Our Team

About the Director: Maria Ramirez

At a young age, I was introduced to Roy Lozano’s Ballet Folklórico and found my way into the dance company.  Under the direction of Roy Lozano and Chuy Chacon, I had opportunities to take workshops from various maestros from Mexico.  It is there that I fell in love with the art form. 

After 15 years of being in the professional dance company and teaching children in the School of Roy Lozano’s Ballet Folklorico, I decided to start a family.  While my new family was my priority, my passion for ballet folklorico remained.  

In 2001 I was presented with an opportunity to start teaching children from the community at AB Cantù Pan Am Recreation Center and shortly after, Pan Am Ballet Folklorico was formed.  In 2013 the group was renamed Ballet Folklorico MariCruz, BFMC, in honor of my grandparents, Maria and Cruz Banda.

Throughout the years, Pan Am Ballet Folklorico and Ballet Folklorico Maricruz have seen many dancers come through the dance studio.  

Today, we have over 40 dancers enrolled, and it continues to grow. 

From the Director:

BFMC’s goal is to share and pass on our culture and heritage. 

Throughout the years, I have seen many dancers come and grow. It is always a joy to see the transformation of every student into a performing dancer. 

An added benefit of working with the dancers is getting to know and working with the families. 

An added benefit of working with the dancers is getting to know and work with the families. 

BFMC is very much a family-oriented company. 

Our Mission:

We dance to share our traditions with our community and audiences by inspiring a love for our culture and celebrating the strength and confidence within ourselves. 

Unphotographed: Alicia Ramirez