Academia de Danza Theater Performance

Academia De dANZA BFFM Performance

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Untitled design

Academia De dANZA BFFM Performance

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BALLET FOLKLORICO FLOR DE MAYO

PRESENTS

Academia de Danza BFFM

Bienvenidos

On behalf of Ballet Folklorico Flor de Mayo we would like to thank you for your attendance and we hope you enjoy our program. Our show reflects the Love and Passion we share for the art of Traditional Mexican Folklorico dance.

Ballet Folklorico Flor de Mayo (BFFM) Dance Company was founded in 1994, with a focus on young children. As BFFM grew, its focus shifted to teenagers and young adults creating our professional dance company Ballet Folklorico Flor de Mayo. Last year our dance company decided to retake that focus and re-open our kids folklorico classes with our Academia de Danza BFFM. This will serve as a stepping stone for those children that would like to join our Ballet Folklorico Flor de Mayo dance company family in the future.

BFFM’s goal is to educate the community at large, through dance and music, showcasing the richness of Mexican folklor, the traditions, and the culture, as well as world dance. Over the years, the company has developed its own unique style that is reflected in their costumes and choreographies. The directors, choreographers and dancers collaborate to keep the dances as traditional and pure as possible.

August 17th and 18th, 2024

Campus Theatre: 16007 Crenshaw Blvd, Torrance, CA 90506

Founder

Raquel Ramirez

Artistic Directors:

Alondra Ramirez

Raquel Ramirez

Dance Instructors:

Alondra Ramirez, Ashley Ramirez, Raquel Ramirez, Jasmine Rodriguez

Choreographers:

Nancy Luis, Maritza Olmos, Alondra Ramirez, Ashley Ramirez, Raquel Ramirez

PROGRAM ORDER

Oaxaca

The name of the state Oaxaca comes from the Nahuatl word "Huaxyacac", which refers to a tree called a "guaje" (Leucaena leucocephala) found around the capital city. The name was originally applied to the Valley of Oaxaca by Nahuatl-speaking Aztecs and passed on to the Spanish during the conquest of the Oaxaca region.

The dances are different depending on the region and the community. Their rhythms are strange and profound. The Chilena, a dance known as a "chilena" or Chilean comes from the Costa Chica (small coast) which covers both the states of Oaxaca and Guerrero. These dances differ from the others in that even though they are inevitably influenced by black and indigenous culture they are essentially mestizo (a blend of Spanish and indigenous).
In Pinotepa Nacional, where the Chileans are most popular it is said that the dance was brought to the coast by a boatload of Chilean sailors. They settled in the area and left a legacy of songs and dances to the locals. Over time, there followed a cultural exchange which eventually led to the birth of the Mexican Chilean, a hybrid version combining the original dance with local influence, essentially the music and bawdy sense of humor. The steps have also changed: initially showing a courtship ending in the couple doing a zapateado (rhythmic stamping to music) to show they are dancing with joy.
The mestizo women wear blouses decorated with sequins in the shape of flowers and animals; wide, brightly colored satin or cotton skirts decorated with lace and ribbons; their hair is worn in braids and decorated with ribbons; a neckerchief, gold earrings and necklace finish off the outfit. The men wear trousers, a wide shirt tied at the waist, a palm hat and a red neckerchief.

Choreographer: Nancy Luis,
Assistants: Juan Alejandro, Daniel Hernandez
Music: Malagueña y Gusto, Chilena Pinotepa, Son Libre, Malagueña

Dancers: Ashley Ramirez, Jasmine Rodriguez, Adriana Garzon Valdez, Nancy Luis, Bella Limon, Crystal Olvera, Veronica Alejandro, Yedany Uribe, Juan Alejandro, Daniel Hernandez, Alan Gurrola, Keith Morris, Christian Vazquez, Abraham Gonzalez, Alex Garcia, Arturo Manjarrez

