Como México no hay ninguno.

Our members, all share a common goal: to spread and promote Mexican culture. We work to preserve the rich heritage of traditional Mexican dance.

Ballet Folklorico Puro Mexico is a non-profit organization that has been active in Toronto, Canada for 20 years!

Ballet Folklorico Puro Mexico is a Mexican dance company founded in May 2003 by Melissa Lowry, and is currently under the artistic direction of Omar Mendoza (first company) and Martin Contreras (second company) under the guidance of former artistic director Jezreel Vazquez. The company is supported by a great team that contribute to the growth of the organization.

During its 20 years as a non-for-profit organization, Puro Mexico has grown exponentially thanks to the passion and dedication of each one of its members. They work tirelessly to promote Mexican folklore by committing to bring their best work forward with pride and professionalism to every audience.

From the start, the company has been part of important events in Ontario such as the celebration of the Pan American Games in 2015, the Canadian National Exhibition, the Taste of the Danforth, Salsa on St. Clair, Pride Toronto and many others. It has also worked with other organizations to promote multiculturalism and inclusion in Toronto.

Puro Mexico has proudly worked in collaboration with other companies such as the National Ballet of Canada & Creativiva; as well as represented Mexico in landmark places such as the Art Gallery of Ontario, Casa Loma, the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Harbourfront Centre, Queen's Park and the Toronto Centre for the Arts. Furthermore, the group has collaborated with well-known Mexican Artists such as Los Cadetes de Linares, Franco Escamilla, Intocable and the upcoming concert of Los Angeles Azules.

The company's repertoire is backed by profound research gathered by its Directors and by the support of ambassadors and teachers of Mexican folklore in Mexico and around the world. These important allies have prominent artistic careers that keep enriching the folkloric dance heritage by adapting it to modern times and passing it on to new generations.

Ballet Folklorico Puro Mexico is highly regarded by the Mexican community in Toronto. The organization keeps striving to promote Mexican cultural diversity in Canada by creating a space in which Mexican immigrants, as well as Canadian-born Mexicans, can reconnect with their roots.

  • Omar Mendoza

    ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, FIRST COMPANY

    Born in Colima, Colima Omar Mendoza started his dance career at the age of 14 at municipal dance company (Compañía Municipal del Ayuntamiento de Colima) under the direction of Mr. Cardenas Lopez.

    He has visited the states various states including Michoacan, Jalisco, Guanajuato, Veracruz and Chiapas to name a few, dancing the first and second repertoire at a nacional level. He has participated in the national Tecomatlan Puebla contest and has won two third places in the semi-professional category of “Danzas y sones”. He also had the opportunity to travel to Europe in 2007 to represent Mexico dancing in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.

    Omar has been in Canada just over a year but in that short time he has become a crucial member of the company. He contributes his vast knowledge leading a full body workout conditioning class specifically targeting exercises for dancers. He is also currently teaching his full repertoire of the state of Colima.

  • Martin Velazquez

    ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, SECOND COMPANY

    Born in Pijijiapan, Chiapas Martin Velázquez began his dance career at the age of 18 at the Ballet Folklorico Aztlan of Xalapa, continuing at the Ballet Folklorico de la universidad ESAV directed by Horacio Cantero and finishing at Taller Escénico de la Universidad Veracruzana directed by María del Pilar Garcia Álvarez. During his trajectory Martin founded and directed the children’s ballet “Las Americas”, which remained under his guidance for a couple of years.

    Martin brings his vast knowledge of the state of Veracruz along with a full repertoire of the state’s Sotavento and Huasteca regions.

    He’s traveled across the country dancing on national stages including Michoacán, Nayari, Monclova, Jalisco, Guanajuato, Veracruz and Chiapas.

