Auditorium Theatre 2021-2022, Issue 2, Ballet Mexico

AUDITORIUM THEATRE :: BALLET FOLKLÓRICO DE MÉXICO | 7 1959 The company, now officially known as Ballet Folklórico de México, performs at the Pan- American Games in Chicago, performing classic pieces such as La danza del venado (“Deer Dance”) and Los Quetzales . The company also establishes a permanent residence at the Palacio des Bellas Artes (the Palace of Fine Arts) in Mexico City, where they have performed on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings ever since. 1962 In June, Ballet Folklórico de México performs for President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, at the Palacio des Bellas Artes. In the same year, the company travels to the White House, where President Kennedy says he was “very impressed” by the company’s dancing. 1968 Ballet Folklórico performs Alvin Ailey’s Revelations at the opening ceremonies of the Mexico City Olympics, making them the only company in history, aside from Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, to perform the piece. 1970 The company visits the Auditorium Theatre for the first time, performing three shows in October. The troupe now features 100 dancers and musicians, including a marimba band. 1975 The company performs at City Center in New York for the 10th time, staying for a two-week run. The New York Times writes, “If you have never seen Ballet Folklórico, this is the year to go.” 1982 Salvador Lopez, Hernández’s grandson, begins dancing with the company (his specialty is the thrilling “rope dance,” still performed today). 1992 Hernández celebrates her 75th birthday and the company celebrates its 40th anniversary. Hernández choreographs her 42nd ballet, The Olmecs. 2000 Hernández passes away at the age of 83. Her daughters and grandson continue to lead the company into a new era. 2002 Ballet Folklórico, under the direction of Hernández’s daughter Norma Lopez, celebrates its golden anniversary with a 22-city U.S. tour. 2017 Hernández is commemorated with a special Google Doodle on the centennial of her birth. The colorful image that greeted internet users featured illustrations of Ballet Folklórico dancers spelling out “Google” with their costumes. 2022 The company, now led by Salvador Lopez, celebrates its 70th anniversary and returns to the Auditorium Theatre for two shows on February 12 and 13! Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández performs at the Auditorium Theatre on February 12 and 13, 2022.