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For Mexicans, dance is a force that evokes emotions, which in turn create ideas and recapture the country's historical past. Dance, therefore, is a rapid and direct way to reach the heart and soul of the individual. Mexican dance is another way to express the ancestral heritage that has been maintained by some native groups. Dancing is a fundamental element of traditional folk holidays. In addition to its regional and folkloric expressions, the great energy and creativity of Mexican dance has cultivated the contemporary genres of ballet and dance.
Virtual Forum of Mexican Culture - Dance (Spanish and English)
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Historians have confirmed the existence of pre-Hispanic theatre. However, it is known with certainty that theatre was brought to Mexico during the conquest by the Europeans, who, unable to communicate effectively with the natives, used theatrical productions as a means of communication.
The search for a Mexican identity through theatre began in the seventeenth century, particularly with the works of great playwrights such as Sor Juana In?s de la Cruz, author of the celebrated play Los empe?os de una casa and Amor es m?s laberinto, and whose writings marked the beginnings of Mexican literature. Juan Ruiz de Alarc?n, another famous dramatist whose works coincided with the golden age of Spanish drama, created the catalogued theatre of characters (character acting), so called because of the psychic force given by the author to each of the subjects of the drama.
Today, Mexican theatre continues to evolve in numerous schools of drama and on stages across the country.
Virtual Forum of Mexican Culture - Theatre (Spanish)
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The Mexican people possess remarkable musical sensibilities, and their interest in music is thought to be stronger than in any other art form.
Popular songs are one of the typical examples of national art, as the nature of Mexican music is both simple and emotional.
The first Mexican opera, Part?nope, by Manuel Zumaya, was staged in 1711 at the Palace of los Virreyes.
The Government of Mexico has promoted and supported the development of institutions dedicated to the teaching and practice of music throughout the country. Mexico has enjoyed a very rich, abundant and wide-ranging musical production at the global level in this century.
Virtual Forum of Mexican Culture - Music (Spanish)
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The history of Mexican film making may be divided into two phases, before and after the invention of television in 1950. The first phase is characterized by the search for a viewing audience and is commonly known as the Golden Period. Mexican film making, considered one of the primary industries during this era, garnered increasing interest and national prestige until it became the most important in the Spanish-speaking world. It soon captured the imagination of both national and international audiences and became the favourite source of entertainment for the Mexican people.
Now in its second phase, Mexican cinema has been influenced by international trends, while maintaining a distinctive national character. Production and distribution of films is coordinated by the Mexican Institute of Cinematography (IMCINE).
IMCINE - Mexican Institute of Cinematography (Spanish)
Cineteca Nacional (Spanish)
