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Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández
The folk dance company founded by Amalia Hernández in 1952, performing regional dances from Veracruz, Sonora, Jalisco and beyond on the stage of Bellas Artes.
At a glance
- Type
- Folk dance performance
- Area
- Centro Histórico, Mexico City, Mexico
- Official site
- balletfolkloricodemexico.com.mx
Good to know
- Tickets via Ticketmaster
- No language barrier
Why we recommend it
The Ballet Folklórico de México was founded in 1952 by the dancer and choreographer Amalia Hernández, and it has since carried Mexican regional dance around the world. It began with just eight performers and had grown to around fifty by the end of the 1950s. It represented Mexico at the 1959 Pan American Games in Chicago, has toured in more than 80 countries, and has built up a repertoire of over 120 original choreographies seen by more than 30 million people.
At home it performs several times a week on the stage of the Palacio de Bellas Artes, which means you see the show in one of the city's grandest theatres, framed by the building's Art Deco interior. The programme is a journey through Mexico's regions and history. Recent programmes have included sones jarochos from Veracruz, a tribute to the Adelitas, the women who accompanied the armies of the Revolution, northern dances performed with bows and arrows, the Danza del Venado from Sonora, recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage, and a closing section on Jalisco with mariachi music and charro traditions. Individual dances range from duets to scenes with more than 35 dancers, and in 2026 the company added a new piece inspired by the Mesoamerican ballgame.
The show is a good choice for almost everyone. The city's tourism office notes that it needs no spoken language, and it gives first-time visitors an overview of regional traditions in a single performance. For many travellers it is also the easiest way to see the inside of the Bellas Artes theatre, including its famous Tiffany glass curtain.
Tickets are sold through Ticketmaster, with a range of price bands depending on where you sit. Booking ahead is sensible, especially for weekends and holidays. Arrive with time to spare so you can see the murals in the palace before the performance.
The Palacio de Bellas Artes is beside the Alameda Central, close to the Torre Latinoamericana, so it is easy to combine an afternoon in the historic centre with an evening performance. Check the current performance days and times on the company's or the Palacio's website before planning your evening.
Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández FAQs
Who founded the Ballet Folklórico de México?
The dancer and choreographer Amalia Hernández, in 1952.
Where does it perform?
At the Palacio de Bellas Artes in the historic centre, several times a week.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
No. It is a music and dance show, so no language is needed.
How do I buy tickets?
Through Ticketmaster, with several price bands.
What dances are in the programme?
Recent programmes have included sones jarochos from Veracruz, the Danza del Venado from Sonora, a tribute to the Adelitas and a Jalisco finale with mariachi music.
How many original choreographies does the company have?
More than 120, seen by over 30 million spectators.
Will I see the Tiffany glass curtain?
The curtain is in the Bellas Artes theatre where the company performs.
How many dancers take part?
Individual dances range from two performers to more than 35.