Ballet Folklórico Fiesta Mexicana

Fiesta Mexicana was founded in 1978 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, by our beloved Maestro Miguel Caro Zaragoza, who dedicated his life to preserving and promoting the rich traditions of Mexican folklórico dance. Following his passing in 2014, Ballet Folklórico Fiesta Mexicana was organized to continue his legacy, sharing the beauty, history, and cultural traditions of Mexico through dance, education, and community performances.

Based in Albuquerque, our dance company brings to life the colorful and diverse traditions of Mexico, with a repertoire representing nearly every Mexican state, including traditional Aztec dances. Known for our intricate footwork, creative choreography, and vibrant performances often described as "poetry in motion," we proudly showcase traditional costumes, many handmade and hand-embroidered by Maestro Miguel and his sister, Beatriz Caro Zaragoza.

Since 2014, we have partnered with the South Broadway Cultural Center and the City of Albuquerque’s Cultural Services Department to expand cultural awareness and provide accessible dance education. Through community performances, city-sponsored cultural events, and affordable youth folklórico classes, we strive to inspire future generations while fostering a deeper appreciation for Mexican heritage.

Today, Ballet Folklórico Fiesta Mexicana continues to honor Maestro Miguel Caro’s artistic excellence and lifelong dedication to Mexican folklórico dance, keeping his legacy alive through every step, performance, and generation of dancers.

Directora Alma

Alma, originally from Mexico, began her dance journey at the age of five when she asked her mother to enroll her in folklórico classes. After relocating to Albuquerque, she pursued her passion further by studying under Maestro Miguel Caro Zaragoza at the age of 19. Alma quickly became part of the performing group and has been dedicated to folklórico ever since. Following the passing of Maestro Miguel, Alma, along with fellow dancers, co-founded Ballet Folklórico Fiesta Mexicana in 2014. Since 2010, she has been teaching youth folklórico classes across several schools in Albuquerque, as well as with Ballet Folklórico Fiesta Mexicana. Alma currently leads the Teens and Youth groups.

Maestro David

David was born in Cd. Juárez, Mexico, where he first immersed himself in the vibrant culture through folklórico dance during grade school festivals. Years later, at the University of New Mexico and witnessing the Miguel Caro Mexican Fiesta group, he was inspired to pursue folklórico dance. Under the guidance of Maestro Miguel Caro Zaragoza, David's passion for this art form blossomed. Now, as Maestro David, he dedicates his time to teaching folklórico dance to students of all ages, including Niños Folkloricos (ages 5-8), Intermediate Adults (ages 18+), and Beginner Adults (ages 18+).

Maestra Mercedes

Maestra Mercedes was born in Mexico, where she attended school until the 6th grade and participated in her school's folklórico performances each year. In 1989, she moved to Albuquerque, NM, and at age 15, began taking folklórico classes at Albuquerque High School under Maestra Marcela Sandoval. Maestra Sandoval later encouraged her to study with Maestro Miguel Caro, and by age 19, Mercedes was invited to join his semi-professional group, Mexican Fiesta. Her passion for dance has continued ever since.

Mercedes' daughter and three nieces also carry on the folklórico tradition. One of her nieces dances with Miguel’s Mexican Fiesta group, while her daughter and two other nieces have performed with Ballet Folklórico Fiesta Mexicana (BFFM). In January 2022, Mercedes began assisting Director Alma Arango in teaching folklórico classes for both children and adults with BFFM.

Maestra Alicia

Maestra Alicia first began taking classes with Miguel Caro at his Old Town studio in about 1991 when she was ten years old. She started performing with the beginning youth class before making her way into Miguel Caro's Mexican Fiesta Company many years later. Miguel's humble, compassionate character and welcoming teaching style encouraged Alicia to develop a deep love and appreciation for the diversity of dances and cultures of Mexico.

Alicia has been involved with the Ballet Folklórico Fiesta Mexicana as a performing group member, board member, and most recently as vice-president. Part of Alicia's contributions in preserving Miguel Caro's legacy was working with former dancer, Julia Archibeque-Guerra, and archivists at the University of New Mexico to establish the Miguel Caro and the Mexican Fiesta Dance Company Papers, 1982-2015.

Alicia is honored to be part of continuing the tradition of ballet foklórico in Albuquerque and hopes that the future generation of dancers, much like herself, will be inspired to continue learning the complexities of the dance form for years to come.

Maestra Maria

Maestra María was born and raised in the beautiful red earth mountains of Northern New Mexico. She moved to Albuquerque as a young adult where she met Maestro Miguel Caro Zaragoza.

After a long conversation with Maestro Miguel and learning about his professional dance background, knowledge of Mexican dance & history and passion for teaching, Maria began her folklórico dance journey.

Maestra María was a performing member of Miguel Caro Fiesta Mexicana and Ballet Folklórico Fiesta Mexicana dance companies. She brings her many years of folklórico dance and teaching experience having worked with beginner through advanced folklórico students ages 5+ .

Maestra María is president emeritus of Ballet Folklórico Fiesta Mexicana Board of Directors having served 2 terms. She is a current Board Member and retired from performing with Ballet Folklórico Fiesta Mexicana in 2024.

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