Ballet Folklorico Tonantzin

Cultural Arts Director Zenon Barron

Zenon, who is one of the most well know maestros of ballet folklorico in the Bay and beyond has spent a lifetime preserving the rich danzas de Mexico. Zenon has a doctorate in Bellas Arts and danced with noted Amelia Hernandez de Mexico. Zenon is also founder and director of his SF dance company of Ensembles who have contributed twenty years to preserving the rich tradition of folklorico in the Bay Area. ALAS is proud to have Zenon direct our youth as his choreography showcases the stories of Mexico through danza. Under his direction our youth have grown in performance and embrace their cultural wealth that so many of their families have passed on to them from Mexico to the United States 

Our Program

Our name of Tonantzin represents the indigenous name for the Virgen de Guadalupe. Our dance program began in 2011 . We were given a home at the Bell Building at Our Lady of the Pillar in Half Moon Bay. Since this time we have grown to serve youth from ages 4-18. 
Each week Zenon provides instruction that teaches regional dances from all of Mexico. Our youth perform around the Bay Area with many opportunities to engage with the community. When our youth dance or zapatear, cultural sensory healing sparks development, inspiration, learning  growth. and wellness. 

"When I dance I feel free, I feel happy and I am not worried anymore. Tonantzin is a family to me, here I don't have to feel alone"
Tonantzin student, age 11
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Our Tonantzin Family

Our program happens because of  our families working together to support the efforts of Director Zenon. Under Zenon's guidance our parents are part of helping raise money to pay for our performance attire. Our families work behind the scene to help with performances and events.
Patti Ramirez dedicates countless hours of volunteer time as our Parent and Tonantzin Coordinator. Tonantzin elects a parent board each year to lead our community organizing. Our youth have performed for Dolores Huerta, at
University of San Francisco, Notre Dame de Namur, San Mateo, and  at many local events in our community of Half Moon Bay. For more information on performances please contact us at
​650-243-1725