Dr. Kenya Márquez (Ph.D. in Psychology and school counselor), was born in Mexico City to a family of artists and scientists. Her mother, a professional folkloric dancer from Academia de la Danza Mexicana, Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes, instilled in her a love for traditional Mexican dance. Her father, an engineer and Mexican rock musician, and her grandfather, a musician from an indigenous land, further nurtured her passion for Mexican culture.
Dr. Márquez's early life was filled with traditional folk dances, and she went on to study classical ballet. She later returned to folk dance while pursuing her graduate studies in Paris, where she professionally studied Mexican folk dance at Ballet de Casa de Mexico, under the Mexican Embassy. In 2003, Dr. Márquez settled in Portland and founded Ballet Papalotl, a Mexican folkloric dance ensemble, to share the richness of her culture with the community. The company's name, "Papalotl," means "butterfly" in Nahuatl, the Aztec language. Under Dr. Márquez's direction, Ballet Papalotl performs authentic Mexican folk dances, showcasing the country's diverse cultural heritage. Their repertoire includes vibrant dances from Jalisco, Nayarit, and Veracruz, as well as lesser-known dances from Guerrero, Hidalgo, Tamaulipas, Sonora, and other regions, which derive from Mexico's indigenous cultures. They also share dances from the states of Nuevo León and Baja California, which integrate European polka traditions, while the Veracruz dance reflects the African heritage in Mexican culture. All performances include short introductions and interactive experiences. As a child psychologist, Dr. Márquez understands the impact of cultural identity on individuals and communities. Ballet Papalotl's mission is to share authentic Mexican culture with the Pacific Northwest community, fostering a more harmonious and inclusive society. Ballet Papalotl and Dr. Márquez are well-known for their quality and trajectory, performing at prominent venues in Portland and beyond, with around 36 performances a year, reaching approximately 500,000 people annually in public and private events, at artistic and cultural centers, and other prominent venues. These include the Oregon Historical Society, Portland State University, Portland Art Museum, Portland Center for the Arts, Portland City Hall, Oregon State Capitol, Providence Park, Portland Community Colleges, Moda Center, the Portland Waterfront Cinco de Mayo Fiesta, Children's Museum, Clinton Theater, Pioneer Square celebrations, Portland Parks & Recreation, Oaks Park, and numerous schools and libraries in Oregon and Washington. Papalotl has partnerships with the Consulate of Mexico in Portland and the Miracle Theater, as well as other major Latino outreach centers and programs. They have earned multiple awards and prizes, including 1st place as the best native costume group at the Rose Parade for 8 consecutive years! Additionally, they won 1st place over 180 groups in the Junior Parade 2024 (the oldest and biggest of the US). Join Dr. Márquez and Ballet Papalotl on this journey of discovery and celebration of authentic Mexican culture! Their performances are an authentic, exhilarating experience that will leave you with a smile in your heart.