Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Chicago Inc

Can't wait for the October show https://cso.org/performances/24-25/scp-featured-concerts/lila-downs-dia-de-muertos/

This is a great company. I have followed it since it was founded in 1982.

For more than 40 years at the forefront of Mexican folkloric dance in Chicago, the Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Chicago is still going strong. I am a Mexican musician who has had the privilege to accompany this group on many performances since the mid 1990s. Their choice of music has always offered me a chance to develop my repertoire and to grow as a musician. Both Pepe and Matie Ovalle are a cultural institution in themselves. I'd recommend one of their shows to anyone.

As a longtime audience member and ardent supporter of the performing arts in Chicago, I’ve had the immense pleasure of attending numerous performances by the Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Chicago. Each show, without fail, is a journey through the rich tapestry of Mexican culture, brought to life by the vibrant artistry and impeccable choreography that Pepe and Mati Ovalle have so lovingly nurtured in their company.

For anyone in Chicago or visiting, a performance by this company is a must-see, a must-experience event. It's not just a show; it's a celebration of life and a homage to the timeless beauty of Mexican folklore. Here's to many more years of captivating performances from the Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Chicago — they are, indeed, one of the most vibrant Chicago cultural treasures.

The Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Chicago has accompanied us in our most important celebrations and anniversaries bringing fireworks of movement and color to our events. They keep our Mexican traditions alive. Here's to many more years of partnership, performance, and friendship with Henry, Pepe, Mati, and the extraordinary dancers of the Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Chicago. Theirs is truly the premier representation of Mexican folklore in Chicago and beyond, an invaluable gem in the crown of the arts community.

I am proud to say that Sones de México Ensemble has shared the stage with this incredible company, providing the soundtrack to their spectacular choreographic creations. Together, we have not only entertained but educated, not merely performed but preserved the rich cultural legacy of Mexico.

Pepe and Mati Ovalle have an unparalleled dedication to their craft. Their commitment to excellence is evident in the precision of their choreographies, the intensity of their rehearsals, and the transcendence of their performances. They nurture talent with the same passion with which they preserve tradition, ensuring that each new generation of dancers is steeped in the lore and the love of their art form.

Through the years, I have seen their dancers evolve, mirroring the evolution of our own ensemble. We've grown together, pushed boundaries together, and crafted a narrative for Mexican folkloric art that resonates with diverse audiences. Pepe and Mati's work has allowed us to not only accompany dance but to compose and adapt our music to fit the narratives they seek to tell through movement.

As an educator, specializing in Mexican culture, I recommend The Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Chicago to my students. It is a beacon of cultural brilliance in the Windy City. With each performance, they breathe life into heritage and history, transforming stages into a kaleidoscope of color and a torrent of rhythmic brilliance. It's a rare and profound artistry that they bring to the fore, preserving the authenticity of traditional Mexican folkloric dance while infusing it with a sense of freshness and contemporary vitality.

As the co-founder and Executive Director of Sones de México Ensemble, I have had the distinct honor and pleasure to witness and contribute to the artistic journey of the Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Chicago for more than a quarter-century. Each collaboration with this exemplary ensemble, under the visionary leadership of Pepe and Mati Ovalle, has been not just a partnership but a vibrant cultural exchange that has enriched the tapestry of Chicago's performing arts scene.

This is truly a Chicago Cultural Treasure as designated by Chicago's Cultural Treasures https://chicagosculturaltreasures.org/40-of-chicagos-bipoc-arts-organizations-receive-14-4mm/?fbclid=IwAR2_BV9ZGMWGIPv9bdQe0RuHOZGcpF_WTOtYvlRUor4tzw0A-LT6WXiOfe4.

The Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Chicago continues to amaze audiences across the city and across the nation! A visual history of Mexico's cultural heritage is brought to life in a vibrant presentation of music and dance. Whether I'm working on a production backstage, or enjoying as a patron - the presentations fill me with joy and pride!

I joined the Dance company in 2007, and I was in a music career. The company was immensely beneficial to my musicianship and the leadership helped me improve as an individual as a whole. I got the opportunity to develop many skills, including musicianship through the dance company. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to learn a new skill for free. Dancing for the company only made me grow as a human being as a hole and many of the discipline, and critical thinking I learned as a member of the company, I still carry in my career in both finance and Music.

As a Mexican immigrant, I learned so much about Mexican music, not only dance, through the Dance company.

I danced with MFDC for over 6 years and I can confidently say they were some of the best years of my life. Through my journey with MFDC, I was able to grow personally and professionally, as well as I created many experiences and relationships with people around the Chicagoland area and beyond. MFDC embodies culture, discipline, and leadership - what a fantastic nonprofit! Thank you Mati and Pepe for your leadership!

