The BFM is under the general direction of Carlos Moreno-Samaniego, an accomplished teacher, dancer and producer of Mexican folklorico shows and recognized authority on Mexican dance and culture.
Carlos Moreno-Samaniego, founder and General Director of the BFM since 1967, was born in an artistic environment in La Perla, a small town situated in the outer banks of the Nazas River in what is known as the Valle de Nazas (the Valley of Nazas) in the Mexican State of Durango. His parents Marcos Moreno and Catalina Samaniego taught and instilled in him the beauty of Mexican culture and art. Prominent and influential in that region’s popular culture, Marcos Moreno was director of a dance group that performed regional ceremonial dances in La Perla’s festival to “El Senor de San Isidro.”
At the age of 11, Carlos’ formal dance instruction began when he enrolled in a government sponsored dance and cultural program at Paso Nacional. His creative streak was evident at this early age. Although his family could not afford the expense of lessons and costumes, young Carlos’ love for dance, ambition, and creativity kicked in, he would use old borrowed materials to create the required costumes. Soon after initiating his dance lessons, young Carlos startled his father by suggesting choreographic and costume design improvements. At first he brushed him aside, however, elder Moreno began to listen to his son’s persistent ideas ad soon after began implementing some of his son’s suggestions with great success. After high school, his artistic ambitions led him to study folkloric dance in Torreon, Guadalajara, and Cuidad Juarez.
"Carlos Moreno" in costume from "Veracruz"
In Search of the American dream and the ideal environment where he would be able to explore and express his artistic and creative ambition, Carlos Moreno immigrated to Livermore California, in 1958. He began working at a local flower nursery and enrolled in English classes, all the while not giving up on his dream. An artistic turning point would take place at one of the company’s party, where Carlos’ excitement and enthusiasm lead him to dance the “Jarabe Tapatio,” the Mexican hat dance, his co-workers and others present were so impressed and animated that they energized Carlos to seriously pursue his dream of teaching Mexican folklorico dance. However, Carlos realized that he first needed to establish a good financial situation for himself so he continued to work for the next few years. In 1964 he married Angelina Garcia, who plays a very important role in helping him reach his dream and plays a key role in the success of the company as the costume designer.
By 1967, Carlos’ enthusiasm could wait no longer and he founded the Ballet Folklorico Mexicano de Carlos Moreno with support of the Livermore Latin Organization for Betterment. He started with 12 kids and worked with them to present several dances for that year’s Cinco de Mayo festivities. This was the first of many performances to come.
After a performace for the Alameda County Fair in 1970, an Instructor of Chabot College hired Carlos to teach dance classes. As a true folklorico dance professional, Carlos has never stopped investigating or researching on the Mexican culture.
In 1968, his second child, Carlos Moreno-Garcia, who later plays a critical part in the company’s continuous success is born.
