About Us
"The Heart of Mexico"
"El Corazon de Mexico" demonstrates the beauty and charm of the culture in performing from a repertoire of over 100 dances. Mexico is made up of 31 states. Each state has a unique style of music, dance and costume. Each performance gives the audience a taste of the variety within this art.
"El Corazon de Mexico" consists of over 60 dancers ranging in age from 6 to 39 years.
A sincere desire to learn both Mexican dancing and tradition, along with dedication to hard work and weekly practice throughout the entire year, are asked of all dancers. In return they receive a new awareness of their heritage, good leadership skills and an education in both the history and culture of Mexico. Their many talents come together to create a beautiful and exciting performance.
Our Director
Elaina Hernandez is a 39-year veteran of Mexican Folkloric Dance. She has studied under Maestro Carlos Vega of Mexico, Director Sam Cortez of Chicago, Instructor Rene Cardoza of Chicago, Instructor Placido Lopez Guerrero of Colima, Mexico, Director Bladimir Bravo of San Antonio, Maestra Karina Estrella of California and Maestro Jose Tena of New Mexico. Elaina has been directing and choreographing for over 30 years. She is recognized as a Master Artist by the Ohio Arts Council. In 2010, she received the Diamante Award for Adult Leadership and in 2016, she received the Ohio Heritage Fellowship. In 2019, she received the Merit Award from the Arts Commission in Toledo, Ohio. From 2018-2025, Master Elaina Hernandez has received the Ohio Traditional Apprenticeship grant to train assistant Vanessa and Ignacio Hernandez in the art of Mexican Folkloric Dance.
She is also a certified American Ballroom and Latin Instructor and ZIN Zumba and Zumba Kids instructor.
Hernandez current works as the Program Director at the Believe Center in Toledo, Ohio.
Highlights
"El Corazon de Mexico" was featured at Walt Disney World in Florida on December 27, 2007, January 2, 2019 and January 2, 2025. On February 20 2016, 12 of El Corazon de Mexico's dancers traveled to California State University to perform at "Bajo Las Estrellas".
