This document provides an overview of folkloric ballet traditions from different states in Mexico. It describes several iconic dances from states like Michoacán, Jalisco, Veracruz, and northern Mexico. Some of the dances mentioned include La Danza de los Viejitos from Michoacán, Jarabe Tapatio from Jalisco, Sones and Jarabes from Veracruz, and polkas, chotis and redovas from northern Mexico. The document highlights that these folk dances blend religious, indigenous, and Spanish influences with distinctive music, costumes, and footwork styles for each region.
2. Michoacán
Michoacán is one of the province states that dispute the
musical and popular dance supremacy in Mexico. It is a beautiful
state full of traditions in food, handcrafts, music and dance. The
richness of this state's culture consists in a combination of its strong
ethnic roots and strong Spanish influence. As in many of the Mexican
dances, Michoacán dances combine religion and pre-Colombian
traditions. The mosaic begins with the one of the most popular
dances of this state "La Danza de los Viejitos" (Dance of the old
men), that is danced mainly by men, wearing a Purepecha styled
costume with a "morral" (bag) and a "sombrero" from which colorful
ribons are hanging.
9. Jalisco
Known as the land of mariachis and the infamous
"Jarabe Tapatio," known as the "Mexican hat dance" is
embraced as the national dance of México. The folklore in
Jalisco has turned into one of the national symbols par
excellence. Dances and tunes (sones) reached a
development in the late decades of the last century, such
as the Dance of the Rope and the Jarabe Tapatio, along
with La Negra. With their rhythmic footwork, large
sombrero charro, and colorful dresses, the dances from
Jalisco express the characteristics of the Mexican culture
and evoke the heart and soul of Mexico.
16. Chihuahua
North
The northern part of Mexico also known as el Norte is
recognized for its energetic and joyful dances. These
dances, the polkas, chotis and redovas became popular
during the Mexican Revolution of 1910 with some dances
evolving as recently as the 1970's. The music and dance
forms are highly influenced by Central European countries,
including Austria, Czechoslovakia, and Germany, mother of
the accordion sound that is now symbolic of "norteño"
music.
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19. Veracruz
Veracruz is the land of fishermen and home of the oldest and
most important port in Mexico. Their music is comprised of a mixture of
Spanish music influenced by African and Caribbean rhythms. This
lively and contagious music is played on a harp, jarana (small guitar),
and requinto (small rhythm guitar). Its dances, Sones and Jarabes are
made up of very intricate footwork or “zapateados” with flamenco
characteristics. The complex footwork is the emphasis in the fast-
paced Veracruz dances. The women wear beautiful white long dresses
decorated with gold that represent the ocean and sea life.