Ballet Folklórico de México — Attraction in Mexico City

I want everyone to see this marvelous production, but there is some serious criticism. I’ll start with the great: 36 skilled dancers who obviously love their work, 12 talented live musicians, a gorgeous venue, and costumes galore. The show takes you through a range of cultures, musical styles and emotions. I can only compare it to Riverdance, which is a big compliment. Everyone coming to Mexico should see the show. What’s not right? The casting does not reflect the ethnicity of the Mexican people. The dancers are all white/European. This is most upsetting when indigenous dances are showcased. I’m sure there are Yaqui dancers who could best represent their heritage. There are some “big head” costumes that represent people in historically racist ways: a middle eastern man with a huge hooked nose; 2 black men whose skin is painted coal black. Please show these people as strong and beautiful, not cartoon characters . Lastly, the black harp was horribly out of tune….More than a semitone! It was embarrassing to all the musicians on stage. I saved about 15% buying tickets at the venue (vs online) but only one window was accepting US credit cards. It was the window...

This event is famous in Mexico for aiming to keep traditional folkloric dance alive. The show lasts about 90min in which they showcase traditional dance and costumes of different regions in Mexico (coastal, northern, etc) all set to a live band and a choir. Beautiful show! I attended the performance at Castillo de Chapultepec (new venue). It's beautiful and makes for a great stage for the show.

BUT, big downside is the way they have set up the chairs in this new venue. Seats are not assigned and they are just rows of chairs which make it difficult for people sitting at the back to see anything at all without standing. Organizers should have built bleachers to make sure everyone in the back could see or something else. Even the people sitting on the sides have the speakers blasting on their faces the whole show so avoid the side seating area for sure.

My recommendation to make this worth it is to arrive 1.5hrs before the show starts. Find a center seat and bring a blanket as it might get chilly in the night. There is no food or drinks so don't go hungry :). Do not seat on the sides chairs to avoid the speakers or bring...

Ballet Folclórico de México de Amalia Hernandez is a cultural gem and national treasure that is a MUST see on any visit to Mexico City, especially when the setting is Palacio de Bellas Artes! The dancers are professional and world-class. You will be mesmerized. If you are a foreigner this is Mexican culture and folklore at its very best. If you are Mexican you will rarely feel more proud of your heritage than when witnessing this company dance with their...