Amalia Viviana Basanta Hernandez

Amalia Viviana Basanta Hernandez was born in Mexico City, the daughter of Mexican choreographer, Amalia Hernandez, and Argentine writer, Joaquin Basanta Crece.
She began her dance training at age 5, studying classical ballet under Nellie Happee. At age 13, Ms. Basanta Hernandez joined the National Ballet of Mexico under the direction of Guillermina Bravo. She pursued her interest in contemporary dance, studying abroad with Alvin Nikolai, Murray Louise, Hanya Holm and Alvin Ailey.

In 1977, she joined the Ballet Folklorico de Mexico de Amalia Hernandez as a dancer, where she revamped some of the works and repertoire
created by her mother, Amalia Hernandez. In 1979, Ms. Basanta Hernandez became a soloist and later the Artistic Coordinator of the company for 15 years. She also directed the school of the Ballet Folklorico de Mexico for 10 years.

While with the Ballet Folklorico de Mexico, Ms. Basanta Hernandez researched and produced such ballets as "Navidad Mexicana," "Tarahumara," "Sones," and "Gustos de Guerrero." She has also created modern dance choreographies based on Mexican folk traditions, including "De Caña al Carnaval" and "Tierra de Mis Pasiones."

Honors bestowed upon Ms. Basanta Hernandez include the Cesar Chavez award from the University of Michigan, and the Artistry of Mexico award presented by the United States Congress. She has also received the "Ulama" award for her participation in the "Encuentro de Arte y Cultura" event by the Mexican Secretary of Education. She continues to dance and was a soloist by invitation of the "Le Sorilege" Dance Company in Montreal, Canada.

In 2002, Ms. Basanta opened her new dance school, "Academia de Danza Amalia Hernandez", with over 300 dance students.