Ballet Folklorico Herencia Mexicana de Houston, founded in 2017 by Angelita Martinez and Jose Villalon, has grown from six members to more than 30 and now performs across the city. What started as a small but mighty group with six members is now flourishing.
During the past few years, the organization was recognized by the late Mayor Sylvester Turner for their low-cost tuition fees for underprivileged students to showcase their talents and to preserve the culture, they have performed at countless local events such as Dia de los Muertos at Discovery Green, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, East End Street Fest, the Miller Outdoor Theatre, Latin Fest at the University of Houston-Downtown. Other performances include Bailes de mi Tierra competition and Competencia Folklórica de Tejas, a prelude performance at Jones Hall for Ballet Folklorico de Mexico de Amalia Hernandez.
The group’s mission is to preserve and celebrate the cultures and traditions that Mexico has to offer while keeping tuition affordable to give everyone the opportunity to have a place of community, peace, and prosperity. They are a welcoming group of people who are passionate about learning, sharing, and performing to crowds of 50 to 50,000. Maestro Jose Villalon, who has taught since the 1980s, continues to lead the group. Villalon is widely respected for his knowledge and experience.
If one is seeking a performance or is interested in joining this group, sessions are held on Fridays from 8 to 10 p.m., Saturdays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., and Sundays from 3 to 5 p.m.
The group is based at 9910 Fuqua St., Suite G, and can be found on Instagram at @bfherenciamexicanadehouston.
