Clear Space Theatre Company continues its mission to bring high-quality performance and educational experiences to our community this month as they welcome the Ballet Folklórico de México on March 12 and 13.
The Ballet Folklórico de México is a highly trained group of dancers gathered from all over the world; many are college students from Mexico and Puerto Rico, and some come from as far as Japan and China. The company was founded in 1972 by siblings Carmen and Jesus Avila, and was created to preserve Mexican folk dances and to provide others with the opportunity to appreciate diversity among cultures. The Avila siblings have consequently been joined by a second and third generation of Avila family members to continue celebrating their heritage through dance.
The program includes historic dances from various regions of Mexico (including Azteca, Sonora, and Jalisco), as well as dances dedicated to the “soldaderas,” the courageous woman who supported and fought alongside the men during the Mexican revolution. In Mexico, food, music, dress and dance vary from one region to another, and even from village to village. The regional dances reflect the unique tradition of a great country when groups of people are physically isolated from one another, yet who share a common language and spirit.
A pivotal portion of the show is the lavish and colorful authentic regalia worn by the dancers. Pieces can range from flamboyant and colorful flowing dresses to authentic recreations of ceremonial Azteca garb. These majestic costumes are symbolic of Mexican culture and are adorned with intricate beading and colorful pheasant tails, some of which reach up to six feet in length.
Clear Space Theatre Company presents the Ballet Folklórico de México on Saturday, March 12 at 7:00 pm and Sunday, March 13 at 3:00 pm. Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for seniors, $20 for students and $10 for children 12 and under. Tickets are available online at www.ClearSpaceTheatre.org, by phone at 302.227.2270, or in person at the box office, located at 20 Baltimore Avenue in downtown Rehoboth. Mention this article when ordering tickets and receive $5 off the ticket price!
