THE CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION
Loveland, Colorado

Presents the spectacular FOLKLORIC BALLET of

CASA HOGAR LOS ANGELITOS & CASA DE CULTURA

Mexican Folkloric dance is a spontaneous manifestation of feelings, passions, and pleasures of the people and is an integral part of Mexican life.

In these performances you will see five very distinct dance representations, Pre-Hispanic Mexico and representations from the states of; Guerrero, Jalisco, Vera Cruz and Colima. All of these folkloric dances are alive in their original style and costume, using the flow of movement, precision of rhythm and elegance of attitude to depict the personality and life typical of the region that gave birth to its development.

FOLKLORIC BALLET PRESENTATION AND PROGRAM

PRE-HISPANIC…Casa Hogar Los Angelitos Ballet
Great Indian civilizations once ruled the land, which is now called Mexico. The earliest known empires were the MAYAN, TEOTIHUACAN, and ZAPOTEC, from 250 A.D. - 900 A.D. Following were the TOLTEC Indians and last the AZTECS (1400 A.D.) In ancient Mexico, prior to the Christian era, dances were performed as part of rituals and celebrations, each movement having special significance.

CANTAS Songs in Purhepecha and Zapoteco Language… Alejandra Viera Mora with Maestro Abdiel Hernandez Ortega.
An indigenous civilization that flourished in the region of Michoacán and Oaxaca of southern Mesoamerica. Archaeological evidence shows their culture goes back at least 2500 years. These ancient languages are still spoken in many regions of Southern Mexico. “Tirine Tsïtsïki” (Purhépecha), “Tifeu” (Zapoteco) , Also included in the program in Spanish “Voy a Cantarle a Mi Tierra” (Guerrero), “VeraCruz”, Vera Cruz .

GUERRERO…
Located in Mexico’s southern region along the Pacific coast, boasting of such magical towns as Acapulco, Taxco and Zihuatenejo. The warmth and “the joy of life” of the people from Guerrero can be felt with the echo of tapping shoes, the dialogue between the tips and heels of the dancer’s shoes, the whirling rhythm, and the mischievous teasing between the dancers and the local “Iguana “, Paloma (dove) or the high flying, circling bird called el Zopilote, the Vulture.

FLOREO DE LAZO...Francisco Lepe Sanchez
The fancy twirling and dancing with the Lariat, a trademark of the Mexican horseman.

JALISCO…
In Jalisco you will find GUADALAJARA, the state capital, with an atmosphere filled with art, culture and romance. The MARIACHIS originating from the state of Jalisco represent only part of the enormous energy, movement, grace and beauty that makes this state special. The dances of Jalisco are proud and colorful. During Colonial times, the people danced Jarabes which were characterized by a hopping step, resembling the flamenco dances. In the “El Jarabe Tapatio” the man’s steps are vigorous and showy…his manner is one of persistent pursuit and gallant attention to his partner. The dances are courtship dances…the women flirtingly dance away from the men while the men try to impress them with their footwork. In the end, the female is won over by the men’s attentiveness. In one passage he gallantly flings his sombrero on the ground so that the woman may dance on its brim. Her movements are always prim and maidenly and her attitude coy. The dances of Jalisco are the most widely known dances performed throughout the world as a representation of Mexico’s most popular folkloric dance.

VERA CRUZ…
Located on the eastern coast of the Gulf of Mexico, provides a lively and diverse culture. The vibrant, rhythmic steps of the very fast heel-and-toe movements and steps called “zapateados” and taconeados are typical and resembles the Spanish Andalusia dances in rapidity and complexity. The dance of “La Bruja” (a witch, or in Mexico known as an enchantress) is a haunting, slow melody. The dancer carries a lighted candle. Later she delicately places it on her head and dances the slow and serious dance of the Bruja. The dance is full of symbolism, balance and depicts a woman under the spell of love. The tinkling sound of the Veracruz harp, a much smaller and more vibrant sound than the classical harp adds a unique sound to the music. In the end the couples perform their dynamic steps together. The white costumes, reflecting the heat of the Vera Cruz subtropical climate.

COLIMA…
One of the smallest states in Mexico and where you can find mountains, warm beaches, the port of Manzanillo, the Volcano of fire and … the hard working “Coliman”. At the end of each harvest the landowners would provide the workers with their salary and there would be great celebration…the dancers engage in a gala of bravery and skill, some dancing in the fancy foot work of “zapateados”, some with the use of Machetes or knives in rhythm with agility, pride and confidence.

CASA HOGAR LOS ANGELITOS is a children’s home, located in Manzanillo, Colima, Mexico. Some of the children from Casa Hogar Los Angelitos are performing as part of the Casa Hogar Los Angelitos Dance Team. As you watch these youth perform so superbly, remember that they came from extreme circumstances... suffering from poverty, abuse, abandonment and broken families. Most children come to the casa hogar without education, without hope and without opportunity for any kind of success in life. Casa Hogar Los Angelitos gives each child educational opportunity, psychological, emotional and physical support, and provides the tools that can truly change the lives of the children that become part of the casa hogar family. Successful change can only happen through education, training and improving the lives of children and families caught in the devastation of poverty and ignorance...help us break the cycle. Please send contributions for this program to: