About Us

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Ensambles has been set apart as a unique dance ensemble made up of a diverse group of talented individuals. Company members are all part- time artists that either work or attend school in their daily lives. Dancers vary in levels of experience, age, ethnicity, and professions. Ranging from high school students with little dance experience to seasoned working professionals with over 10 years of dancing experience, all are committed to the continuation of one of the richest manifestations of tradition and culture in Mexico – Folkloric dance. It is this distinctive mixture of life embodied by the dancers of Ensambles that makes it one a kind.  

The dedication and skill of dance company members is led by the vision of artistic director Zenón Barrón. Combined, the two make for the creation and execution of countless original pieces that have had extraordinary success. Ensambles’ strengths are based in the foundations of a strong group of dancers guided by an exceptional artistic director. 

The company’s mission to promote Mexican dance with quality and authenticity is what allows for such diversity to blossom within the company. Ensambles has created an everlasting cycle to the preservation of Folkloric dance through the perpetual learning and teaching of dance to all whom desire. There is no requirement of prior dance experience to be a part of Ensambles, only a will to promote and display the beauty that is Mexican folk dance. With several teachers within its company, everyone has a chance to learn from one another. The company consists of dancers whom have been directors of groups themselves, or have been principal dancers within other folkloric groups; nevertheless, all have come together to learn and teach folkloric dance within Ensambles. The heart of the company is in its people and their dedication to this mission.

Zenón Barrón is a respected professional researcher of Méxican and Latin American folklore, costume design and scenic design. His dance career began at the age of four as a member of the group Matlachines.  His formal training covered classical ballet, modern dance and Mexican folk dance. Prior to founding Ensambles, Zenón toured throughout the United States and Europe as a dance member of Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernandez. While living in Mexico, he helped form part of other dance companies such as Ballet Folklórico de la Universidad de Guadalajara, Ballet Folklórico de Jaime Bernal, and Ballet Folklórico Xochiquetzalli.

Zenón is also a graduate of the Instituto de Artes Escenicas in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. In 2009, he earned his Doctorate from the Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes in Mexico City.  In 1992 he moved to San Francisco and has since become one of San Francisco’s most cherished and celebrated artistic directors in Mexican Folkoric Dance.

ACHIEVEMENTS 

• 25th Anniversary Show, Xichulense Yo Soy, 2018
• The Malonga Casquelourd Lifetime Achievement Award for Ethnic Dance, 2012
• The Corazon Del Barrio for Excellence Award, 2012
• 20th Anniversary Show, The Paintings of Diego Rivera & Frida Kahlo In Movement, 2012 
• Isadora Duncan Dance Award, 2009