Rojas

Fiona Woelfle

Francisco Villarreal

Jazmine Gutierrez

Jessica Garcia

Maritza Gutierrez

Michael Felix

Nallely Ramirez

Reeses Torres

Vanessa Steele



Children 1 Class



Alonzo Gomez

Anahi Lozano

Cain Hernandez

Cecilia Gomez

Jude Villarreal

Madyson Narez

Nadia Rodriguez

Yaneli Rivera



Credits



Folkloric dance, like any cultural expression, is a dynamic art form that continually evolves. From the arrival of the Spaniards on the shores of Veracruz to the technological advancements of today, the people and places of México have been subject to various influences. Ballet Folklórico, as a representation of Mexican culture, also undergoes transformations. These changes can manifest in a variety of ways, whether through fusions of musical influences, adaptations to dances, or the blending of regional clothing. This dynamic and ever-changing nature is what keeps Folkloric dance vibrant, relevant, and a living expression of culture. It adapts to the times and continues to tell the captivating stories of México's heritage through the power of dance. Mosaico is a collection of choreographies that takes Mexico's culture and makes it into a dance representation. Whether it showing patriotism or influenced by iconic events or eras, these creative expressions as an extension of appreciation and love of Mexico.

Alegre Ballet Folklórico, a 501c3 Non-Profit dance troupe, was founded in September of 1993 by Pedro Perez II. The organization's roots trace back to a group of students from the Law Magnet High School (now the Judge Barefoot Sanders Law Magnet) who wished to continue their dance education and nominated Pedro to lead them. From these humble beginnings, the group has grown from a 3-person backyard pastime to an award-winning company with over 100 dancers.

Over the past thirty years, Alegre has performed in numerous venues across the United States, including the AT&T Stadium and Walt Disney World, as well as internationally in México and Oslo, Norway. The group has consistently strived to uphold the value of preserving Mexican heritage through in-depth classes that equip dancers with the knowledge to share with others. This commitment to education and cultural preservation is at the heart of Alegre Ballet Folklórico's mission and continues to guide their work today.

Our classes are under the expert guidance of Pedro Perez II, Jessica Garcia, and Reeses Torres, a dynamic team with a combined dance experience of over 30 years. Their commitment and dedication are key in preserving and nurturing the vibrant tradition of Ballet Folklórico, ensuring that it continues to thrive and enchant audiences for generations to come.



Production



Director / Founder...............................Pedro Perez Instructor............................................ReesesTorres Instructor...........................................Jessica Garcia

Assistant.........................Dominique Avila Fleming

Horses.............................................Daniel Ramirez

Lighting...................................................CPVA Staff

Hand Program......................................Ibeth Perez

Program Information.....Dominique Avila Fleming




Board of Directors



President..............Ibeth Perez

Secretary..............Naomi Meza

Treasurer..............Albert Rojas

Member................Chabelita Guel

​Member................Rita Castillo Vela

Member................Dina Ramirez

Member................Albert Wash



Special thanks to







Contact us



info@alegreballet.com | Phone: 214.755.3989 (Text preferred)


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