Spring 2025: Ballet Folklorico Paso del Norte

Upcoming Performances

Saturday, May 3 & 10, 2025

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Dancers with Ballet Folklorico Paso del Norte take the stage at Chamizal National Memorial May 3 and May 10, 2025

NPS Photo

Presenting Chamizal National Memorial Artist-in-Residence:

Ballet Folklorico Paso del Norte

This season, the Chamizal Theater features Ballet Folklorico Paso del Norte led by Rodolfo Hernandez, a stunning performance that brings history to life through dance. Ballet folklorico is more than movement—it is a celebration of heritage, a fusion of Indigenous, Spanish, and Borderland influences that have shaped the cultural identity of this region.

Through vibrant choreography, elaborate costumes, and rhythmic storytelling, "Paso del Norte" explores the traditions that unite communities on both sides of the border. Just as Chamizal represents a peaceful resolution between nations, folklorico dance embodies the idea that culture transcends borders, carrying the stories of resilience and shared history.

About Ballet Folklorico Paso del Norte

Ballet Folklorico Paso Del Norte was founded in El Paso, Texas under the support of El Paso Community College in 1978. The group has presented Mexican Folklore both nationally and internationally with much pride and responsibility for more than forty years. The annual gala performance of Ballet Folklorico Paso Del Norte and the children’s company Ballet Folklorico Churuhui, share the traditional music of Mariachi and other types of music as well as other genres. It is through dance and music that the company shares the cultural diversity of its people.

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Movement as Storytelling

Program

I. Indios Mansos

1. Tierra De Mansos

2. Ida y Vuelta

II. Tamaulipas

3. Popurri Huasteco

III. Veracruz

4. El Cascabel

5. La Bamba

6. La Sarna

7. El Negrito

8. La Rumba

Intermission

IV. Nuevo Leon

9. Claudia

10. Monterrey

11. El Circo

12. Picame Tarantula

V. Chiapas

13. Chiapas

14. La Tortuga

15. El Alcaraban

16. El Cachito

Rascapetate

VI. Jalisco

17. Gavilan

18. Las Alazanas

19. El Autlence

20. Son de la Negra

21. Viva el Mariachi

Director Rodolofo Hernandez

Maestro Rodolfo Hernandez was born in the city of Juarez Chihuahua Mexico. Began his studies in that city and moves to the city of Chihuahua and gets his degree in History of Mexico from Escuela Normal Superior Jose E. Medrano. Teacher, director, and dancer of Mexican folklore from the Department of Bellas Artes of the Universidad Autonoma de Chihuahua. His beginnings in dance came from his mother, a flamenco dancer from whom he inherited his love for the art of dance. His formal studies came through Escuela Normal del Estado de Chihuahua where he helps organize the folkloric group of the institution.

Some of his mentors are Antonio Rubio, Francisco Flores, Huementzin Lopez, Rafael Zamaripa, Orquidea Figueroa, Joel Zarazua, Rafael Vega Espana, Patricia Carrillo, Sergio Carrera. As a teacher he taught at the Sierra Tarahumara de Chihuahua, the valley of Juarez in elementary’s and middle schools, as well as the Universidad Autonoma de Cuidad Juarez. He became the Director of Ballet Folklorico Paso Del Norte in 1985 to present. Founded and directs Ballet Folklorico Churuhui as well as help with the development of other groups and organizations that promote Mexican culture through music, dance, and other forms of art.

Assistant Director Francisco X. Candelaria

Francisco began dancing since he was in kinder in Mexico. He participated in every festivity in elementary school as well as being a member of his secondary school. He joins Fabens High School’s Ballet Folklorico Rayenali and was a member of the group for his 4 years of high school. When he was 16 years old, he joined Ballet Folklorico Paso Del Norte and has been a proud member of the group for almost 20 years. He found the love for dancing after watching his sister dance in a national competition and by his greatest mentors Maestra Yvonne Balthier and Rodolfo Hernandez. In his words dance has given him a purpose but more than anything his family who share his love for folkloric dancing.

Dancers

Nayeli Contreras, Allexa Candelaria, Luz Tellez, April Ortiz, Isabella Alcantar, Alessandra Ochoa, Jessica Martinez, Fabiola Iniguez, Camilah Flores, Zoe Monet Guerrero, Maricruz Ramirez, Nancy Garcia, Kate Griego, Francisco Candelaria, Daniel Mendoza, Hazael Leanos, Hector Torres, Mauro Romero, Hugo Martinez, Rocio Anderson, Nazemi Morales, Samantha Saucedo, Fernando Medina, Uriel Santillanes, Adrianna Fabela, Italia Tellez

Live Music Courtesy Of:

Mariachi Los Arrieros

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Feeling Inspired?

The Artist-in-Residence program runs each spring (March–April) and fall (October-November), giving selected artists the opportunity to create, perform, and showcase their work while engaging with the public and bringing new perspectives to the story of Chamizal National Memorial. Applications for the Fall 2025 residency will begin August 1, 2025.

Learn More about the Artist-in-Residence Program
or
Apply to be our next Artist-in-Residence