Ballet Folklorico Los Lupenos Whirls Through Regional Traditions

Like good home cooking--simple but satisfying--such was Ballet Folklorico Los Lupenos’ peppy program Saturday at Caltech’s Beckman Auditorium. Hailing from San Jose, Calif., and under the artistic direction of Maria de la Rosa , this congenial company of musicians and dancers served up nearly two dozen traditional numbers highlighting various regions of Mexico.

The Veracruz suite included “La bruja� (the witch), wherein barefoot fishermen were lured ashore by a bevy of white-clad women balancing candles on their heads.

Festive circle dancing ensued as Los Cumbancheros, directed by singer-bongo player Rick Mendoza, let loose with buoyant mariachi sounds.

Also from Veracruz: “La bamba� showcased Cynthia Hernandez and Omar Perez as they tied a big red bow with their feet; and the perennial favorite, “El zapateado,� in which 10 dancers, though not always graceful, executed various line formations while beating out intricate rhythms with deft footwork.

Tamaulipeca came to life with “El caiman� (alligator), a mating dance characterized by partner circling and dipping.

Neither flashy nor overtly theatrical, this company nevertheless embodies the heart and soul of Mexico.