It’s always been a pleasure and an honor to work with Henry Roa, Pepe and Mati Ovalle in this incredible institution. We’re glad to support them as a Great Nonprofit m!

My Son Has been dancing for over 17 Years with MFDC it has been a rewarding experience seeing him on stage throughout the years! Simply Amazing footwork and presentation overall with the entire group.

Saw the show at The Athenaeum Center on August 26, 2022.
It was the first time, since the pandemic began that this big type of show was presented and it was questionable whether the public would come out. But it neared a sellout and the audience was great.
It was sensational. One critic stated "Electric" "Energetic" "Wonderful"

My son and daughter, Miguel and Arianna were both dancers from the ages of 5 and 8 years old until they attended college. The years that we spent as a family with dancers, teachers, organizations and others are priceless. Pepe, Mati, parents and the older dancers were an integral part of my children’s lives. Although my husband and I were able to teach our children about discipline, dedication, giving to others and our culture, what they learned witn MFDC was instrumental in their growth. This really enforced my belief that “It takes a village to raise a child!”

As a family, We gave our time and dedication, but the dance company gave us love, patience and leadership skills that have been key reasons for Arianna’s and Miguel’s success!

Forever grateful!

My sons, Jose and Michaelangelo, started dancing with MFDC when they were 5 and 7 respectively. It was the most impactful experience for them and us as a family. Thru the excellent instruction by Mati Ovalle and later Pepe Ovalle the learned so much more than "just the dance." My sons and I build life long bonds with the other families, they learned about our Mexican heritage, history behind each dance, geography (where each dance came from), and team building. I remember a visit to a museum and my sons asked "is Frida from Oaxaca?" Stunned by the question because we had never discussed Oaxaca. I asked why they thought she was from Oaxaca -- and they said (3 months into them dancing) she (Frida Kahlo) is wearing the traditional wedding outfit from Oaxaca. This was one of many, many, many priceless moments from their rich experience at MFDC.

I was a dancer on and off for a couple years. I started at about 10yrs old and went back as an adult couple times. It has always been a great experience I love every opportunity to join the company on anniversaries.

I joined MFDC in 1985 when I was 15 and continued to dance for 15 years after that. The years I spent with the dance company created a lot of memories, like touring Mexico and performing during the World Cup opening ceremonies, and the friendships I developed. I appreciate my time with the company as it helped me in the development of my identity as a Mexican American by providing us the opportunity to learn about of our Mexican heritage through dance. The Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Chicago is a great place to learn and grow.

MFDC has been a space of growth on both a professional and personal level for me. In my 10+ years of participation, I’ve had amazing experiences and opportunities.

But the best part is that dancing has been an exciting way to learn about Mexican culture and at the same time be the educator. In the spirit of education, my favorite experience has been forming part of the CHRP Stomping Grounds program. We shared the stage with incredible dance companies in various dance styles with the intention of sharing our rhythms with each other and everyone!

I truly hope MFDC will continue to provide all it does for generations to come.

MFDC helped me in all ways possible not just physically and mentally but also brought our roots and culture to alot of communities throughout our city and other states. I have been dancing for 30 years now and it's a honor to have been part of this group. I hope our Mexican culture doesn't fade as throughout the years I have seen less interest in the culture within our youth but MFDC makes sure to bring those dances and culture back to life where we enlighten the crowd with hooray and cheer and applause ������ with the exquisite costuming and footwork!!

I have been a part of this group for the majority of my life, the culture, the bonds created behind the scenes. There’s so much beauty being a part of these shows to experience. Having scene other dance groups perform, it’s a pretty amazing feeling being a part of this company’s history. I highly recommend jumping on the opportunity to view the grup live.

I am a founding member for MFDC joined in 1982 at 7years old and I can honestly say it was the best thing that happened to me. I was fortunate to have joined this incredible dance company that not only taught me discipline, But all the details in reference to our wonderful culture needed to succeed as a dancer in the company. Thanks to being part of this MFDC I was able to travel and live the great experience of performing for important personalities such as presidents and Vice Presidents etc. grateful for being able to dance on some of the most important stages in US, Mexico and Ireland definitely made all of the hard work worth while. I developed a second family with my fellow dancers that to this day I hold dear to my heart. I have had so many memorable experiences but one that stands out now is Dancing in the 2009 Latin Grammys during Juan Gabriel’s act.
I am glad that I was able to be part of such an amazing Dance Company❤️

David Moreno