Dance with Us

Ballet Folklorico de Riverside

Preservation of the Mexican Culture and Heritage through the instruction and presentation of traditional Mexican dances.

Traditional Mexican Dance

Welcome to BFDR

In 1976, Ana de la Tejera founded Ballet Folklorico de Riverside, formerly de Arlanza, for the preservation of Mexican culture and heritage through the instruction and presentation of traditional Mexican dances. Ana along with 13 children started practicing on driveways and in garages. The costumes were simple. The girls’ costumes consisted of white peasant blouses, red skirts with yellow ribbons, and rick-rack. Their hair was braided with colorful ribbons. The boys dressed as cowboys wearing jeans, a western shirt, boots, and a cowboy hat.

The Ballet Folklorico’s membership has grown to over 100 dancers ranging from 5 years old and up. The dancers present traditional Mexican folk dances from more than 33 regions of Mexico and eras in Mexican history. The dances are based on traditional stories and rituals that have been passed from one generation to another. The broad range of regions includes the states of Jalisco, Veracruz, the historical periods of the Azteca Indians, and the Mexican Revolution. The dances presented range from early European-influenced polkas and Spanish-influenced Zapateados to recreations of prehispanic Azteca rituals and the most popular dance of Mexico, El Jarabe Tapatio or the Mexican Hat Dance.

Recital Teaser Video
New Enrollment July 1st - 15th.

Membership

1st Dancer  $55.00 

Each Additional Dancer (per family)  $30.00

  • Membership is due on the 1st of each month 
  • $15.00 late fee for payments received after the 10th of each month
  • No refunds on monthly dues 
  • Dance Season is from August thru June.

Classes We Offer:

We offer classes for both beginners and experienced dancers.

Escuela I (ages 5-6) 
Escuela II (ages 7-9)
Escuela III (ages 10-12) 
Compañía I experienced (ages 10-12)
Compañía II experienced (ages 13+) 
Compañía III experienced 15 and up 

Testimonials

What people are saying...

"The best dance studio for learning folklorico dance in the Inland Empire!"
J. Galvin
Via Google

BFDR & Division 9 Gallery

For over 20 years, Ballet Folklorico de Riverside has been proud to partner with Division 9 Gallery to host our annual Day of the Dead event located in historic Downtown Riverside.

Division 9 Gallery
www.div9events.com