Rafael Zamarripa

In 2010, Olga Nájera-Ramirez wrote, directed, and produced a 50-minute documentary the focused on Mexican folklórico dance through the life and accomplishments of Zamarripa. The film, Danza Folklórica Escénica, showcased Zamarripa's choreography and artwork.

In 2000, Zamarripa completed a series of sketches to be featured in the book Trajes de Danza Mexicana, a collaboration with Xochitl Medina Ortiz. The book, published in 2001, contains detailed illustrations and descriptions of the folk dance attire of each of the 32 Mexican states.

In 1980, he created the Centro de Danza Universitaria at the University of Colima, one of the first universities to offer a bachelor's degree in Mexican folkloric dance.

In 1966 Zamarripa also established the Escuela de Danza at the University of Guadalajara, becoming its first director.

In 1962, Zamarripa was approached by Amalia Hernández, (who developed folkloric dance for theater, and founded Ballet Folklórico de México), after watching him dance with his student group. She invited him to join her company, but he declined because of his ambitions of pursuing a career as a sculptor. She encouraged him to reconsider, and told him it could help his art career.

Rafael Zamarripa Castañeda (born February 8, 1942) is a Mexican painter, sculptor, designer, dancer and choreographer.

Zamarripa was born in 1942 in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, to Francisco ‘Don Panchito’ Zamarripa, a shoemaker, and Maria de Luz Castañeda, who loved to play the piano. He has described them as ‘strict, but loving parents.’ His family, including his six other siblings, was poor, but always had food and clothing.