Born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, Nadia Arambula discovered her love for Mexican folklórico dance at just five years old.
“Dance is in my genes,” she says. “Even in the hardest moments of my life, dance has been my stronghold.”

Recognized early for her talent, Nadia joined Ballet Folklórico de Bellas Artes in Jalisco, performing throughout Guadalajara from ages six to seventeen. She later became part of Ballet Folklórico de la Secretaría de Turismo (SECTUJAL), representing her home state nationally and internationally—including a performance in Washington, D.C., promoting “Jalisco es México.”

By sixteen, Nadia was already teaching folklórico in Guadalajara, inspired to share the art form that shaped her identity. In 1999, she moved to the United States with one dream: to share her Mexican culture through dance.

Starting with just ten students in a San Diego church, she founded Ballet Folklórico El Tapatío, named in honor of her roots. After a brief move to Oakland, life brought her back to San Diego in 2008—this time with renewed purpose. Beginning again with only six young dancers in a basement (including her five-year-old daughter), Nadia rebuilt her dream from the ground up.

By 2009, Ballet Folklórico El Tapatío found its home at the Bayside Community Center in Linda Vista, growing from a small group into a vibrant community of dancers performing across San Diego County. In 2014, Nadia expanded her vision by founding Ballet Folklórico de San Dieguito in Encinitas, supported by Encinitas Friends of the Arts.

Today, our company unites more than 60 dancers of all ages and backgrounds. Nadia also serves as the Ballet Folklórico instructor at the University of San Diego, inspiring college students to embrace and celebrate their cultural heritage.

Through every challenge and triumph, Nadia’s journey stands as a testament to resilience, faith, and the transformative power of art. Her story reminds us that dreams have no borders—and that when you dance with heart, anything is possible.

From a little girl dancing in Guadalajara to leading one of San Diego’s most recognized folklórico companies, Nadia Arambula’s journey is a story of resilience, culture, and love for the art of Mexican dance.

From Guadalajara to San Diego—one woman’s dream in motion.
Guided by Nadia Arambula’s passion, Ballet Folklórico San Diego Dance Company celebrates resilience, culture, and the joy of dance that transcends borders.

Jimena Rodriguez is a talented dancer. She has a deep passion for Mexican Ballet Folklorico. Jimena began learning this discipline at the age of 10 by joining Ballet Folklorico de San Dieguito (BFdeSD) in Encinitas. Her unwavering dedication and immense love for Ballet Folkloric Art have helped her become a professional dancer and an elite performer with Ballet Folklorico San Diego Dance Company. In 2023, Miss Jimena became an instructor and mentor at Ballet Folklorico de San Dieguito. Now, she is giving back to her initial group by teaching beginners ages 4-10. Her commitment to teaching and mentoring others has made a lasting impact, not only on those she teaches but also on her.