Sinaloa

The region of ‘La Costa’ includes the area along the western coast of México where the state of Nayarit borders the state of Sinaloa. It is an area of tropical climate and is well known for its beautiful beaches. The music of this region is played by La Banda, also known as ‘La Tambora‘, which consists of brass and percussion instruments. Although the music has been modified by Indigenous and African rhythms, the influence of the brass band from Germany is still evident. The lively dance style shows a mixture of indigenous and Spanish footwork, as well as strong influence of Afro-Cuban and Chilean forms. Due to its uniqueness in its musical approach, Sinaloa emerged with a distinctive personality in its style of dance. The traditional dance is characterized by the zapateado with the whole plant, the double step and fast valseado. The attitude of the man is bold and virile. The woman is flirtatious and strong.

Choreographer: Alondra Ramirez, Ashley Ramirez
Music: El Sauce, Julia, Toro Mambo, El Palo Verde
Dancers:

El Sauce:
Emma Leon-Ferrero, Lina Martinez, Saysha Fletes, Yedany S Uribe, Carlos Chali, Michael Perez

Julia:
Ayla Garcia, Lucia Lopez Luis, Olivia Rodriguez, Penny Martinez, Valentina Martinez, Ruby Solano, Mia- Bella Mabella, Clarissa Cervantes, Athena Gomez, Edsel Rivera, Yago Leon-Ferrero, Mateo Vazquez

Toro Mambo:
Daniella Hernandez, Zoe Torres, Santiago Torres, Carlos Chali, Diego Martinez, Camila Ruiz, Cinthia Martinez, Maya Leon-Ferrero, Neiza Morales, Orly Espinoza, Penelope Jarquin, Valentina Morazon Samantha Nava, Maia Vazquez, Eugene Edouarzin

Palo Verde:
Daniella Hernandez, Zoe Torres, Santiago Torres, Carlos Chali, Diego Martinez, Camila Ruiz, Cinthia Martinez, Maya Leon-Ferrero, Neiza Morales, Orly Espinoza, Penelope Jarquin, Valentina Morazon Samantha Nava, Maia Vazquez, Eugene Edouarzin

GUERRERO

Guerrero was named after Vicente Guerrero, one of the most prominent leaders in the Mexican War of Independence and the second President of Mexico. It is the only Mexican state named after a president. The modern entity did not exist until 1849, when it was carved out of territories from the states of Puebla and Michoacán Mexico. Today, it is home to a number of indigenous communities, including the Nahuas, Mixtecs and Amuzgos. It is also home to communities of Afro-Mexicans in the Costa Chica region.
In the humid beaches of Guerrero, Chileans, Africans, Indians and Europeans formed one of the most diverse traditions in folklórico. The Cuecas sambas and Sones are specific to this region. Guerrero is a tropical state on the Pacific coast. It was not only a haven to Asian influences that strayed and landed on its coast, but also a haven for run-away black slaves.‘El Toro Rabón’ is a flirtatious dance between the men and women each show off their skills using a handkerchief and zapateados.

Choreographer: Alondra Ramirez
Music: El Toro Rabon, Las Amarillas
Dancers:
Ashley Ramirez, Jasmine Rodriguez, Adriana Garzon, Bella Limon, Crystal Olvera, Nancy Luis Martiza Olmos, Veronica Alejandro, Yedany Uribe, Syulita Fletes, Ariel Murillo, Juan Alejandro, Christian Vazquez, Arturo Manjarrez, Abraham Gonzalez, Alan Gurrola, Keith Morris, Alex Garcia

NUEVO LEON

Nuevo Leon was named after the New Kingdom of León, an administrative territory of the Viceroyalty of New Spain, which was itself named for the historic Spanish Kingdom of León.
Nuevo Leon shares most of its music, dance, and other cultural expressions with the rest of the northern states of Mexico. The music from Nuevo Leon is played by a conjunto norteño. The word conjunto means “combination” and the band is a Mexican folk ensemble reflecting its German roots. It has a 12-string guitar-like bajo sexton: double bass and drums; and the most distinctive norteño instrument, the German button accordion.
Regiomontanos (people from Nuevo Leon) adopted and modified European forms. Over the years they created the distinctive Norteño style, a style more elegant than the original dances, and also more aggressive. These dances are from the region of Linares Nuevo Leon and have a strong beat and a lot of joyous foot stomping. The town is also where the legendary norteño band Los Cadetes De Linares, originated from in the 1970s.

