Program
I. Prologue
This first piece provides a glimpse of a journey you are about to embark on. It is a small window opening to a vast colorful, passionate, and exciting México personified in Alegría
Choreography: Miguel Ángel Peña-Caballero
Costume Design: Traditional Music: México en la Piel
II. Tamaulipas- No Vengo a Ver Si Puedo, Si No Porque Puedo Vengo
The huapango Tamaulipeco is a test of skill, passion, and endurance. Driven by lightning-fast footwork, soaring violins, and powerful falsettos, it is a dance that demands strength and precision. This cuadro is not about hesitation- it is about conviction No Vengo a Ver Si Puedo, Si No Porque Puedo Vengo is a declaration of pride, energy, and the unstoppable spirit of the Huasteca Tamaulipeca.
Choreography: Ruben Gonzalez
Costume Design: Traditional Music: Traditional
III. Vaquería del Amor: A Forbidden Love in Merida
The state of Yucatán, Mexico, boasts a rich cultural tapestry woven through its distinctive dances, with the Jarana standing out as a vibrant expression. Rooted in a blend of indigenous and European influences, this emblematic dance encapsulates Yucatecan identity through lively movements and the resonant melodies of instruments such as the guitar, jarana, and maracas
The Jarana transcends mere artistic expression, serving as a repository of traditions and profound stories. Each step and gesture convey the Yucatecan people's deep connection to their land, history, and ancestors. The zapateado, with its distinctive rhythm paying homage to African influences, adds dynamism and vitality to the dance More than just entertainment, the Jarana plays a crucial role in strengthening community cohesion, acting as a social bond that promotes the continuity of cultural expressions. In essence, this dance serves as a living testament to the cultural identity and rich heritage of Yucatán.
Choreography: Miguel Ángel Peña-Caballero
Costume Design: Traditional
Music: Traditional
Acknowledgements
Dr. Guy Bailey
Founding President
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Dr. Luis H. Zayas
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Dr. Jeffrey Ward
Dean, College of Fine Arts
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Dana Shackelford
Dance Department Chair
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Paola Cantú-Gonzalez
Program Specialist, Dance Department
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
UTRGV Dance Department Faculty
Rebeca Gamborino, Daniel Garcia, Min Kim, Gina Laurenzi, Juan Ocampo, Miguel Ángel Peña-Caballero, Dana Shackelford
UTRGV Dance Department Assistants
Martha Isabel Cervantes
Costume Shop
Emmanuel Peralez
With Support from UTRGV ARTS Staff Members:
Carlos Muñoz, Events Coordinator
Jillian Torres, Administrative Support
Artistic & Administrative Staff
Miguel Ángel Peña-Caballero Director
Paola Cantú-Gonzalez, Angela Marentes, Emmanuel Peralez, Ramiro Silva Company Assistants
Emmanuel Peralez Costume Shop Assistant
Francisco Loera
UTRGV Mariachi Aztlán/Juvenil Aztlán Director
Musicians
UTRGV Mariachi Juvenil Aztlán, UTRGV Mariachi Aztlán, Grupo Galán
H. Joseph Diaz, UTRGV Arts Production and Arts Facilities Manager
Angel Peña, UTRGV Arts Program Specialist
Production Crew Performing Arts Facility
Upcoming Ballet Folklórico Events
February 6-8, 13-15 Alegría 2026
March 15 Alegría - Brownsville
March 28-29 Herencia - Ballet Folklórico Juvenil
June 13-14 Ouroboros
July 11 Summer Alegría
IV. Pasión Jalisciense
Jalisco is a land of passion—passion for its traditions, its music, and most of all, its dance. Pasión Jalisciense embodies the spirit of love and romance through the bold rhythms of sones and jarabes, where every zapateado echoes the heartbeat of those who dance it. The flirtatious exchanges between the dancers, the sweeping movements of vibrant skirts, and the proud stance of the charros tell stories of courtship, devotion, and undeniable connection.
