BOONE — Appalachian State University in Boone continues its 2018-2019 Performing Arts Series with a performance by the internationally acclaimed Ballet Folklórico de Mexico at 7 p.m. on Nov. 14 at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts in Boone

Ballet Folklórico de Mexico is a collective term for traditional Mexican dances highly choreographed and rendered in ballet characteristics with pointed toes and dramatic, exaggerated movements in a basic set of steps involving percussive heel-stomping. The dancers perform in rich, brightly colored costumes to music which mingles the sounds of Mexico’s diverse folk culture.

In 1952, dancer and choreographer Amalia Hernádez founded the Ballet Folklórico de Mexico. She sought to rescue and combine the folk dancing traditions from all the areas of Mexico — dances that emphasized local folk culture, dances that would be found in villages, not on stage. Her choreography reflects both history and culture. It also represents significant events in peoples’ lives through Mexican dances. The dancers move from the present to the past, from Mexico’s pre-Columbian era, Hispanic Viceroy period, and the popular period of the Revolutionary year (1910) with all of the archetypes represented through dance.

Within a few years of their formation Amalia Hernádez and Ballet Folklórico de Mexico began creating what became over 40 ballets for upwards of seventy dancers. The company has currently given over 5,000 performances all over the world, and both Amalia Hernádez and Ballet Folklórico de Mexico have been distinguished with more than 300 awards recognizing their artistic merits.

The company will bring to Boone a full array of female dancers, male dancers and musicians. The program they will present at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts will begin with an overture followed by nine ballets tracing Mexico’s history and traditions.

Tickets for the Ballet Folklórico de Mexico are $25 adult and $5 student or child. They may be purchased by visiting or calling the Schaefer Center Box Office at 828-262-4046.