Choreographer: Alondra Ramirez, Raquel Ramirez
Music: Cascada, Evangelina
Dancers:

Cascada: Daniella Hernandez, Zoe Torres, Santiago Torres, Carlos Chali, Diego Martinez, Camila Ruiz, Orly Espinoza, Penelope Jarquin, Valentina Morazon

Evangelina:
Edsel Rivera, Olivia Rodriguez, Mia- Bella Mabella, Penny Martinez, Lucia Lopez Luis
Valentina Martinez, Yago Leon-Ferrero, Ayla Garcia

VERACRUZ

Veracruz formally Veracruz de Ignacio de la Llave, officially the Free and Sovereign State of Veracruz de Ignacio de la Llave.

El Son jarocho is a regional folk musical style from Veracruz. It evolved along the coastal portions of southern Tamaulipas and Veracruz, hence the term jarocho, a colloquial term for people or things from the port city of Veracruz. Son Jarocho represents a fusion of indigenous (primarily Huastecan), Spanish, and African musical elements, reflecting the population which evolved in the region from Spanish colonial times. Lyrics include humorous verses and subjects such as love, nature, sailors, and cattle breeding that still reflect life in colonial and 19th century Mexico.

Choreographers: Alondra Ramirez, Raquel Ramirez
Music: El Colas, Tilingo Lingo, La Bruja
Dancers:
Colas:
Daniella Hernandez, Zoe Torres, Santiago Torres, Carlos Chali, Diego Martinez, Maya Leon-Ferrero, Valentina Morazon, Maia Vazquez

Tilingo Lingo:
Emma Leon-Ferrero, Katrina Gabriel, Lina Martinez, Saysha Fletes, Sienna Gabriel, Syulita Fletes, Yedany S Uribe, Ariel Murillo,

Bruja: Emma Leon-Ferrero, Erica Garcia, Juvian Ramirez, Katrina Gabriel, Lina Martinez, Saysha Fletes, Sienna Gabriel, Syulita Fletes, Yedany S Uribe, Emily Hohmann, Sonali Valle, Lorena Espinoza, Ariel Murillo, Sandra Martinez, Dalila Martinez, Valeria Martinez, Daniella Hernandez, Zoe Torres Carlos Chali, Diego Martinez, Michael Perez, Santiago Torres, Arturo Manjarrez, Jayden Herrera, Camila Ruiz, Cinthia Martinez, Maya Leon-Ferrero, Neiza Morales, Orly Espinoza, Penelope Jarquin, Valentina Morazon, Samantha Nava, Maia Vazquez, Eugene Edouarzin

INTERMISSION

ZACATECAS

The Sones de Tambora (Jarabes de Jerez) are played by La Tambora Zacatecana. A wind and percussion instrument band that is reminiscent of European ensembles left behind by the revolutionary movement of 1910. Local authorities in Central and Northern Mexico decided to use these musicians as Sunday entertainment in local town square gazebos. In the mid-20th century in Sinaloa and Zacatecas music bands increased their wind and percussion instruments, forming musical bands as we know them today

Jarabes de Jerez are songs that were danced with conscientious and fine flirtiness by the women and with a virile and determined attitude by the men. The gallant man dance and protects his gentle companion during the dance, applying a very ranchero and peculiar style making him different and unique in the eyes of his partner. These dances are danced by couples, one facing the other, constantly observing and admiring each other while dancing.

