n 1977, Ana de la Tejera founded Ballet Folklorico de Riverside, formerly de Arlanza, for the preservation of the Mexican Culture and Heritage through the instruction and presentation of traditional Mexican dances. Ana along with 13 children started practicing on driveways and in garages. The costumes were simple. The girl’s costumes consisted of white peasant blouses, red skirts with yellow ribbons and rick-rack. Their hair was braided with colorful ribbons. The boys dressed as cowboys wearing jeans, a western shirt, boots and a cowboy hat.
Group Photograph 1978
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Recently, the Ballet Folklorico’s membership has grown
to over 100 dancers ranging from 5 years old and up. The dancers present traditional Mexican Folk Dances from more than 33 regions of Mexico and eras in Mexican History. The dances are based on traditional stories and rituals that have been passed from one generation to another. The broad range of regions includes the states of Jalisco, Veracruz, the historical periods of the Azteca Indians, and the Mexican Revolution. The dances presented range from early European influenced polkas and Spanish influenced Zapateados to recreations of pre-hispanic Azteca rituals and the most popular Dance of Mexico, El Jarabe Tapatio or the Mexican Hat Dance.
The dancers perform on a voluntary basis and the organization functions with a modest staff, numerous parents and community volunteers. Ballet Folklorico de Riverside proudly shares the traditional costumes and dances of Mexico with its audience all year. Through the years our dance group has become a role model for the community and has created yearly programs that the community has grown to depend on. Our goal is to preserve Mexican culture and continue to provide our communities with educational programs to motivate our youth. In addition, we assist them in striving to be involved in positive activities and make differences in their communities. As these goals are met, the beauty of Mexican culture is being shared with this traditional dance.
