Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Chicago
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The Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Chicago (La Compañia de Danza Folklorica Mexicana de Chicago) showcases the Mexican culture and heritage in traditional dance, music, song, dress and history of Mexico.
Performances reflect Mexico’s heritage, that is rich in history: The pre-Columbian indigenous, the Spanish Colonialism, the French Intervention, and other European and Eastern cultures; also the Caribbean and Southwestern United States as well as the 1910 Revolution.
MFDC has toured nationally and in Mexico. It performed for president Reagan’s 1985 visit to Chicago Heights, IL, the Pan Am games in Indianapolis for vice president Bush in 1987. Other key performances for Illinois' governors Thompson, Edgar and Blagojevich; mayors Byrne, Washington and Daley of Chicago. Also at the Chicago Bulls half time in 1992, with Bob Mcgrath of Sesame Street in Little Rock, Arkansas; Eydie Gorme and Steve lawrence; and represented Mexico at the parade of Nation's spectacle in the World Cup opening ceremony at Soldier Field before many world leaders including president Clinton in 1994.
In 1999 it received a 4 Star review from the Green Bay Press Gazette for performances in Green Bay Wisconsin:“Dazzling”, “Spectacular” “Excitment could be cut with a knife”... In 2001 it performed for Mexican president Vicente Fox. Throughout its 25+ years, the company has shared the stage with important Latino Performers such as Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan, Yuri, Flans, Pedro Fernandez, Lucha Villa, Aida Cuevas, Beatriz Adriana, Graciela Beltran, Ana Barbara, and many more. In the USA with The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Joffrey Ballet, The Lyric Opera of Chicago, The Hubbard Street Dance Company, and participated as part of the gala inauguration of the Joan W. and Irving B. Harris Theater in Chicago Millennium Park. “Rollicking and colorful” wrote The Chicago Tribune, “Spirited” wrote The Chicago Sun-Times. It has also invited by Univision to participate in events such as "The Mariachi Festivals 2003-04 and more recently in 2007 for Premios Lo Nuestro. It also participated for the official grand opening of Millennium Park in 2004. Mr. & Mrs. Ovalle represented the Latino Chicago artistic community for the Smithsonian institute's "Chicago Latino" festival in the summer of 2006, in Washington, D.C. Mr Ovalle was the mediator for Doña Amalia Hernandez's press conference during the Ballet folklorico de Mexico's tour of 1993 and again for Mr. Salvador Lopez in 2006. Mr. Ovalle has received numerous awards such as the Illinois arts Council's " Master Fellowship Award" in 1993 and again in 2006. Mrs. Ovalle received the "Viva Latina" award in 1994.
Since 1983 MFDC has received 207 Awards, Grants and Recognitions.
MFDC is in residency at the Zacatecano Cultural Center 4145 S. Kedzie Ave. Chicago, IL 60632