Choreographer: Alondra Ramirez
Music: La Pulquera, El Toro Bermejo, Los Colorados
Dancers:
Ashley Ramirez, Jasmine Rodriguez, Adriana Garzon, Bella Limon, Crystal Olvera, Nancy Luis, Martiza Olmos, Veronica Alejandro, Yedany Uribe, Ariel Murillo,
Emma Ferrero-Leon, Syulita Fletes, Arturo Manjarrez, Alan Gurriola, Abraham Gonzalez, Juan Alejandro, Christian Vasquez, Michael Perez

RECORDING ARTIST

Danny Muñoz

"En Mi Viejo San Juan - Author: Noel Estrada Juarez"

Danny Muñoz, a recording artist and philanthropist from San Miguel El Alto, Jalisco, Mexico, has made notable contributions to both music and community service. He first garnered attention with a José José tribute and as a finalist on Telemundo’s "Nuevas Voces De América," followed by the release of his debut album, "Puro Corazón," in 2009. Since 2012, his Turn On Music, Turn Off Drugs (TOMTOD) campaign has promoted a drug-free lifestyle, and he is currently working on a new project featuring Mariachi renditions of popular songs, including a Mariachi version of "La Negra Tomasa." In his community roles, Danny coordinates The Gerber Children’s Christmas Fiesta, serves on the Board of Ballet Folklorico Flor De Mayo, and supports the World Itotia Festival. Additionally, he founded Los Altos Records to assist independent artists and facilitated the posthumous publication of his late mentor Gabriel B. Zavala’s poetry collection, "Mis Magros Versos."

CHIHUAHUA

Mexican Folklorico, particularly the Polka Norteña form, traces its roots of origin from Germany and was introduced to Mexico during colonial times in the northern states- Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, Chihuahua and Tamaulipas. During the time of the Revolution this form of dance gained extraordinary vigor. Today, Polkas and Norteño music is danced in all celebratory occasions. The music for this dance form is accompanied by an accordion and guitar that create a quick rhythmic melody, coinciding with the dance’s intricate footwork.

Choreographer: Alondra Ramirez
Music: Santa Rita
Dancers:
Katrina Gabriel, Arturo Manjarrez, Sienna Gabriel, Michael Perez, Yedany S Uribe, Carlos Chali, Daniella Hernandez, Santiago Torres, Zoe Torres, Chris Vazquez, Diego Martinez, Lina Martinez, Saysha Fletes,

RECORDING ARTIST

Danny Muñoz

"La Negra Tomasa - Author: Guillermo Rodríguez Fiffe"

JALISCO

The name Jalisco is believed to be derived from the Nahuatl words “Xalli”, “Ixtli”, and “co”, together generating the meaning “Sand Place“.
The most popular and easily recognized music of México is the Mariachi music from this state. The songs are usually a medley of tunes and speak of machismo, love, betrayal, death, politics, revolutionary heroes and animals. The spirit of the “Tapatios”, people from Guadalajara the capital of Jalisco, is vividly expressed through their movements and, most of all, their music. Most of the footwork is performed in quick rhythmic patterns called Zapateados. The women are well known for their “faldeo” the manipulation of the skirt.
The Spanish colonized this area for an extended time. The men wore the big sombreros and the traditional Spanish charro suit with the silver studs on the pants and a big bow. The women folklorico wear is a ranchero design dress with unmistakable Indian influenced bright colored ribbons. This is the national representation for Mexican dance as is the Mexican hat dance which comes from this state. Jarabes, which means "sweet syrup," are best known as many of the dances are those of courtship and very flirtatious. This is also the birthplace of los mariachis -- the orchestras with trumpets, acoustics, violins.

Choreographer: Raquel Ramirez, Maritza Olmos
Music: El Gavilancillo, El Popurri de Jalisco, El Jarabe Tapatio, El Toro Viejo
Dancers:

El Gavilancillo:
Edsel Rivera, Olivia Rodriguez, Mia- Bella Mabella, Penny Martinez, Mateo Vazquez, Lucia Lopez Luis, Clarissa Cervantes, Valentina Martinez, Yago Leon-Ferrero, Ayla Garcia, Athena Gomez, Ruby Solano

