Ballet Folklórico to perform as part of Encore Performing Arts Series

By Kristina Kenney
University News Service
January 29, 2013

The Encore Series at Texas State University will welcome Ballet Folklórico of the University of Texas-Pan American, the longest standing folkloric performing group in the nation, on Feb. 17.

The event will be held at 7:30 p.m. in Evans Auditorium on the Texas State campus. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Since the group’s inception more than 40 years ago, it has represented Mexican culture and tradition in its performances for numerous professional guest artists, including Vicente Fernández, Veronica Castro, Mariachi Vargas and the band Creed. In addition, the dance troupe has jointly produced ballets, concerts, zarzuelas and musicals with the Valley Symphony Orchestra, the UTPA Theatre and the UTPA Department of Music.

Ballet Folklórico is under the direction of Francisco Munoz III, artistic director, and Maria Garza Munoz, administrative director. The husband and wife team have served as the group’s directors since 1986.

Throughout the ballet’s existence, it has been credited with an image of service, good will and professionalism. As it presents its 2012-2013 performance season, Ballet Folklórico continues to serve as an ambassador for UTPA, the Rio Grande Valley and the Mexican culture and tradition of the area.

Reserved seating for the event is $25 and includes parking in the Pleasant Street Garage. General seating is $15. Texas State students with a valid ID and children will receive a $10 discount on ticket price.

Ballet Folklórico at UTPA was founded in 1970 by Amilda Thomas, professor emeritus. Thomas’ vision of dance at UTPA laid the foundation for the success of Ballet Folklórico and enabled dance at UTPA to grow past her retirement into a major/minor academic degreed program, which was implemented at the university in 2002. The dance troupe is the longest standing folkloric performing group in the nation.

The Encore Performing Arts Series brings performing arts to San Marcos that rival arts programming offered in the world’s largest cultural centers. The series is funded through student service fees and is managed by a committee of faculty and staff appointed by the Texas State University Faculty Senate.

For more information and to purchase tickets for the event, visit www.encoreseriestxst.com/ballet-folklorico or contact Liz McDonald at (512) 245-3501.