Choreography: Miguel Ángel Peña-Caballero
Costume Design: Traditional Music: Traditional
V. La Vera-Cruz 2.0
For more than a century, the port of Veracruz served as the only gateway from Europe to the Americas. It held a very special place in the development of Mexican culture because it was there where everything from Spainmusic, art, dance, people, fashions, and food, assimilated their first "Mexicanist" filter. The "Jarocho" is the interpretation that locals gave to the newly arrived music that was heard from those stately Spanish galleons. This novel music, scripts the design of a folkloric representation of Veracruz that today is popular and favored by all
Choreography: Miguel Ángel Peña-Caballero
Costume Design: Traditional Music: Traditional
VI. Algarabía en Nuevo Leon
"Algarabía en Nuevo León" unfolds the vibrant cultural narrative of Nuevo León, México, spotlighting its folkloric dances. In this northeastern state, the "Polka Regiomontana" takes center stage, embodying a lively fusion of European and Mexican influences. This traditional dance encapsulates the spirited essence of Nuevo León’s festivities The "Huapango," originating in the Huasteca region but embraced fervently in Nuevo León, adds to the rich dance tapestry Its rhythmic footwork and intricate patterns symbolize the cultural interweaving within the state Nuevo León's folkloric dances, such as those showcased in "Algarabía en Nuevo León," serve as dynamic storytellers, narrating tales of resilience, heritage, and community unity. Through these dances, the play illuminates the resilient and diverse cultural identity of Nuevo León, celebrating the history and collective spirit of its people.
Choreography: Jaime Guerrero ♰ Costume Design: Ariadna Perez Garcia Music: Traditional
VII. Ritmo Y Tierra de Pinotepa
The region of Pinotepa Nacional, located on the Costa Chica of Oaxaca, is a vibrant cultural crossroads where Indigenous, Afro-Mexican, and mestizo traditions come together in powerful expression Its dances reflect the warmth of the coastal climate and the strength and charisma of its people. Movement is earthy, rhythmic, and full of attitude, with grounded footwork, hip accents, and a festive spirit that invites celebration. The music, often driven by brass bands and regional rhythms, carries an unmistakable coastal energy. Dances from Pinotepa Nacional are known for their lively character, expressive style, and the joyful interaction between dancers. Skirts swirl with bold flair, men dance with confident presence, and the choreography often reflects community gatherings, courtship, and the pride of local identity. This region’s folklore radiates color, rhythm, and the unmistakable coastal soul of Oaxaca.
Choreography: Arely Arrellanes Silva
Costume Design: Traditional Music: Traditional
VIII. Aires Nayaritas
The state of Nayarit, nestled between the Sierra Madre Occidental and the Pacific coast, is a land where Indigenous roots and mestizo traditions blend in vibrant celebration. Its folklore reflects the spirit of rural life, the pride of its charro heritage, and the playful courtship found in its community gatherings. The music is lively and rhythmic, driven by violins, guitars, and traditional ensembles that invite both dancers and spectators into the festivity. Dances from Nayarit are known for their strong footwork, graceful skirt work, and theatrical expression. In pieces such as El Gallito, dancers portray flirtation and the proud strut of the rooster through energetic steps and spirited character, while the Jarabe Nayarita showcases elegance, regional style, and the joyful interaction between partners. Together, these dances capture the warmth, color, and celebratory soul of Nayarit’s people.
Choreography: Miguel Ángel Peña-Caballero
Costume Design: Traditional Music: Traditional
Ballet Folklórico UTRGV 2026 Company
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BFA Mexican Dance
Aylin Alvarez
BBA International
June Apodaca
Non-Student
Elaynah Aranda
Non-Student
Jaqueline Astello
BS Integrated Health
Paola Cantú-Gonzalez
Alum BFA Mexican Dance
Emma Cruz
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Jessica I. Desiderio
Nursing/BFA Mexican Dance
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Itzel Garcia
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Maria Garcia
Alum BFA Mexican Dance
Victoria Gomez
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BS Biology
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Guadalupe Altamirano Jr
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