Popurri de Jalisco:
Dalila Martinez, Valeria Martinez, Sonali Valle, Ariel Murillo, Sandra Martinez, Michael Perez, Carlos Chali, Saysha Fletes, Santiago Torres, Daniella Hernandez, Diego Martinez, Arturo Manjarrez, Erica Garcia, Chris Vazquez, Zoe Torres, Erica

El Jarabe Tapatio:
Katrina Gabriel, Carlos Chali, Lina Martinez, Diego Martinez, Sienna Gabriel, Michael Perez, Syulita Fletes, Santiago Torres, Yedany S Uribe, Arturo Manjarrez, Juvian Ramirez, Jayden Herrera

El Toro Viejo:
Ashley Ramirez, Jasmine Rodriguez, Adriana Garzon, Bella Limon, Nancy Luis, Martiza Olmos, Juan Alejandro, Alan Gurriola, Alex Garcia, Arturo Manjarrez

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Academia de Danza BFFM and
Ballet Foklorico Flor de Mayo Founder Raquel Ramirez

Artistic Directors Alondra Ramirez
Raquel Ramirez

Stage Manager El Camino Center for the Arts Staff
Stage Assistant El Camino Center for the Arts Staff
Lighting Designer El Camino Center for the Arts Staff Sound Board Operator El Camino Center for the Arts Staff

Back Stage Director Gaby Leon-Ferrero
Back Stage Assistant Jessyca Uribe
Volunteer Director Miriam Martinez

Costume Designer Patricia Oliva

House El Camino Center for the Arts Staff
Box Office El Camino Center for the Arts Staff

Publicity and Production, Director Daniel Muñoz

Social Media, Director Nancy Luis

Social Media Daniel Hernandez, Crystal Olvera Diana Luis

Marketing Jasmine Rodriguez

Fundraising Director Ashley Ramirez

Liaison, Secretary Adriana Garzon Valdez

Graphic Design Daniel Hernandez, Crystal Olvera

Photography Joey Somera

Program Editors BFFM Board

Videography Nestor Trujillo

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO:
Patricia Oliva
Ballet Folklorico Flor de Mayo Board
Our Parent Volunteers
El Camino Center for the Arts Staff

ACADEMIA DE DANZA BFFM
Fall Enrollment open now

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe5KtCM-xhnDRb-HP997Pi8hyh-QVB9gBRAxwD2Ke4F3rXjgQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

BALLET FOLKLORICO FLOR DE MAYO
AUDITIONS

For more information email:
raquelbffm@gmail.com

Nancy Luis was introduced to traditional Mexican Folklorico at the age of nine. She has performed and toured with Grupo Folklorico Macias, Grupo Folklorico de Hamilton High School, Global Motion World Dance Company, and Ballet Folklorico Flor de Mayo. She has also appeared on local television channels such as KTLA, & Univision; and participated in prestigious conferences such as the Asociación Nacional de Grupos Folklórico [ANGF]. Nancy has had the opportunity to tour and compete internationally, with Ballet Folklorico Flor de Mayo in Beijing, China, Bracciano, Italy, Santiago, Chile, Lloret del Mar, Spain and Paris, France. Nancy holds her B.A. in Child Development from California State University Los Angeles. She is currently pursuing her M.S. in Counseling Psychology within the Enlaces program at Mount Saint Mary’s University. Nancy will pursue licensure as a licensed marriage and family therapist in order to serve the diasporic indigenous communities within California with culturally responsive and bilingual mental health services.

Maritza Olmos has been dancing with Ballet Folklorico Flor de Mayo for over ten years, performing internationally in Italy, Chile, Spain and France with the group. During her early college years, Maritza was casted in Santa Monica College’s Global Motion World Dance Company where by audition she had the opportunity to perform Latin Ballroom (Salsa, Mambo, Cha Cha Cha, Tango, Paso Doble, Samba, Bachata), West African, Flamenco, Lyrical Jazz, Tap/Hip Hop among other traditional dance forms. From Santa Monica College, she received her Associate in Arts in Dance, Social and Behavioral Science, Arts and Humanities, as well as a Dance Teaching Certificate. She continued her education at California State University Dominguez Hills where she received her Bachelor Degree in Liberal Studies with a Dance Option and later her Dance Credential from California State University Eastbay. Maritza is currently the Director/Instructor of the Ballet Folklorico de Hamilton High School under the Academy of Music and Performing Arts (AMPA). At Alexander Hamilton High School, she is also the Color Guard coach and the choreographer for the AMPA’s Musical productions.

