Ballet Folklorico Tapatio
www.purotapatio.org
Tucson, Arizona
Biography
Ballet Folklórico Tapatío is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 1997 under the direction of master dance instructor Sergio Valle and the leadership of owner and founder Eduardo Baca Sr., and with the help and support of Lupe Klein Aviles. Today the ballet is under the artistic direction of the young and talented Jose Luis Baca. Ballet Folklórico Tapatío is based in South Tucson and draws its membership from the local Tucson community. Ballet Folklórico Tapatío has over 150 members participating in four different levels: Principiantes, Infantil, Juvenil, and Grupo Oficial. Ballet Folklórico Tapatío has performed throughout the United States and Mexico and is recognized as one of the finest folklórico programs in the nation.
Our mission is to provide a healthy, safe and inspirational environment in which children and young adults are given the opportunity to learn about Mexican culture and history through traditional regional dances. Ballet Folklórico Tapatío provides an avenue in which students can develop pride, self confidence, and self-esteem, while encouraging them to work within the community for positive change. The discipline we demand within our group is the discipline that prepares our youth for their educational pursuits as well as the workforce. Our goal of a healthy, productive community is achieved through the arts.
Ballet Folklórico Tapatío have been featured performers at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida; Idaho State University in Pocatello, Idaho; Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico; and the Annual International Mariachi and Ballet Folklórico Festival in Rosarito Beach, Baja California. In this past year the group has performed in Las Vegas, Nevada, Ensenada, Baja California, MX, and Glendale, AZ. The group is always working to broaden the diversity of their dance, and proudly represents Tucson where ever they perform.
Ballet Folklórico Tapatío is proud to be celebrating their 17th Anniversary this year.