Since prehispanic eras, dance has held a central role in fertility, warfare and tribute to the gods for the people of Mexico. During the conquest, the indigenous cultures of Mexico mixed with European cultures, especially those of Spain, France and Austria.
Apart from Europeans, Mexico also experienced an influx of people from Africa and China. Each of these very distinct cultures contributed to the evolution of the original folklore traditions of the native Mexican cultures such as the Mexicas, Mayas, Otomies, Totonacas, Huichol and the Olmecas.
Reflected in the dance, dress, food and traditions of the Mexican people is the diverse history of all that went into building the Mexican culture of today. It includes reflections of the nation's original people, the Spanish influence through the conquest and inquisition, remembrances of the social and economic strife, and of the emergence of Mexico as an independent and culturally distinct nation.
It is a fundamental respect and passion for this history that drives Ballet Papalotl to carry out presentations of Mexican folklore. The word folklore comes from the German word volk, which means people. Folklore is quite literaly the legends and culture of the people. Through learning Mexican folkloric dance, we not only remember the history of the Mexican people, but also the values and traditions of our ancestors, as human beings. So sit back and enjoy a bit of Mexican living history!
Welcome to Ballet Papalotl!!!
Since 2005, Ballet Papalotl has been awarded 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place in the Junior Festival Awards at the Portland Rose Parade for best costume and dance troupe as well as 2nd place at the Starlight Parade and Dance Wire Ambassador 2019: