Dance Segments
Dance Groups
Groups
Folklórico
Tepeyac
Ages 7+ are welcome, prior dance or gymnastic experience preferred. Please connect with us for an interview! We would love to meet you!
What is Folklórico?
Folklórico (folk-lori-co) is an authentic expression of a culture and it embraces its traditions, legends, myths, music and art, transmitted generation to generation.
The costumes and the music reflect the living cultures of their regions, respectively.
The elements of Mexico’s culture are combined together to produce a language of movement, rich traditions and the merging of two strong elements; Indigenous and Spaniard.
Our Dance Segments:
Jalisco, Sinaloa, Guerrero, Norte, Chiapas, Yucatán, San Luis Potosi, La Paz, Veracruz
Frequently Asked Questions
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Send us an email to request an interview!
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During the interview process, we will discuss the ways a family contributes to the success of our group. Families donate time, talent, and treasure.
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Cost depends on location, length of programs, number of dancers, and complexity of performances. Please contact us for more information at socialmedia@vbfolklor.org.
Our Pre-Hispanic Dance Group
Vancouver Ballet Folklórico not only preserves the traditional folkloric dances of Mexico but the indigenous culture before the Spaniards conquered. We have a sub-group by the name of Tepeyac, which is our Pre-Hispanic Dance group. Instead of traditional long dresses and white shoes, we dance with rattles, feathers and our bare feet. Tepeyac was actually formed before VBF around 2010 and has performed for different cultural events in Clark County and Portland such as Cinco de Mayo at the Waterfront, Clark County Fair, and Eugene, Oregon.
Tepeyac Group
VBF Contributors
Our Vancouver Ballet Folklórico contributors put their time, energy, and love into our group and make VBF the best it can be. We love our contributors and their talents!
Anna Brackney Cruz
Founder | Artistic Director | Board President | Dancer
Anna (Brackney) Cruz is the founder of Tepeyac Pre-Hispanic dance group and founder of Vancouver Ballet Folklórico with previous collaboration from Jesus Chavez Vega. Anna is VBF's artistic director and board President. Anna has dedicated endless hours and love to VBF along with her two daughters who are also part of the group. Her passion for Day of the Dead celebrations is known in the community as she has collaborated with art organizations in Clark County every year.
Anna Cruz was born in California and was raised in the beautiful Mexican states of Jalisco and Veracruz where she studied dance and choreography at the University of Guadalajara and the IVEC/Instituto Veracruzano de Cultura. She has participated in dance performances since she was 7 years old. She enjoys photography, poetry, art, and outdoor activities.
Anna has also represented the Northwest after auditioning for Kroger's Taste of Mexico commercial for Fred Meyer in 2014. Anna was also awarded the "Lifetime Achievement Award" through the Community Foundation of Southwest Washington in 2021.
Jesús Chavez Vega
Co-founder | Dance Instructor | Advisor
Jesús Chavez Vega was the co-founder of Olincalli Ballet Folklórico (now known as Vancouver Ballet Folklórico) and now supports the group with his knowledge and dance instruction.
Jesús Chavez is originally from the state of Veracruz, Mexico and has lived in Vancouver, Washington since 2007. Jesus has danced since preschool and since then, he has embraced the Mexican folklore which he learned both in Mexico and in the USA. He has performed in different cities and currently dances with Ballet Folklórico Mexico en la Piel. Jesus is passionate with his instruction as he seeks to pass on his culture to new generations.
Jesus has also been a Latin model in Oregon state and he has had a spot light in a national Vaquero contest obtaining first place at the Colorado Cowboy Face and Chicago’s Mr. Cowboy Encounter.
Mrs. Elena Little
Dance Instructor
Elena Little has collaborated with Vancouver Ballet Folklórico since 2018 and has choreographed dance segments from Yucatán and Chiapas. She has donated traditional Yucatán dresses to our group and supports Vancouver Ballet Folklórico with her knowledge and love.
Elena Little began dancing Folklórico in 1978. In August of 1987, received a diploma from the Departamento de Bellas Artes del Gobierno de Jalisco, Mexico, as an Instructor de Danza Regional Mexicana. She directed Ballet Folklórico Xochitl, affiliated with the David Douglas School District for more than 25 years working with elementary through high school aged students of varied backgrounds and abilities. These students represented the Portland/Guadalajara Sister Cities Association as Cultural Ambassadors.
Elena taught workshops and held presentations in numerous Oregon and Washington school districts, including workshops at COFLT and AATSP foreign language teacher conferences. She was a guest instructor at the Danzantes Unidos Festival in California.
Ms. Martha Middlewood
Dance Instruction Support
My dance background is rooted in ballet. I began taking classes as a child and performed in local Vancouver Dance Theater productions through High School. I never outgrew my passion for dance and I have returned to it by taking various types of dance classes sporadically throughout my adult life.
My interest in Mexican culture was sparked when I first started taking Spanish classes in seventh grade. I enjoyed learning the language and it became a gateway into the fascinating history, art, and culture of México and Latin America.
When I was asked to assist with the youngest VBF students, I was thrilled with the opportunity to learn Baile Folklórico Mexicano and overjoyed to get to work with children who I hope experience the same delight in movement that I do. It has been a pleasure to help with practices and learn new steps and dances with the beginning folklórico students.
I see art and culture as essential elements that bring meaning to life and help us understand ourselves and the world around us. I’m very grateful to be able to volunteer with VBF and support its mission of teaching one of México’s great traditions to Latinx youth and sharing this beautiful dance form with the community as a whole.
Felix Reyes
Dance Instructor
Felix Reyes is currently an instructor for Vancouver Ballet Folklórico and has directed and choreographed the segments of La Paz (Baja California) and Sinaloa.
Félix Reyes started his career as a dancer in 2012 in Fresno, CA. In the Ballet Folklórico Baja California Sur under the direction of professor Pablo (Poly) Landín Tovar who inspired him to fall in love with Mexican folklore. During his years as a dancer from 2012 to 2018, Felix had the opportunity to learn dances from the states of Chihuahua, Aguascalientes, Nuevo León, Nayarit, Veracruz, and of course Baja California Sur. Felix Reyes also had the opportunity to take intensive dance workshops for the state of Michoacán (Pátzcuaro and Apatzingán regions) with professor Juan Alain Martinez Villanueva director of T'sipikurin of Zamora Michoacán.
Other areas of knowledge are Guerrero (Costa grande, Costa Chica y Región Centro) from dance instructor Orquídea Gessel Figueroa Gómez director and founder of the dance academy Macuilxochitl Xochipilli of Iguala, Guerrero.
Félix also learned the segment of the state of Sinaloa under Professor Carmen Espinoza Beltran from the Universidad Autónoma de Culiacan and learned Yucatán under Professor Roberto Canul Ortiz ex member of Ballet Folklorico from the state of Yucatan. Félix states that each and every experience under different professors, influenced his unique love for the folklore and even if he doesn’t practice it as such, he tries to always share and be a contributor to other people so we all can continue to preserve our culture alive.
Anais Urias
Dance Instructor
Anais Urias, the newly appointed dance instructor at Vancouver Ballet Folklorico, is excited to embark on this journey with the community. Anais's love for dance blossomed during her childhood, where she first discovered the joy of movement at quinceañeras and bodas. It was nine years ago when Anais ventured into the enchanting realm of ballroom dancing, solidifying her passion for the art. She has seamlessly translated this ardor into her role as a professional dance instructor.
Guiding students through the intricate steps of Viennese Waltz, Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Rumba, Cha-Cha, Bachata, Salsa, Swing, and Country Dancing has been a profound and fulfilling experience for Anais. Dance, for her, transcends mere steps—it's a form of self-expression, a celebration of culture, and a pathway to achieving various goals.
Anais's commitment to excellence extends to the competitive stage. Throughout her career she has proudly competed alongside talented students and partners with professionals in dance competitions across Canada, Texas, California, Oregon, and Washington. This experience has deepened her understanding of dance as both an art form and cultural expression.
Certified in various dance styles, Anais is dedicated to continuous learning and mastery of the craft. The certifications in Viennese Waltz, Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Rumba, Cha-Cha, Bachata, Salsa, Swing, and Country Dancing reflect her commitment to providing a comprehensive and enriching dance experience. She consistently expands her expertise by incorporating traditional Mexican dances into her repertoire, enhancing the cultural richness of her offerings.
For Anais, dance is a powerful medium for self-expression, cultural celebration, building connections, and achieving goals. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in creating an inclusive and supportive environment where every dancer can explore their potential and connect with the rich cultural heritage of dance.
