Later this month Los Angeles will be treated to a performance by the Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández at the Hollywood Bowl on Thursday, July 18th. The evening will pair the ensemble’s vibrant costumes and choreography with the music of Mexican composers like Carlos Chávez and Gabriela Ortiz, with conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto leading the LA Phil through the night. Tickets for the show are currently starting at $15, but we’ll soon be running a ticket giveaway. Subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know when the giveaway drops.

This feature was produced by Sandra Burciaga Olinger, and written by David Sosa

What is Folklórico de México?

From Mexico to Central America to the southern border states of the U.S., there exists a rich tapestry of regional, locally flavored dances and music. The Ballet Folklórico de México coalesces all those styles into a theatrical production that spotlights dances like Jarabe tapatío, the Deer Dance, and the Concheros.

For all the variances to be found, there are several constants also: firstly, every performance is made all the more dazzling by the beautiful outfits worn by the dancers; secondly, they are a means of both remembering and preserving threads of tradition and culture. Dating back to the ritual practices of Indigenous peoples who called Mesoamerica home before the arrival of Europeans, the styles have evolved over the centuries through Hispanic, African, and modern influences.

Who’s Performing?

Since its founding in 1952, the Mexico City-born Ballet Folklórico de México has become an international ambassador for the country’s regional music and dances. On this special evening, Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández will perform with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto. Viviana Basanta will lead the art direction, while Salvador López López will serve as the general director.

Originally only consisting of eight performers, the ensemble now numbers fifty people, with over thirty at times occupying the stage as they share the traditions that have roots in the Indigenous cultures of Mesoamerica. Only seven years after Hernández started the group, it earned enough prestige to secure the Palace of Fine Arts in Mexico City as its permanent venue.

Over her lifetime, Hernández produced more than one hundred original choreographies, and her productions with the Ballet Folklórico de México have given the ensemble its reputation for stunning routines and colorful luxuriance.

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Why it’s great for kids?

Living in Los Angeles, you find yourself at a crossroads of cultural traditions in art that span generations. You couldn’t ask for a better opportunity to share that rich melding with your family than a night soaking up the stellar sights and sounds of the Ballet Folklórico de México. Broaden your horizons and that of your kids as you immerse yourselves in other cultures’ artistic traditions. From the vivid, fiery-colored outfits to the mesmerizing movements of the dancers—this is one concert that will imbue children with an early awe for the performing arts.

You can bring your own food and drinks to the Hollywood Bowl

We also love to remind you that outside food and drinks are encouraged at the Hollywood Bowl—allowing you to splurge on tickets or enjoy a picnic with the family as you enjoy the radiant show unfolding onstage. For those with kids, that means not worrying about buying or finding something they like while at the venue. Save yourself the headache and your wallet by packing those meals and drinks ahead of time (and plenty of snacks!). Make sure you don’t forget to reward yourself with some brews and wine!

Come early to explore the Hollywood Bowl Grounds

Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show does not start until 8 p.m., so you should plan to get there early so you can explore the ever-enchanting grounds of the Hollywood Bowl or check out the museum to learn about its illustrious history.

At night, the hillside walk up to the venue is a magical one, and there’s no better way to prep your children for a show than leading them up the steps for an energy-consuming hike to the top of the amphitheater. This will also earn you a stunning view of the surrounding hillsides and a perfect family photo-op.

If you’re bringing your own basket of food and snacks, you also have the option of using one of the many picnic areas around the Bowl, which will also give you a chance to check out all the vendors who sell the kind of distractions kids live for (like lightsabers and anything/everything that glows in the dark.

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Don’t miss out on the rest of the family-friendly happenings going on during the Hollywood Bowl 2024 season like the Disney ’80s-’90s Celebration in Concert, Barbie The Movie: In Concert and The Sound of Music.