  • Jezreel Vazquez

    FORMER ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

    Jezreel Vazquez was born in the State of Mexico and started his passion for Mexican folklore at the age of 8. His parents encouraged him to pursue his interest in learning the different styles from all regions of Mexico. They enrolled him in the National Fine Arts Institute in Mexico where he acquired further knowledge in Mexican Folk dances.

    When he moved to Canada in 2006, he was invited by Melissa Lowry to join Puro Mexico to share his knowledge within the new dance organization that had recently formed. With commitment and hard work, they reached out to the Mexican community to recruit new dancers and promote the organization. Today, our company stands with pride thanks to the countless hours of passion and teaching.

    After 18 years of working together with the community, Jezreel is stepping down as teacher and artistic director but he will continue to support the team as an artistic advisor working with both companies to strengthen their repertoire. He will be also assisting and supporting the promotion team.

  • Melissa Lowry

    DIRECTOR

    Melissa founded and directed Puro Mexico in 2003. Thanks to her leadership, the group was formed and grew rapidly within the next years. She is graphic designer, illustrator & author who is passionate about all things handmade. She is originally from Monterrey, Nuevo León and deeply influenced by its rich culture and history.

    Currently, Melissa helps to maintain and promote Puro Mexico’s brand and presence through her experience in the graphic arts. She coordinates photo sessions, shoots and edits video material, as well as any graphics needed including the website and social media.

    Melissa has published two books, her first book Handmade Animal Dolls, a how-to book on how to make her stuffed animals. Her second book Vibrant Punch Needle Décor focuses is inspired by Melissa's Mexican heritage, the patterns reflect the vibrant colours and geometric patterns of traditional textiles, with a modern touch.

    You can find her and her current projects on Instagram @melissalowrydesign including her work as a licensing surface designer with numerous product lines including fabric, paper collections and more.

  • Rosy Garcia

    DIRECTOR

    Originally from Mexico City, Rosa Ofelia Garcia has been dancing Mexican Folklore since the age of 6. Years later, she became a Ballet Teacher and a proudly Mexican representative dancer in the Multicultural Dance Festival in Toledo, Spain in 1991.

    When she moved to Toronto in 2002, she joined The Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Hilda Panasiuk, one of the pioneer groups in Toronto founded in the early 70’s, where she performed for more than 15 years in numerous events in the GTA. Her Passion for the Mexican dance, her dream to explore new horizons and her tenacity to continue growing as a dancer, brought her to Puro Mexico in 2017. Shortly after, she became an important member of the Board of Directors.

    Rosa has extensive experience as TV Producer and Event Promoter with expertise in Marketing, Advertising and Sales. She has dedicated all her knowledge and commitment to promote Puro Mexico in the community.

    Currently, Rosa is enrolled in the community social services as a Settlement Worker providing information, referrals and support to newcomers, pregnant women and their families. She has been a great support for the Spanish Speaking community in Toronto including our dancers.

  • Mariana Moran

    MAKE UP ARTIST

    Born in Morelos, Mexico, Mariana joined Puro Mexico in 2017 as a beginner dancer. She quickly became a valued member of the team and started supporting the general direction throughout the planning of the 2018 anniversary gala “De Son a Son”.
    She provided guidance on the process of applying and obtaining grants and served as a point of contact between Puro Mexico and Dia de los Muertos Collective.

    Since 2018, Mariana has been the lead artist behind the creation of Puro Mexico’s catrinas, from the makeup to custom design and creation of the head pieces . Her passion for Dia de los Muertos celebrations contributes to her role in the coordination of all Day of the Dead events and appearances. Mariana played a key role in the development of “Danza de los Diablos de la Costa Chica”, which is a partnership between Dia de los Muertos Collective and Puro Mexico.

    Mariana is a Computer Science Engineer with a passion for philanthropy, specially focused on organizations that support the Arts and Environmental Sustainability. Since becoming the lead artist behind the Puro Mexico’s catrinas, Mariana rediscovered an old passion in the world of makeup and body painting, you can find her work on Instagram @marianamoran.ca