Danzantes Unidos is delighted to welcome back the renowned Mexican Folklorico dancer and choreographer, Amalia Viviana Basanta Hernandez to DUF 2022.  Maestra 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.

BALLET FOLKLORICO DE MEXICO: XANTOLO Y HUAPANGO

(Ages 13+)
Maestra: Amalia Viviana Basanta Hernandez

Maestra Viviana has shared a beautiful synopsis of what will be taught in this slideshow of images from the actual suite as performed by the Ballet Folklorico de Mexico de Amalia Hernandez.  >>> Xantolo y Huapango

Celebrating the 45th Anniversary of Danzantes Unidos!

DUF 2024 “SEGUIMOS ADELANTE” will take place on March 22, 23 & 24, 2024 in Fresno, CA.

Early Registration ends on January 19, 2024 at www.danzantes.org

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