Performances

Long before the Spanish arrived, the Aztecs and Mayans used dance as a way to connect with nature, the universe, and their gods. These were not just performances — they were sacred rituals full of meaning and tradition.

Aztec dances were performed in circles, with strong drum rhythms, shells, and chanting. Every movement had a purpose — to honor the sun, ask for rain, or celebrate life. Dancers often wore feathers, body paint, and used steps inspired by animals or natural forces.

Mayan dances were also deeply spiritual. People wore masks and headdresses to represent gods, animals, or spirits, and danced during festivals and important ceremonies. Their dances told stories and followed the cycles of the sun, moon, and stars.

At Monarka, we keep these traditions alive with respect and care. Through dance, we share a part of Mexico’s ancient soul — powerful, beautiful, and full of history.

Mestizo dances are the result of Mexico’s unique cultural blend after the Spanish conquest. They mix Indigenous traditions with European music, African rhythms, and colonial-era influences — creating colorful, joyful, and expressive dances that tell stories of everyday life, love, faith, and celebration.

Each region has its own style, but common features include: Lively footwork (like zapateado), bright costumes — such as wide skirts and embroidered blouses, live music — often with mariachi, harp, or jarana symbolic gestures — from courtship games to religious devotion.

Some of the most famous mestizo dances come from states like:

• Jalisco – Home of the Jarabe Tapatío, Mexico’s national dance

• Veracruz – Known for its graceful Son Jarocho and white costumes

• Yucatán – Featuring elegant jaranas danced in traditional huipiles

• Guerrero and Michoacán – With theatrical, storytelling elements

Through Monarka’s performances, we share the beauty and energy of mestizo dance — a living celebration of Mexico’s diverse identity.

Mexican music and dance never stop growing — they evolve with each generation. While we honor traditional folklore, we also celebrate the modern rhythms that move today’s Mexico. From dance floors to TikTok, these styles are full of energy, attitude, and pride in where we come from.

•  Quebradita. Born in the 1990s, quebradita is flashy, fast, and fun. Danced in pairs with acrobatic dips and turns, it's danced to banda or technobanda music, often with cowboy boots and hats. It’s a perfect blend of Mexican flair and urban boldness.

•  Corridos & Corridos Tumbados. Traditional corridos tell real-life stories — of heroes, struggles, and social issues. Today, corridos tumbados bring that same storytelling into a new world of trap, hip-hop, and urban beats. Artists like Natanael Cano and Peso Pluma are giving voice to a new generation.

•  Tambora & Banda. The sound of banda — with its bold brass, powerful drums, and deep tuba — is the heartbeat of celebrations in many regions. Whether in a parade, a town fair, or a backyard party, tambora music makes everyone want to dance.

• Urban Folklore. These modern styles still carry our roots. They reflect the voice of today’s youth — proud, loud, and full of Mexican identity. They’re danced in rodeos, clubs, and festivals across the country and beyond.

At Monarka, we love blending the old with the new — showing that Mexican culture isn’t frozen in time. It’s alive, it’s loud, and it’s always ready to dance.

"Ballroom a la Mexicana" is where classic social dance meets the soul of Mexico. In this category, we explore partner dances set to music created by Mexican composers or inspired by Mexican stories, rhythms, and emotions.

This style blends the grace of ballroom with the warmth, drama, and passion found in Mexican music — from romantic boleros to heartfelt rancheras, nostalgic waltzes, and vibrant danzones.

💃🕺 What makes it Mexican?

It’s the music, the feeling, and the storytelling. We dance to the voices of great composers like Agustín Lara, José Alfredo Jiménez, and Juan Gabriel, as well as contemporary artists with deep cultural roots. The movements are inspired by ballroom structure, but full of Mexican expression — soft steps, eye contact, storytelling with the body, and a natural flow of emotion.

Some of our favorite styles in this category:

• Mexican Waltz (Vals Mexicano) – Elegant, romantic, and nostalgic

• Bolero Ranchero – Slow and expressive, perfect for lyrical interpretation

• Danzón – A Cuban-Mexican treasure danced with style and poise

• Ranchera & Balada Pop – Songs that carry love, heartbreak, and identity

Whether in a staged performance or a social setting, Ballroom a la Mexicana invites audiences to feel the music and connect with Mexico’s emotional side — its poetry, its passion, and its elegance.