FOLKLORICO
DANCE - CULTURE - TRADITION
Folklórico is a traditional Mexican dance form that brings together movement, music, and storytelling. Each dance represents a different region of Mexico, reflecting its history, culture, and community through rhythm, footwork, and vibrant costumes.
Rooted in generations of tradition, folklórico is more than just dance—it’s a way to connect to heritage, express identity, and celebrate culture. Through this program, youth will not only learn foundational steps, but also gain an appreciation for the stories and traditions behind each movement.
El folklórico es una forma de danza tradicional mexicana que une el movimiento, la música y la narrativa. Cada baile representa una región diferente de México, reflejando su historia, cultura y comunidad a través del ritmo, el zapateado y sus vestuarios coloridos.
Con raíces en generaciones de tradición, el folklórico es más que solo baile: es una manera de conectar con nuestras raíces, expresar identidad y celebrar la cultura. A través de este programa, los jóvenes no solo aprenderán los pasos básicos, sino que también desarrollarán una apreciación por las historias y tradiciones que viven en cada movimiento.
History of folklorico in the Roaring Fork Valley / Historia del folklórico en el Valle de Roaring Fork
In the Roaring Fork Valley, folklórico has grown through the dedication and vision of Francisco Nevarez Burgueño and the program at Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, who helped lay the foundation for this tradition over the past 30 years. Their commitment to teaching and community has allowed folklórico to take root and flourish across generations. Today, we remain inspired by that legacy and deeply grateful for the path they created. With respect and pride, we continue to carry this tradition forward in our community.
En el Valle de Roaring Fork, el folklórico ha crecido gracias al trabajo y la dedicación de Francisco Nevarez Burgueño y el programa de Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, quienes sembraron las bases de esta tradición a lo largo de más de 30 años. Su compromiso con la enseñanza y la comunidad ha permitido que el folklórico florezca y llegue a nuevas generaciones. Hoy, seguimos inspirados por ese legado y profundamente agradecidos por el camino que abrieron. Con respeto y orgullo, continuamos compartiendo esta tradición y manteniéndola viva en nuestra comunidad
OUR INSTRUCTORS / NUESTROS INSTRUCTORES
Angel Najera is a Mexican American dancer with deep roots in folklórico. His parents were both born in Mexico, and Angel was born in New Mexico, United States. He studied folklórico for 14 years with Aspen Santa Fe Ballet under director and teacher Francisco Nevarez Burgueño. Through this company, Angel has performed in Cuba, Mexico, Greece, and throughout the state of Colorado, and has also learned from master teachers who traveled from Mexico. Folklórico matters to Angel because it has always been part of his life and one of the things his parents strongly supported. It gives him a way to embrace his culture and share it with different communities, showing the beauty of Mexico and it’s history. Each dance tells a story and continues a tradition that has lasted for centuries, helping us understand it’s importance. Angel is excited to pass on what I have learned to future generations so that this art form can keep living.
Juan Pablo Iemus Peña is a Mexican American dancer with deep roots in folklorico. He was born in Colorado while his parents were both born in Nayarit Mexico. Juan as studied folklorico for 13 years with Aspen Santa Fe Ballet under director and teacher Francisco Nevarez Burgueño and has traveled and performed in Argentina, Greece, Mexico, Cuba and throughout Colorado. He has also been taught through master teachers that have traveled from Mexico. Because of supportive parents,, folklorico has been a huge part of Juan’s life. Folklorico gives Juan a way of staying connected to his roots, and performing these dances keeps traditions alive across generations and has given him a way to share it with different communities and cherishing his culture. Juan is enthused to share his wisdom and knowledge to his students and honor the traditions.
