Danzantes Unidos is honored to offer a class with the renowned Mexican Folklorico dancer and daughter of Amalia Hernandez, Amalia Viviana Basanta Hernandez at DUF 2016.

Amalia Viviana Basanta Hernandez was born in Mexico City, the daughter of Mexican choreographer, Amalia Hernandez, and Argentine writer, Joaquin Basanta Crece. 

She began her dance training at the age of five, studying classical ballet under Nellie Happee. At age thirteen, Ms. Basanta Hernandez joined the National Ballet of Mexico under the direction of Guillermina Bravo. She pursued her interest in contemporary dance, studying abroad with Alvin Nikolai, Murray Louise, Hanya Holm and Alvin Ailey. 

In 1977, she joined the Ballet Folklorico de Mexico de Amalia Hernandez as a dancer, where she revamped some of the works and repertoire created by her mother, Amalia Hernandez. In 1979, Ms. Basanta Hernandez became a soloist and later the Artistic Coordinator of the company for 15 years. In addition, she directed the school of the Ballet Folklorico de Mexico for ten years. While with the Ballet Folklorico de Mexico, Ms. Basanta Hernandez researched and produced such ballets as “Navidad Mexicana,” “Tarahumara,” “Sones,” and “Gustos de Guerrero.” She has also created modern dance choreographies based on Mexican folk traditions, including “De Caña al Carnaval” and “Tierra de Mis Pasiones.” 

She was also a soloist by invitation of the “Le Sorilege” Dance Company in Montreal, Canada. In 2002, Ms. Basanta opened her new dance school, “Academia de Danza Amalia Hernandez” with over 300 dance students. She continues to dance to this day. 

Honors bestowed upon Ms. Basanta Hernandez include the Cesar Chavez award from the University of Michigan, and the Artistry of Mexico Award presented by the United States Congress. She has also received the “Ulama” Award for her participation in the “Encuentro de Arte y Cultura” event by the Mexican Secretary of Education.

At DUF 2016, Ms. Basanta Hernandez will be teaching “Charreada de Zacatecas.”  The suite is derived from “El Jarabe Largo Ranchero” and represents the festive spirit of the rodeos held in the region. The men display their dexterity by maneuvering the livestock as they ride their horses and perform different stunts. The women display their femininity as they also ride their horses to join in the games and gamble with their luck. The essence of the rancher’s lifestyle is predominant throughout the entire suite. 

The workshop will consist of a warm  up, followed by tecnica session and then repertorio. Items required for men include proper dance attire, boots, sarape, and charro hat. Items required for women include proper dance attire, shoes, practice skirt, and rebozo.  Class size is limited to the first forty registrants, ages 18+ and at the advanced level.

We welcome Ms. Basanta Hernandez to the Danzantes Unidos Familia!