Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - The Xiutla Municipal Folkloric Ballet will celebrate its 20 year anniversary on July 27th, and the troupe would like to share the joy of their success with the community that has supported them and helped them become the worthy representative of Puerto Vallarta, in Mexico and around the world, that they are today.

According to Prof. Enrique Barrios Limón, the founder/leader/choreographer of the youth folkloric ballet, "this anniversary is something special because it was an arduous journey at times but we made it through the 20 years with success and pride for our accomplishments."

Barrios Limón’s passion for dance and his leadership has driven the dance troupe through some difficult times since the group's 1994 inception. He expressed his gratitude to all the young people who are currently dancing with the company, as well as those who were a part of the group over the past 20 years who, through hard work and dedication, helped the Municipal Folkloric Ballet reach this significant date.

The celebration will begin on July 26 with a "thanks giving" Mass at the Parroquia de Nuestra Señora del Refugio church, on the corner of Perú and Argentina near Parque Hidalgo in Colonia Cinco de Diciembre. (Note: The time of the Mass was not announced, possibly due to it being as private ceremony.)

The mass will be followed by the opening of an art exhibition of 50 photographs taken over the years by the public during the Municipal Group's performances, in the inner courtyard of City Hall. There, the dance group will also share the 20th anniversary cake with the 12 generations of dancers that have been a part of the group. The photographic exhibition was organized by the group and will be on display for four days with free access to the public.

Everyone is invited to come out to Teatro Vallarta on Sunday, July 27, at one o'clock, for the 20th anniversary ceremony and gala. Those attending will enjoy a presentation by the first to third grade girls, who will perform regional dances created especially for the occasion; followed by a few words from Professor Enrique Barrios and the presentation of the first two dances that the first generation of Xiutla dancers performed: La Tortuga and El Jabali ("The Tortoise" and "The Boar,") which originate from the state of Chiapas.

There will also be an Anniversary Waltz with the participation of some special guests, as well as the showing of a retrospective video of the group; a majestic interpretation of the bolero; dances to the rhythmic music called percussion; and to close with a flourish - the traditional dance of Jalisco.

The ticket price of $100 pesos will cover the cost of this non-profit event. Those interested in attending can purchase tickets by calling Prof. Enrique Barrios Limón at (322) 133-4070. You can also purchase tickets at the Teatro Vallarta box office (located at Uruguay 184, just south of Ley’s grocery store on the main street as you enter downtown) Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 9 pm, or at Ticketmaster.com.mx for $114 pesos.