Although various groups perform around the city, the finest offering is at the Palacio de Bellas Artes, where the famed Ballet Folklórico de México performs twice a week. The Ballet Folklórico is a celebration of pre- and post-Hispanic dancing. A typical program includes Aztec ritual dances, agricultural dances from Jalisco, a fiesta in Veracruz, a wedding celebration -- all linked with mariachis, marimba players, singers, and dancers.

Because the Bellas Artes books many other events -- visits by foreign opera companies, for instance -- the Ballet Folklórico occasionally moves. In that case, it usually appears in the National Auditorium in Chapultepec Park. Check at the Bellas Artes box office. The show is popular and tickets sell rapidly (especially to tour agencies at twice the cost). The box office is on the ground floor of the Bellas Artes, main entrance. Ballet Folklórico performances are on Sunday at 9:30am and 8:30pm and Wednesday at 8:30pm.

The Fine Arts theater not only offers the finest in performing arts, but is also architecturally worth a visit. It's open Monday through Saturday 11am to 7pm, and Sunday 8:30am to 7pm.