UTRGV Ballet Folklórico Presents Its Annual Production – Alegría
Photo above: UTRGV Ballet Folklórico presents Alegría, a dance production that has become a tradition in the Rio Grande Valley. The dates are Feb 3, 4, 5 and 10, 11, 12 at the UTRGV Performing Arts Complex on the Edinburg Campus, and March 26 at the TSC Performing Arts Center in Brownsville. (Photo Courtesy of UTRGV Ballet Folklórico)
By Amanda L. Alaniz
RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – JAN. 24, 2023 – The UTRGV’s Ballet Folkórico is presenting its annual dance production, Alegría 2023, with shows in Brownsville and Edinburg.
The show unveils a history of Mexico’s folk dance through the works and choreographies of invited guest artists from a variety of Mexican states and regions, in a collaboration of 40 dancers, 20 musicians, choreographers and scene designers. Together, the artists bring life to Mexico’s art of dance on stage.
The production crew consists of Miguel Angel Peña-Caballero, assistant professor for the College of Fine Arts and Ballet Folkórico director, Zeidy Garza, production director, and Joseph Diaz, UTRGV Performing Arts Complex facilities manager.
Seven different states and regions will be represented during the show, including a pre-Hispanic piece, Tabasco, Huasteca Veracruzana, Calabaceados from Baja California Norte, Veracruz, Colima and Sinaloa.
Peña said 50% of the regions are new for Alegría 2023, along with a new cast of dancers, and most of the show will have live music.
“It’s our biggest production of the year,” he said. “We start preparing for it every August. We all are very excited to show the Valley why this production has been around for the past 53 years.”
Opening curtain is 7:30 p.m. Feb. 3 at the UTRGV Performing Arts Complex on the Edinburg Campus, with additional shows on Feb. 4, 10 and 11 and 2 p.m. matinees on Feb. 5 and Feb. 12.
There also will be a performance at 7:30 p.m. Mar. 26 at the TSC Performing Arts Center in Brownsville.
Peña said everyone involved in the show is looking forward to opening night to see their hard work pay off.
“The audience’s applause and reaction are the ultimate gift they can give to us as artists,” he said.
Tickets for Alegría 2023 are available for purchase at utrgv.edu/arts. Tickets for adults are $15, $10 for senior citizens and students, and $5 for children. Patrons can purchase tickets one hour before each event.
For more information about the UTRGV Ballet Folklórico, contact the Dance Office at (956) 665-2230.