Ballet Folklórico Xanharati
Mexican folkloric dance academy led by cultural ambassador Paulo García
A ballet-focused dance school offering classical ballet training along with related dance disciplines.
Photo: Ballet Folklórico Xanharati via Google
Before your first class
The academy creates a transformative space for all ages with a focus on discipline, creativity, and cultural learning.
About this studio
Ballet Folklórico Xanharati is a dance company and academy dedicated to preserving and celebrating Mexican music and dance through folkloric, contemporary, and ballroom expressions. Founded in November 2014 in Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico, the company takes its name from the Purépecha word Xanharati, meaning "Traveler," reflecting its mission to carry Mexican heritage across borders through movement and music. Since establishing its base in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 2020, Xanharati has become a leading presence in major cultural events throughout the Midwest, performing annually at Mexican Fiesta (the largest Hispanic festival in the region) and at prestigious venues including the Marcus Performing Arts Center, Milwaukee Night Market, Disney Orlando, and Universal Studios.
The company presents a vibrant repertoire of traditional Mexican dances representing regions including Nayarit, Michoacán, Jalisco, Chiapas, San Luis Potosí, Baja California Sur, Oaxaca, and Veracruz. Each year, Xanharati premieres new regional works during its annual anniversary production, Origins, celebrating the depth and diversity of Mexico's cultural roots. The company has collaborated with iconic figures of Mexican music, including Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, Aída Cuevas, and Los Tigres del Norte, performing on multiple occasions across Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, and Ohio. Xanharati has also brought Mexican folklore to high-profile stages such as Latino Nights with the Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Milkmen, and Milwaukee Admirals.
Beyond performance, Ballet Folklórico Xanharati is deeply committed to education and artistic excellence. The academy regularly offers workshops and master classes led by renowned instructors from Mexico, providing dancers with high-level training and cultural context. These master instructors include Abel Román de Amador (Sonora), América Balbuena (Guanajuato), Rosa Villa (Nayarit), Luis Tarín (Chihuahua), Enrique Heredia (Tabasco), Omar Zamilpa (Guerrero), Ángeles Luna (Veracruz), Francisco Flores (Tamaulipas), Octavio Jiménez (Zacatecas), Manuel Hernández (Jalisco), and Juan Carlos Gaytán (Colima), as well as collaborations with the Ballet Folklórico de Amalia Hernández.
The academy is led by Director Paulo García, born September 24, 1988, in Morelia, Michoacán. García is a multifaceted artist, educator, and cultural leader who began his professional dance journey with Ballet Folklórico Tzintzuni and Ballet Folklórico Janitzio, representing Michoacán in multiple U.S. cities. He expanded his artistic training at the Casa de la Cultura de Morelia and the Ballet Folklórico del Estado de Michoacán, exploring music, theater, visual arts, classical and contemporary dance, and Latin rhythms. In 2009, he received the State Award for Science and Technology for a social project with Indigenous communities. García founded Ballet Folklórico Xanharati in 2014 and has represented Mexico at festivals in Chile, Colombia, and the U.S. In 2024, he was recognized as one of Wisconsin's 36 Most Influential Latino Leaders by Madison 365. In 2024, García co-founded Great Lakes Folklore with Rosa Villa, a cultural exchange platform for teachers and dancers.
Xanharati's mission centres on artistic excellence, cultural identity, social responsibility, inclusion and diversity, professionalism and discipline, teamwork, holistic student development, and trust and empowerment. The company's vision is to become the leading artistic company representing Wisconsin with international projection through excellence in music and dance. Since February 2026, the company has proudly become a member of CIOFF® USA, opening new doors for international cultural exchange and collaboration.
What to expect
Your first visit
Xanharati offers training in Mexican folkloric dance rooted in regional traditions and taught by experienced instructors who have studied with master teachers from across Mexico. Classes and workshops are designed for all ages, combining discipline with creativity while connecting you to authentic Mexican cultural expression.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Director Paulo García leads the academy. The company regularly brings in master instructors from Mexico including Abel Román de Amador, América Balbuena, Rosa Villa, Luis Tarín, Enrique Heredia, Omar Zamilpa, Ángeles Luna, Francisco Flores, Octavio Jiménez, Manuel Hernández, and Juan Carlos Gaytán, as well as collaborations with Ballet Folklórico de Amalia Hernández.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
The academy creates a transformative space for all ages with a focus on discipline, creativity, and cultural learning.
Studio history
Founded in November 2014 in Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico by Paulo García, Ballet Folklórico Xanharati is dedicated to preserving and sharing the cultural richness of Mexican music and dance. The company established its base in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 2020, and has since become a leading presence in Midwest cultural events. In February 2026, the company became a member of CIOFF® USA.
Styles offered
2 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Ballet Folklórico Xanharatihasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Ballet Folklórico Xanharati, claiming the studio lets you add a public schedule in about 2 minutes. A free Google Calendar is the easiest path — visitors see your class times inline + can add events to their own calendar.
Frequently asked about Ballet Folklórico Xanharati
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Ballet Folklórico Xanharati teach?
Ballet Folklórico Xanharati teaches Ballet, Contemporary Dance. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Ballet Folklórico Xanharati located?
Ballet Folklórico Xanharati is located in Milwaukee, WI. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Ballet Folklórico Xanharati offer private lessons?
Contact Ballet Folklórico Xanharati directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Ballet Folklórico Xanharati teach kids and adults?
Ballet Folklórico Xanharati welcomes students of varied ages and experience levels. Contact the studio to learn which classes fit your age group and level.
How do I sign up for classes at Ballet Folklórico Xanharati?
The fastest path is to visit Ballet Folklórico Xanharati via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.