Ballet Folklórico de México
de Amalia Hernández
THE SCHOOL
From the beginning of the 1960´s, Amalia Hernández conceived of the
idea of creating a School of the Ballet Folklórico, to promote and
strengthen its artistic expression, as well as to prepare dancers who would
be capable of responding to the company´s needs.
School of the
Ballet Folklórico Interior view
created by Arq. Agustín Hernández.
| Despite the fact that it did not have his own space, the school, in
practice, began to function in two studios that the National Institute of
Fine Arts offered the Ballet. In these, the professional company rehearsed,
and classes were also offered to children and young people. At the same time,
folk-dance classes were given at another location close to the Palacio de
Bellas Artes. Such space, however, was still insufficient.
With the desire to have a space that would satisfy the needs of a formal
school. Amalia Hernández decided to construct a special building.
The person in charge of this important task was her brother, the architect
Agustín Hernández.
|
In 1966, construction of the school began, on property located at the
intersection of Violeta and Riva Palacio streets in the Colonia Guerrero of
México City. The result was spectacular, since the architectural
design of the work based on the stylistic characteristics of the era: a
modern building in an avant-garde style. Inside, it included two large
rehearsal studios, a theater and offices.
On March 26, 1968, President Gustavo Díaz Ordáz inaugurated
the building, and the Ballet of the Five Continents highlighted the event
with its performance. In 1973, five years later, an annex to the school was
also built, for the purpose of adding three more professional-sized
rehearsal studios.
From a methodological point of view, the school has a four-year
program of studies. Prior to this, there is a youth level for children from
seven to thirteen years of age. After this course, students who are
fourteen or older may continue their studies by taking the four-year
program. Upon finishing this period of studies, the student receives the
diploma of Practicing Dancer . There is also an option to continue the
student´s training for one or two more years, depending on his or her
abilities.
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School of the
Ballet Folklórico Exterior view
created by Arq. Agustín Hernández. |
The dance curriculum for students consists primarily of folk and
classical ballet classes, although occasionally courses in modern dance
are given by guest teachers specially invited for that purpose.
A student´s entrance into either of the companies-resident or travelling-is
not automatic. The aspiring dancer first has to become part of the
understudy group, where he or she receives special preparation and learns
the Ballet repertoire. To become a member of the company itself, it is not
necessary to have completed the program of studies; admission depends more
on the abilities of the dancer. Nonetheless, the school has played an
important role as aspring board for professional dancers, since, in practice,
former students make up approximately 70% to 75% of the two companies. Thus,
the school fulfills one of the purposes for which it was founded. To promote
the study and preservation of traditional music and dance througout Mexico.
School of the Ballet Folklórico Interior View
created by Arq. Agustín Hernández.
|
Currently, the student body consists of an average of a hundred ten
students. The school year begins in September and ends in June. Classes are
held in the evenings. Most mornings generally, the school is utilized in
by the professional companies who rehearse there. The program, olso includes
a summer course that is to the public and is offered throughout the month of
July.
Groups are classified as beginner, intermediate or advanced. Only folk-dance
classes are offered.
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During the 1970´s, the school began a cultural support program for different artistic groups, called Cultural Tuesdays. This weekly event, instituted and promoted by Amalia Hernández, offered artists from various fields--musicians, dancers, actors and painters--a place to meet, promote, support and exhibit their art. In this way, countless artists from all genres have passed through the school´s theater. Among these we can cite: Waldeen, Jiménez Mabarak, López Tarso, Mario Patrón, the Murray Louis Dance Company, Doris Chase, the Chorus of the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Morelia Boys´s Choir, the organist Victor Urbán, the Nikolais Dance Theater, folks dance groups from the Universities of Chihuahua and Veracruz, the Chamber Orchestra of the UNAM, the pianist María Teresa Rodríguez, Bodyl Genkil y many others.
From the administrative point of view, the school has had two directors. From its beginning until 1973, Nelly Happee was in charge; subsequently. Clementina Otero took over. There are also two coordinators in charge of the program and the general discipline of the student body: Esperanza Márquez and Viviana Basanta Hernández, Amalia´s younguest daughter. Viviana, besides being involved in the administration of the school, also participates in the companies as a dancer.
Finally, it should be noted that the school is completely non-profit; tuition is nominal. Its objetive is to teach and distribute knowledge of Mexican folklore, and its is toward this end that Amalia Hernández has directed all her efforts.
Courses
Diseño: INTELNET. Rev. 10 Febrero 97
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