Community Concert Hall welcomes Ballet Folklorico May 5
One of Mexico’s most popular exports brings visual fiesta to Durango
Durango, CO – A visual fiesta comes to Durango as Ballet Folklorico Quetzalli de Veracruz takes the stage at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College on Tuesday, May 5, 2015, 7:30 p.m. Folk dance is one of the oldest and most deeply rooted traditions in Mexico, and Ballet Folklorico literally translates as “folk dancing” or the “dancing of folks-people.” Each region of the country has its own representative dances that serve as a key component of the local celebrations or fiestas. Such a tradition is clearly evident with Ballet Folklorico “Quetzalli,” as the show is as much about preserving and celebrating Mexican culture as it is dance.
“Quetzalli” was founded in 1985 by dancer Hugo Betancourt, with Rosalinda Perez and Manuel Vazquez, with a mission to research, practice and promote Mexican folk dances. The troupe has grown from eight dancers to a company of more than 45 total dancers and 10 musicians.
The company makes its home in Xalapa, the state capital of Veracruz, where it operates a school and training program for young dancers. It received its Aztec nickname “Quetzalli” after the popular multi-colored bird, the quetzal.
Stated Maestro Betancourt in a press release, “Of the touring companies from Mexico, we’re one of the few that has live music in their shows, and that takes the performances to another level. We’ve had people come to us to tell us that we recreate the fiestas exactly the same way they are in Mexico.”
Noted the Albuquerque Journal, “The Ballet Folklorico de Veracruz is a company with heart and skill… There was plenty of color and festivity through the course of things, enough to leave the audience clamoring for more.”
Tickets for Ballet Folklorico Quetzalli de Veracruz ($24/$34) are available on-line at www.durangoconcerts.com, or call 970.247.7657, or visit the Ticket Office inside the Durango Welcome Center at 8th St. and Main Ave., Downtown Durango. Ticket Office hours are Monday – Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
The Community Concert Hall is a not-for-profit, multi-use performance venue located on the campus of Fort Lewis College. Its ability to bring a diverse spectrum of shows to Southwest Colorado is made possible through a partnership with the college, a state- supported, independent institution of higher education, and through financial and in-kind contributions from generous members of the community.
