Crisp, Inspired Work From AguaLuna Company

What a difference a year makes. Or two or three. Sombreros off, then, to Gustavo Gonzalez and his AguaLuna Dance Company, whose full-evening concert, “Mexico Antiguo,” at the Downey Civic Theater on Saturday, was, in a word, splendid. Founded in 1996, the company has evolved into a formidable one, with Gonzalez’s direction now crisp, his choreography decidedly inspired.

Included in the vibrant program were five works, with two premieres and musical interludes featuring the incomparable groups Banda Chapala, directed by Juan Mexicano, and Mariachi Perla Tapatia, sounding robust under Ray Orozco’s leadership.

“Noche de Doncellas” (1999), rooted in pre-Columbian times, was a study in precision: 11 female dancers, barefoot and clad in burlap-type costumes (yet noble in bearing), created various line formations while dipping at the waist, spinning, and occasionally assuming prayer positions with their hands.

Danza Floricanto/USA’s Gema Sandoval served as consultant on the premieres, “Sones Tamaulipecas” and “Melodias Tabasquenas.” The former proved a foray into jubilant foot-stomping and hip-swaying as the women were joined by two men and well-drilled line formations again ruled; the latter, a nod to Olmec and Mayan cultures with a marimba-infused score, featured a group of women brandishing large gourds, as well as three couples squaring off with one-leg spinning gambits.

Completing the program: Ricardo Murillo, deftly twirling an enormous rope, and Gonzalez crowd-pleasers, “Flor de Mexico” and “Ritmos de Costa.” AguaLuna, now secure in its folklorico foundation and having made enormous strides, is poised to take on a larger audience.