Week 1 Read This Brief Article Featured In Dance Spirit Mag ✓ Solved

Week1readthis Brief Article Featured In Dance Spirit Mag

READ this brief article featured in Dance Spirit Magazine for a quick introduction to the history and technique of Folklorico dance by Susana Friscia (April 2019).

WATCH: Connecting with history through Mexican folklà³rico dance.

READ: Najera Ramirez-Ballet_Folklà³rico_Mexicano_Choreographing_National_Identity.

READ: "The Love Story of the Jarabe Tapatio" by Dr. Gabriela Mendoza-Garcia.

PODCAST: Danza De Los Viejitos Dàa de los Muertos Festival 2015 - Danza de los Viejitos.

Ballet Folklorico Mexicano de Carlos Moreno | Dia de los Muertos 2020.

OPTIONAL: Nine Rails Arts Podcast Ep. 7 - Dia De Los Muertos / Tutulli & WSU Ballet Folklà³rico.

READ: IntroDanceGender_OliverRisner.

PODCAST: "Gay dance company reinvents Mexico's ballet folklorico" - "La bruja con Mexico de Colores" - "The Witch with "Mexico de Colores" - "Secreto en el Monte" - "Secret in the Woods."

LISTEN: "Expanding Traditions: LGBTQ Folklorico takes to the Stage."

WATCH: Clips including "Oct 2017, 1/3-Ensamble Folclà³rico Colibrà "El Circo - Nuevo Leon" - "The Circus - Nuevo Leon" and "Disrupting Gender Roles and Exploring Sexuality in Ballet Folklorico."

WATCH: "Eighth Annual Hispanic LGBTQ Heritage Awards Reception Performance by BFMG."

Paper For Above Instructions

Folklorico dance, a vibrant expression of Mexican culture and heritage, is deeply rooted in the history of Mexico and reflects the various traditions of its regions. The concept of Folklorico extends beyond mere dance; it encompasses the everyday lives, struggles, and joys of the Mexican people. Through performance, Folklorico dancers showcase stories from their communities, illustrating the rich tapestry of Mexican history and identity.

According to Susana Friscia in her article featured in Dance Spirit Magazine, Folklorico dance serves as both a celebration of cultural identity and a means of preserving historical narratives (Friscia, 2019). With its origins tracing back to the colonial era, Folklorico evolved through centuries, absorbing influences from indigenous traditions, Spanish colonization, and even contemporary societal changes. This fusion of cultures creates a unique dance form that reflects the complex identity of Mexico.

The technique of Folklorico involves a variety of dance styles, each representing different regions of Mexico. For instance, the Jarabe Tapatío, often referred to as the Mexican Hat Dance, derives its origins from the state of Jalisco and is characterized by its lively rhythms and regional costumes (Mendoza-Garcia, 2019). This dance showcases the pride and spirit of the Mexican people, as dancers perform with swiftness and grace, embodying the essence of their cultural heritage.

In Week 2, the reading by Najera Ramirez focused on how Ballet Folklorico Mexicano choreographs national identity. This highlights how dance both reflects and shapes a collective sense of belonging among Mexicans. Najera points out that Folklorico dance is not just an artistic endeavor; it is also an assertion of cultural identity in a country that has undergone extensive globalization and cultural homogenization (Najera, n.d.). Through dance, individuals both celebrate their roots and convey their experiences to a broader audience.

As seen in the reading by Dr. Gabriela Mendoza-Garcia, "The Love Story of the Jarabe Tapatio," there are narratives embedded within Folklorico dance that resonate with audiences. The Jarabe Tapatío tells a tale of courtship and romance, invoking elements of storytelling that are central to the Mexican tradition (Mendoza-Garcia, n.d.). This narrative quality adds depth to the performance, allowing it to become a medium for communication of values, such as love, respect, and the importance of cultural heritage.

The significance of Folklorico is also evident in how it adapts over time. Modern interpretations, such as those presented in podcasts and video clips featuring LGBTQ+ representations, challenge traditional norms within the dance community. One notable example is the performance discussed in “Expanding Traditions: LGBTQ Folklorico takes to the Stage.” This performance embodies the resilience and evolving nature of Mexican identity in the contemporary context, showcasing how Folklorico can serve as a platform for inclusivity and representation (LGBTQ Folklorico Podcast, n.d.).

By integrating themes of gender and sexuality within Folklorico, artists push boundaries, inviting new generations to see dance as not only a tradition but also a medium for self-expression. The performances referenced, such as "La bruja con Mexico de Colores" and "Secreto en el Monte," illustrate how modern Folklorico can simultaneously honor tradition while inviting innovative interpretations that resonate with younger audiences (Oliver Risner, n.d.).

Ballet Folklorico Mexicano de Carlos Moreno’s performance at the Dia de los Muertos 2020 event serves as yet another example of how Folklorico is continuously honored and revitalized through annual cultural celebrations. The utilization of the dance form during Dia de los Muertos highlights the importance of remembrance and connection to ancestors, transforming sorrow into a celebratory expression of life and culture (Moreno, 2020).

In looking toward the future of Folklorico, one must recognize the importance of education and outreach in preserving this cultural heritage. Programs that aim to educate young dancers about the roots, history, and techniques of Folklorico not only preserve the art form but also ensure that its narratives continue to be told. By nurturing the next generation of Folklorico dancers, there is a commitment to maintaining cultural connections amid the inevitable changes brought by time and globalization (Friscia, 2019; Najera, n.d.).

In conclusion, Folklorico dance is a dynamic and evolving art form that embodies the heart of Mexican culture. Its rich history, varied techniques, and the narratives it conveys are essential for understanding the identity of Mexico. As Folklorico continues to adapt and innovate, dancers and choreographers play a crucial role in ensuring that future generations can appreciate and participate in this vibrant cultural expression.

References

• Friscia, S. (2019). Introduction to Folklorico Dance. Dance Spirit Magazine.
• Mendoza-Garcia, G. (n.d.). The Love Story of the Jarabe Tapatio.
• Najera, R. (n.d.). Ballet Folklorico Mexicano: Choreographing National Identity.
• LGBTQ Folklorico Podcast. (n.d.). Expanding Traditions: LGBTQ Folklorico Takes to the Stage.
• Oliver Risner. (n.d.). Intro to Dance and Gender.
• Moreno, C. (2020). Ballet Folklorico Mexicano: Dia de los Muertos 2020 Performance.