Anais Urias is beyond excited to be part of this dance family and looks forward to sharing the joy of dance with each and every member!
Diego Vargas
Dance Instructor
Diego Vargas is an instructor at Vancouver Ballet Folklórico and is currently teaching and choreographing a new dance segment of the state of San Luis Potosi.
Diego Vargas started his dancing career when he was 17 when he was a part of the Ballet Folklórico at the Convention Center in Acapulco, Mexico. After a year of studying dance for his career, he emigrated to Playa del Carmen in Quintana Roo, Mexico where he became a part of the International Ballet Folklórico of Salvia Lozano. Three years later, Diego went on to learn more about folklórico and participated in many alternative ballet companies where he had the opportunity to learn and dance all types of music. Thanks to his professionalism and dedication to dance, years later he was given the great opportunity to be part of the Jarocho International Company and tour all around Mexico for a season. After that, he returned to Quintana Roo where he went to dance for distinct hotels and independent dance companies.
Years later he became part of the XCARET Company for 6 years where he stood out in everything he did.
Marianna Cruz
Dancer | Dance Instructor | Social Media Coordinator
Marianna Cruz is a dancer and dance instructor of Vancouver Ballet Folklórico. She also manages the group’s Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube accounts as the Social Media Coordinator. Marianna started with VBF when she was just 7 years old, when the group was only for adults. Her love and passion for her culture and baile folklórico comes from her family’s Mexican and Colombian heritage. She is also an artist/muralist who expresses her culture with her pieces and has a few murals around the area.
Angelica Mendoza
Leader of Tepeyac Pre-Hispanic Dance Group
Angelica Mendoza is, a pioneer of Tepeyac Pre-Hispanic Dance Group. She designed the first dance dress for Tepeyac and has dedicated endless hours of work to the group where she leads the practices.
She was also part of a Matlachines Group in Mexico.
Conrad Cruz
Musician | Sound System | Tech Support | DJ
Conrad Cruz is fundamental for Vancouver Ballet Folklórico for his unconditional love and support. Having electrical and technological knowledge, Conrad ensures at every event that the DJ in charge is prepared with our music and oversees any problems that could arise. When there is no DJ present, Conrad steps up to the plate as VBF's Master of Ceremony/DJ/Sound system. He has also helped with the group's Day of the Dead events along with Anna Cruz his wife, and their two daughters. He also helps build set decorations for the Day of the Dead events and for the Hazel Dell Parade.
Conrad is also part of Los Internacionales (The Internationals) which is a trio group that participates in our events as musical talent/support with musicians José Iñiguez and Joe Little.
José Iñiguez
Lead Musician | Director of "Los Internacionales"
José loves to sing and play guitar to show his culture to everyone that enjoys the traditions and life of the Latino Community especially from Mexico. José is the lead musician and director of "Los Interncionales" and does live music accompaniment with Vancouver Ballet Folklórico His wife Soledad has been instrumental as an MC supporting presentations with her wealth of knowledge about Dia de los Muertos festivities.
José Iñiguez was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico but later moved to Portland Oregon in 1987. He studied BA in philosophy in 1990 and BA and then in 2015, he got his Masters in Education at PSU. José started to play guitar and singing at age 16 playing religious music for the last 40 years.
His art and musical experience have been showcased at Portland, Oregon 5 de mayo, Washington State Fair, Disneyland and Mexican restaurants, schools and many cultural events.
Joe Little
Musician
Joe Little is a part of the Los Internacionales music group and has participated in several Vancouver Ballet Folklórico events along with Conrad Cruz and José Iñiguez. Joe brings genuine ambience to presentations and is always enthusiastic when playing with Los Internacionales and supporting VBF.
Joe was fundamental to the Ballet Folklórico Xochitl group as both a dancer and a musician for over 25 years and with his wife Elena Little, they traveled to presentations in Oregon, Washington, and California.
Los Internacionales
Musical Accompaniment
Los Internacionales are Vancouver Ballet Folklórico's musical accompaniment who support our group during events. During our Day of the Dead Events, the trio perform typical songs for the celebration such as "La Bruja", "La Llorona" and "La Sandunga" and will perform them with guest singers.
The group's name, "Los Internacionales" symbolizes the nationalities of the members: Joe Little is from USA, Jose Iñiguez from Mexico, and Conrad Cruz from Colombia.