Amalia Hernandez: A Pioneer in Mexican Folkloric Dance

                                                    Introduction: 

Amalia Hernandez Navarro (1917 – 2000) was a visionary Mexican dancer and choreographer whose contributions to the arts have left an enduring legacy. She is best known for founding the Ballet Folklorico de Mexico, a world-renowned company dedicated to preserving and celebrating Mexico’s diverse traditional dances (Como 47). I chose to research Hernandez because of her groundbreaking work in fusing indigenous, mestizo, and Spanish influences with classical ballet and modern dance techniques. Her ability to take folkloric traditions and elevate them to an internationally recognized performance art has had a profound impact on both the world of dance and the representation of Mexican culture on a global scale. Unlike many other choreographers of her time, Hernandez did not limit herself to a single dance form. Instead, she explored the richness of regional Mexican dances, adapting them for the stage while maintaining their cultural authenticity. Her passion for dance was deeply rooted in a desire to preserve Mexico’s heritage, and she spent her life traveling across the country, studying its many dance forms, and incorporating them into her artistic vision. This essay will explore Hernández’s early life and training, her career and contributions to dance, three significant aspects of her work, and the legacy she left behind.

Portrait of Amalia Hernandez 

Amalia Hernandez, founder of Ballet Folklorico de Mexico. 

Mexico City, 1970. 

Photo Credit: Wikipedia 

This video highlights the remarkable journey and contributions of Amalia Hernandez, one of Mexico's most influential choreographers. It traces her beginnings in classical ballet, her shift to folkloric dance, and her founding of Ballet Folklorico de Mexico in 1952.

Amalia Hernandez performing a traditional Mexican dance. 

Mexico City, 1950s. 

Photo Credit: Secretaria de Cultural

Biographical Information: 

Amalia Hernandez was born on September 19, 1917, in Mexico City, where she was raised in an educated and privileged family. Her father, Lamberto Hernandez, was a military officer, which provided her with a structured and disciplined upbringing. From a young age, she demonstrated a strong interest in the arts, particularly dance. She initially trained in classical ballet at Mexico’s National School of Dance in 1934 at the age of 17, where she developed a solid foundation in technique and performance (“Amalia Hernandez”). During this time, she studied under Nellie Campobello, a pioneering figure in Mexican modern dance, who exposed her to the possibilities of combining different dance forms. However, Hernandez’s artistic curiosity extended beyond ballet. She was deeply fascinated by the traditional dances performed in various regions of Mexico, from indigenous rituals to mestizo celebrations. In the 1940s, eager to learn more, she embarked on numerous research trips throughout the country, traveling to states such as Jalisco, Veracruz, Oaxaca, and Yucatan, where she immersed herself in the customs and traditions of rural communities. She observed how dance functioned as both a form of storytelling and cultural expression, often tied to historical events, religious ceremonies, and agricultural cycles. These experiences shaped her artistic philosophy and inspired her to find a way to preserve and share these traditions with a wider audience. Recognizing that folkloric dance was at risk of being forgotten or overshadowed by Western influences, she made it her mission to bring these vibrant art forms to the professional stage.

This documentary offers an in-depth look at the life and legacy of Amalia Hernandez, founder of Ballet Folklorico de Mexico. It explores her impact on dance and Mexican cultural identity, and how she transformed traditional folk dance into a professional art. 

Career Highlights: 

Amalia Hernandez posing for a portrait 

Mexico City, 1950s.

Hernandez’s career officially began in classical ballet, but she quickly realized that her true passion lay in folkloric dance. She initially trained in ballet at the National School of Dance in Mexico City, where she began her dance career at the age of 17. Her first professional dancing job was with the Ballet Nacional de Mexico, where she performed in classical ballet productions before shifting her focus to folkloric dance. In 1952, she founded the Ballet Folklorico de Mexico, determined to create a space where traditional Mexican dance could be preserved, modernized, and performed with the same level of artistic excellence as ballet or modern dance. Her company’s breakthrough came in 1954, when they gained national attention through performances on Mexican television. The exposure led to opportunities for international tours, and soon, her dancers were performing at some of the world’s most prestigious venues, including the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City, Carnegie Hall in New York, and the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City (Hernandez and Lopez 10). Hernandez worked with various influential choreographers and artists throughout her career, notably collaborating with Nellie Campobello in her early years of training and later with international figures to integrate modern dance elements into her work. Hernandez was the creative force behind her company, choreographing pieces that highlighted the unique characteristics of different regions in Mexico. Some of the most well-known dances she adapted for the stage include the Jarabe Tapatío from Jalisco, a lively and romantic courtship dance; the Danza del Venado from Sonora, a dramatic and spiritual Yaqui deer dance; and the fandangos from Veracruz, known for their energetic footwork and Spanish influence. Over the decades, her company continued to grow, earning international acclaim for its dazzling performances, intricate costumes, and ability to capture the soul of Mexican culture through dance. Her career as a dancer ended in the 1990s, but she remained deeply involved in the artistic direction of the company’s ensuring her vision continued long after her active performing days. Hernadez’s legacy endures through the continued success of ballet Folklorico de Mexico, which still tours globally, preserving the cultural richness she worked so hard to highlight.

