Who We are
About us
Ballet Papalotl, is an Oregonian youth bi-cultural dance troupe that since 2003 has performed traditional Mexican folkloric dance.”Papalotl” means “butterfly” in the Aztec, or Nahuatl language.
Ballet Papalotl’s MISION is to share the Authentic Mexican Culture & Folkloric Dance with the people of Oregon and the Pacific Northwest, to contribute to an harmonious multicultural society.
Since 2003, Ballet Papalotl has performed in many important venues: including the Oregon Historical Society, Portland Art Museum, Portland Center of Arts, city Hall-Portland, Capitolio-Salem, PSU, University of Oregon, PCCs, the Rose Parade, Moda Center, the Portland Waterfront Cinco de Mayo main stage, Portland Childrens’ Museum, Clinton Theater, Pioneer Square celebrations, many schools & libraries in OR & WA.
We have received multiple prices and recognitions from Rose Parade (8 years in a road, 1st place as best Native Costumed Group), Culture keepers (Oregon Folklife Network), partnership with Consulate of Mexico, RACC (Regional Arts & Culture Council) Miracle Theater, Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce, featured in Oregonian, Tribune, and main TV channels in Oregon.
Enjoy the world of Ballet Papalotl!
Reflected in the dance, dress, food and traditions of the Mexican people is the diverse history of all that went into building the Mexican culture of today. It includes reflections of the nation’s original people, the Spanish influence through the conquest and inquisition, remembrances of the social and economic strife, and of the emergence of Mexico as an independent and culturally distinct nation.
It is a fundamental respect and passion for this history that drives Ballet Papalotl to carry out presentations of Mexican folklore. The word folklore comes from the German word volk, which means people. Folklore is quite literaly the legends and culture of the people. Through learning Mexican folkloric dance, we not only remember the history of the Mexican people, but also the values and traditions of our ancestors, as human beings. So sit back and enjoy a bit of Mexican living history!
Misión
Misión
Since 2003, the Mission of Ballet Papalotl is to share the authentic culture and folkloric dance of Mexico with the people of Oregon
and the Pacific Northwest to contribute to a more peaceful
and harmonious multicultural society.