Guests and visitors at the 38th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair were treated to an explosion of Mexican culture as a group of dancers in long, brightly coloured dresses offered a glimpse into their riveting culture, and displayed their fleet-footed talents as they kept pace with the rhythmic beats of the band of musicians accompanying them.

This cultural programme was held to mark the celebration of Mexico as Guest of Honour at SIBF 2019, and was part of the cultural activities hosted by the Mexican Pavilion.

Adorned in beautiful, bouncing handcrafted skirts that fan out in the air, and with their hair in braided buns, the dancers twirled and spun around while moving through the main hallway of the Sharjah Expo Centre crowds gathered to watch the mesmerising cultural show.

Drummers and trumpet players too received a thunderous applause for their lively music, and the half-hour performance expressed emphatically the important role of music and dance in the lives and culture of the Mexican people.

The 18-member ensemble of dancers and musicians are all trained professionals and part of the Ballet Folklórico Tradicional del Estado de Oaxaca from the south of Mexico.

The troupe in Oaxaca comprises of a total of 46 dancers and 20 musicians, and have gained international recognition for the artistic quality and originality of their shows.

Visitors to SIBF 2019 can enjoy the traditional ballet performance every evening from 4 – 4.30pm at the Kids Hall Theatre and from 6 – 6.30pm at the halls and lobbies until Wednesday, November 6, at Expo Centre Sharjah.