The state’s premier dance group, the Ballet de Jalisco, directed by Dariusz Blajer and based in Guadalajara, is slated to present a gala consisting of parts of several classic works as well as at least one contemporary dance choreographed by Blajer himself at the Auditorio de la Ribera in Ajijic Saturday, October 29, 6 p.m.
Seven of the company’s members are set to perform, including the elegant soloist Marissa Jiménez, who began her career in Guadalajara but spent years dancing in Hamburg and Berlin before returning here when the Ballet de Jalisco was formed.
She and other top soloists from the group will present pas de deux (dance duets) from classical standards such as Romeo and Juliet, Don Quixote, Carmen and Flames of Paris.
The evening’s foray into the contemporary will be a dance based on the biblical story of Cain and Abel and choreographed by Blajer, whose early formation was in Warsaw but who has over 30 years experience in Mexico. The Ballet de Jalisco was formed under Blajer in 2013, with support from the Jalisco Secretaria de Cultura.
Dancers in the Ballet de Jalisco are from various parts of Latin America, including Mexico, and typically have experience in Europe, the United States and Canada.
The group frequently performs at Teatro Degollado in Guadalajara and recently appeared in the Festival Internacional Cervantino in Guanajuato. Later this year, they travel to Mexico City and Mazatlan and will present the beloved Nutcracker ballet at Teatro Degollado December 15 to 21.
Tickets for the Ajijic event, which is sponsored by Viva la Musica, are on sale at the Lake Chapala Society (Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to noon), the Auditorio de la Ribera, Diane Pearl Colecciones and Mia’s Boutique.