Danny Muñoz, a recording artist and philanthropist from San Miguel El Alto, Jalisco, Mexico, has made notable contributions to both music and community service. He first garnered attention with a José José tribute and as a finalist on Telemundo’s "Nuevas Voces De América," followed by the release of his debut album, "Puro Corazón," in 2009. Since 2012, his Turn On Music, Turn Off Drugs (TOMTOD) campaign has promoted a drug-free lifestyle, and he is currently working on a new project featuring Mariachi renditions of popular songs, including a Mariachi version of "La Negra Tomasa." In his community roles, Danny coordinates The Gerber Children’s Christmas Fiesta, serves on the Board of Ballet Folklorico Flor De Mayo, and supports the World Itotia Festival. Additionally, he founded Los Altos Records to assist independent artists and facilitated the posthumous publication of his late mentor Gabriel B. Zavala’s poetry collection, "Mis Magros Versos."

Ashley Ramirez is studying to become a Vet Nurse and is completing her AA in Dance at Santa Monica College. She has been dancing with Ballet Folklorico Flor Mayo ( BFFM) for 18 years and has traveled within the US to attend the Asociacion Nacional de Grupos Folkloricos (ANGF) conference. She has also traveled with BFFM internationally attending dance festivals in China, Italy and Chile. Since Spring of 2013, Ashley has also performed with Santa Monica College's Global Motion World Dance Company. Excelling in dance forms such as Salsa, Tahitian, Indonesian, Belly, Persian and many more.

Raquel Ramírez, holds a B.A. in Dance and Liberal Studies. Mrs. Ramirez is the founder and Director of Ballet Folklorico Flor de Mayo. She is also Co-Director of Global Motion, World Dance Company and a part time instructor at Santa Monica College since 1999. She has taught Traditional Mexican Folklorico as well as Danza Azteca.
She was born on the countryside of Jalisco, Mexico in a town called Tenamaxtlan, Jalisco, a few hours from the state capital Guadalajara. She was brought to the United States at the age of 5 years old by her parents and was raised in Sothern California. Her dance experience started at a very young age, during her summer visits back to her hometown where she began her training in Traditional Mexican Folklorico, Waltz and Danza Azteca. Little did she know that this would become her biggest passion. She has studied, and has taken intensive workshop with Rafael Zamarripas, Lalo Garcia and Benjamin Hernandez. Ramirez has been a member of Asociacion Nacional de Grupos Folkloricos (ANGF) since 1999. She has performed on stage nationally and internationally as well as on TV. Her performances include the International Mariachi Festival in New México, Asociación Nacional de Grupos Folklóricos in México and the U.S. A. For the past 11 years Ballet Folklorico Flor Mayo has had the honor to tour internationally to Beijing China 2013, 2014, Bracciano Italy 2015, Santiago de Chile 2017, Lloert de Mar, Spain and a dance competition in Paris, France.

Alondra Ramirez, began dancing folklorico, under the direction of Raquel Ramirez, at the age of 6. Since then, Alondra has grown with Ballet Folklorico Flor de Mayo from dancer to choreographer, to Director. Although not a dance major, Alondra’s love for dance led her to Santa Monica College where she took various dance courses and formed part of Global Motion World Dance Company, exposing her to additional world dance styles such as Flamenco, Indonesian, Hip Hop, Salsa and Swing. Additionally, Ramirez has received training from maestros from Mexico who specialize in folklorico for their state. During her extensive time with BFFM, Ramirez has performed throughout various states in the United States, and internationally in countries such as China, Italy, Mexico, and Chile. Alondra hopes to continue performing, choreographing, and representing the beauty of her culture.