Three Interesting Facts: 

Amalia Hernandez dressed in traditional Mexican attire 

Mexico City, 1950s

Photo Credit: Secretearia de Cultura de Mexico 

One interesting fact of Hernandez’s career was her ability to introduce Mexican folklorico dance to a global audience. Before her work, traditional dances were largely confined to local festivals and community celebrations, but she transformed them into theatrical productions that could be appreciated by audiences worldwide. She choreographed performances that showcased the diversity of Mexico’s regional dances, leading her company to perform on prestigious stages such as the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City and international venues. Another significant aspect of her work was her innovative approach to costume design. She worked closely with artisans and historians to ensure that the costumes used in performances were both visually striking and historically accurate, reflecting the regional styles and traditions of each dance. These elaborate costumes, featuring intricate embroidery, vibrant colors, and authentic accessories, became an essential part of the Ballet Folklorico’s visual identity and contributed to its worldwide recognition. Additionally, Hernandez was deeply committed to education and cultural preservation. She established a dance academy where aspiring dancers could train in folkloric techniques and gain a deeper understanding of Mexico’s cultural heritage. Through her academy and the continued success of her company, she ensured that future generations of dancers would carry on the traditions she worked so tirelessly to preserve. Her dedication to teaching and passing down knowledge made her not only an artist but also a cultural ambassador and educator.

This video showcases a stunning performance by Ballet Folklorico de Mexico, founded by Amalia Hernandez. It highlights the vibrant and traditional Mexican dances that were central to her vision of cultural preservation through dance. 

Amalia Hernandez: Ambassador of Mexican National Dance 

Mexico City, 1950s

Photo Credit: El Manana/ Secretaria de Cultura de Mexico 

Conclusion: 

Amalia Hernandez’s influence on the world of dance is undeniable. By founding the Ballet Folklorico de Mexico in 1952, she ensured that traditional Mexican dance would not only survive but thrive as a respected and celebrated art form. Her ability to blend folklore with theatrical performance allowed her to share Mexico’s rich heritage with audiences worldwide, breaking cultural barriers and elevating folkloric dance to the same level of prestige as ballet and modern dance. Through her innovative choreography, Hernandez preserved the diverse dances of Mexico’s regions, from indigenous traditions to Spanish-influenced styles, creating performances that were both authentic and engaging for international audiences. I chose to research Hernandez because of her unwavering commitment to cultural preservation and artistic innovation. Her work continues to inspire dancers, choreographers, and audiences, proving that dance is not just a form of entertainment but a powerful medium for storytelling and cultural identity. Even though she passed away in 2000, her legacy lives on through the Ballet Folklorico de Mexico, which continues to captivate audiences with its breathtaking performances. Her vision remains a vital part of Mexico’s artistic landscape, ensuring that the country’s folkloric traditions are honored and celebrated for generations to come. Through her dedication, creativity, and passion, Amalia Hernandez forever changed the way the world perceives Mexican dance.

Works Cited

    "Amalia Hernández." Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 3 Jan. 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amalia_Hern%C3%A1ndez. 

    Ballet Folklórico de México. Somos Ballet de Amalia Hernández. https://balletfolkloricodemexico.com.mx/somos-ballet-de-amalia-hernandez/. 

    Como, William, editor. Dance Magazine, vol. 45, no. 6, June 1971, pp. 1-100. Alexander Street. https://search.alexanderstreet.com/preview/work/bibliographic_entity%7Cbibliographic_details%7C4018829#page/1/mode/1/chapter/bibliographic_entity%7Cdocument%7C4026336

    Hernández, Amalia Viviana Basanta, artistic director, and Salvador López López, general director. Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández. 6 Feb. 2022, Hill Auditorium, Ann Arbor. University Musical Society, https://ums.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/0043-0805-program-books-ballet-folklorico-digital-f-220202.pdf. 

    Snodgrass, Mary Ellen. The Encyclopedia of World Ballet. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2015. Alexander Street. https://search.alexanderstreet.com/preview/work/bibliographic_entity%7Cbibliographic_details%7C3910835#page/164/mode/1/chapter/bibliographic_entity%7Cdocument%7C3910918