SPRING 2010 - The University of Texas-Pan American

ich TraditionRESEARCHBallet Folklórico UT-Pan American 1970-2010Ballet Folklórico Artistic Director Francisco“Frank” Muñoz (BS ’75, MEd ’79, ‘81) andAdministrative Director Maria “Mary” OraliaMuñoz (BS ’78, MEd ‘82), a husband and wifeteam that took over after Thomas retired in 1987,said some people may not realize that Mexico hasdance that represents each one of their states.“Mexico is very rich in folklore and dance.Each state in Mexico has a traditional folk danceand each region within the state also has differentdance forms,” Mary said. “Through the ages, thepeople of Mexico created their own unique styles,rhythmical patternsand choreography,and that’s where weget our dancematerial from.”Although thehistory of Mexicandance has remained the same, the BalletFolklórico has changed a lot since it was started40 years ago.“The most noticeable changes are thedancers’ performance skill level, addition ofincreased costuming and repertoires and, mostimportantly, the quality of the overallproduction. We are more focused on theeducational and the artistic aspect of thedance company,” Frank said.Over the years they haveproduced ballets, concerts, zarzuelas andmusicals with the Valley Symphony Orchestraand the UTPA theatre and music departments.In 1999, the Texas House of Representativeshonored the Ballet Folklórico with a HouseResolution. The group traveled to Austinto receive the award and performed in theCapitol’s rotunda.In addition, the Ballet Folklórico hasperformed for numerous guest artists andpresented at many state, nationaland international danceconferences. In 2007 a pieceby Frank was selected asThe professionalism andperformance expertise of thedancers today are just amazing.one of the top 10 choreographies at the AmericanCollege Dance Festival.Frank and Mary said being selected to be on theTexas Commission for the Arts touring roster hasgiven the UTPA troupe the opportunity to becomemuch more visible throughout the state.This year, in celebration of its 40th anniversary,the Ballet Folklórico produced and presentedan innovative two-hour, 10-part show titledALEGRIA 2010, which featured the evolution ofdances from the state of Veracruz, Mexico, and wasenhanced by authentic costumes, special lighting,scenery and live musicalaccompaniment. Morethan 15,000 students,Valley residents andWinter Texans attendedthe concert series inFebruary.The Ballet Folklórico’s popularity and successcontributed significantly to the formation andimplementation in 2002 of a dance major and minorat UTPA, offering students a broad range of dancetraining. The first degrees were awarded in 2004 andthe program has since graduated some 25 majors.Frank said the majority of dance programs atschools across the Rio Grande Valley are headedby UTPA graduates and past members of the BalletFolklórico group.“It’s such a great feeling to see the students thatwe prepared teaching students in the local schools,especially when they decide to study at UTPA,”he said.Martin Hinojosa (BBA ‘90), teacher and folkloricdance director at PSJA North High School, saidhe loved being a part of the Ballet Folklórico fromDr. Amilda Thomas †Founder of Ballet Folklórico1987 to 2007 because they were like a family to himduring his time at UTPA.“I miss performing for the audience and beingon stage, but I feel really good about making adifference in these students’ lives. Many studentstoday don’t even know what folklórico is, so it’sreally important for me to educate them about thehistory and culture behind folklóric dance,”he said.Hinojosa said he is amazed at how UTPA’s BalletFolklórico has become more and more successfulduring the last 40 years.“I think dance is something that everyonecan relate to, whether you know how todance or not,” Hinojosa said. “There issomething about dancing that makesit easy for everyone to enjoywatching.”Frank & Mary MuñozLos Arcos 7