The North Texas Ballet Folklórico Contest Welcomes Student from Across Texas, Locals and Visitors

The two-day event showcased some of the state’s most talented junior and varsity level dance students and the hard work they put into their routines, celebrating every corner of Mexico where ballet folklórico originates. The competition highlights artistry, sportsmanship, and a strong sense of cultural pride. It’s what keeps both seasoned and new participants flocking to North Texas.

Returning contestants from Sunset High School (Dallas ISD) found themselves leaning on their dance teacher, Mr. Fernando Ibarra-Rocha, for motivation and encouraging words. Their Varsity and Junior Varsity came away with Division II* recognition for routines like La Azucena Bella, Jarabe Loco, and El Maracumbe. Sunset High School was also the first school to enter the competition’s inaugural Corazón category, welcoming students with physical and intellectual disabilities to celebrate their talent, effort, and love for folklórico.

Just last year, Ibarra-Rocha succeeded in separating folklórico into its own area of study at Sunset High School, so students could focus more deeply on technique and the cultural significance of the art form.

“Ballet folklórico creates such a sense of community,” Ibarra-Rocha said. “To me, this performance highlights the students’ pride in themselves and their lineage.”

Dance teacher Fernando Ibarra-Rocha rallies his ballet folklórico team ahead of their performance. | Photo by Jay Simon, Ten Ten Creative

Alice Moore Alexander Elementary (Denton ISD) competed for the second time, performing a ballet folklórico classic, Son de la Negra, often referred to as the second national anthem of Mexico. Students were proud to be honored with a Division II* rating, and they’re excited to come back next year and do even better, says teacher, Adriana Farias Renovato.

Students from Alice Moore Alexander Elementary of Denton ISD show off their Division II* banner dressed in colorful performance garments.

First-time contestants from Caney Creek High School (Conroe ISD, outside of the Houston area) said they were excited to be invited and compete this year.

Dance student Betzabel Torres said the competition was a very different environment than what she and her teammates are used to where they are from--it exposed them to connecting to other dance students who are passionate about ballet folklórico.

Student Kris Gordillo said it took his team up to three months to prepare for the competition, focusing on collaborating closely with his teammates on timing, and his own personal goal of improving his footwork.

“We love that they get to experience different competitions and connect to their culture,” said Daniela Archila Conde, dance educator for Conroe ISD.

Caney Creek High School earned a Division II* rating for their performance of routines like El Coyote and El Toro Mambo.

The ballet folklórico team from Caney Creek High School celebrates competing for the first time at the North Texas Ballet Folklórico Contest.

*Schools that received a DIVISION II rating, received an ‘excellent’ on most judging criteria.