Founded in 2018 by three Latino professionals from Chicago’s north side, Ballet Folklorico de Chicago (BFC) was created to provide Mexican folklorico dance classes for children and adults. Recognizing the lack of cultural and artistic programs for Mexican families in the area, the founders launched BFC with a mission to celebrate and share Mexican heritage, traditions, and dance. Starting with low-cost classes in a park district auditorium, the overwhelming community response led to the opening of our first studio at 4910 W. Irving Park Road.
Today, BFC has cemented its long-term home in the heart of the community at 3006 N. Pulaski Road. We are now the largest non-profit Mexican Ballet Folklorico school in the Midwest, serving over 400 students from across Chicago, the suburbs, and even neighboring states.
As Chicago’s premier non-profit Mexican folklorico organization, BFC is dedicated to preserving and promoting Mexican culture through education, performance, and community engagement. Our ensemble regularly performs at some of Chicago’s largest cultural festivals and events, including Mexico Fest at Navy Pier, Sueños Music Festival, and El Grito celebrations throughout the city. BFC has also had the honor of sharing the stage with renowned artists such as Los Tigres del Norte, Los Huracanes del Norte, Aida Cuevas, Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, Banda La Arrolladora de René Camacho, Banda Jerez de Zacatecas, and Snow Tha Product.
At BFC, we offer Mexican folklorico dance lessons for all ages, from toddlers (age 2) to adults, and partner with Chicago Public Schools to provide after-school cultural programs. Our instructors are trained professionals dedicated to fostering a fun, inclusive, and educational environment where students can explore their Mexican roots through dance, language, and cultural traditions.
BFC is deeply committed to our community. We give back through volunteer work, philanthropic programs, and college scholarships for high school seniors pursuing academic and artistic dreams. By investing in the arts, we aim to expand the folklorico universe, engage more people in Mexican cultural arts, and inspire the next generation of dancers, performers, and cultural ambassadors. Through our work, we strive to ensure that Mexican culture remains vibrant, accessible, and celebrated for generations to come.
