The internationally renowned Mexican dance group Ballet Folklorico "Quetzalli" de Veracruz will perform at Hope College on Tuesday, Sept. 18, at 7:30 p.m. at the Knickerbocker Theatre in downtown Holland.
Founded in 1985, the group has crisscrossed the globe exciting audiences of all ages. The group's visual fiesta of culture and folklore features many regional dances of old Mexico, in particular its home state of Veracruz (birthplace of the world-famous "La Bamba"). The music, performed live on authentic stringed instruments, punctuates the meticulous movement, colorful clothing and perfect pulse established by the dancers. Earning standing ovations from Cuba to Malaysia, Quetzalli proves it is one of Mexico's most popular exports.
"A heady rush of tapping heels, dazzling costumes and insistent rhythms," said the "Kansas City Star."
Due to the quality of their work, the members of the group were selected to represent the Cultural Institute of Veracruz and Mexico during the Carnival of La Havana, Cuba, and the Independence Day Festival of Mexico in Ottawa, Canada, in 1997. During the summer of 2001 Ballet Folklorico successfully participated in several folk festivals in Spain, France and Italy. The Festival Folklorique Des Pyrénées called the company "the best Mexican group who has been invited."
Tickets for the performance are $14 for regular adult admission, $10 for senior citizens, and $6 for children 18 and under and are on sale at the ticket office in the DeVos Fieldhouse. The ticket office is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can be called at (616) 395-7890.
The ticket office is in the main lobby of the DeVos Fieldhouse, which is located at 222 Fairbanks Ave., between Ninth and 11th streets. The Knickerbocker Theatre is located at 86 E. Eighth St.