Ballet Folklórico de México at The Soraya

Ballet Folklórico de México lands in the San Fernando Valley this winter for two weekend matinees at The Soraya, the performing arts center on the Cal State Northridge campus. If you are mapping out things to do in Los Angeles once the holidays are behind us, this is a strong pick for anyone who loves dance, live music and big, bright costume work.

When: Saturday, January 30, 2027, 3 PM (a second performance follows Sunday, January 31, at 3 PM) Where: The Soraya, 18111 Nordhoff St, Northridge Price: Not listed in the source. Check The Soraya for ticket pricing.

About the company

Amalia Hernández founded the company in 1952, and it is known as the first professional folkloric dance company in the world. Its home base is the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City, where it is permanently in residence. Over the decades it has choreographed more than 120 ballets, drawing on Mexican folklore from pre-Colombian civilizations through the modern era, and it has toured across Mexico and around the world.

What to expect

Expect dance, music and costume drawn from Mexican folklore, staged by a company with a long record of touring the world. That makes the show approachable for longtime fans of Mexican folk traditions and for first-timers alike. The poster for this run shows the dancers lined up in layered skirts and wide-brimmed hats, which gives you a taste of the visual style.

Because the company is rooted in tradition, this is also an easy outing to share across generations. Parents and grandparents often bring kids to introduce them to the music and stories behind the dances.

Getting there

The Soraya sits on the Cal State Northridge campus, so plan a few extra minutes to find parking and the entrance on a busy matinee. Both shows start in the afternoon, which leaves time for dinner nearby afterward. Arriving 30 minutes early is a safe bet for parking and seating.

Tickets are sold through The Soraya, and the listing on Discover Los Angeles has the details. Because the weekend has two performances, you have a backup if one date does not work. Checking back for LA events this weekend closer to the date will also help you plan the rest of the day.

For more picks like this one, browse our arts and culture coverage and the Los Angeles neighborhood page.