Former Top 5 Folklorico Group's Dancer Brings Passion and Purpose to San Rafael-based Ballet Folklorico Netzahualcoyotl

Interview of Netza Vidal of San Rafael-based Ballet Folklorico Netzahualcoyotl by Hannah Doress of San Geronimo Valley Community Center Revivir la Cultura Project.

Hannah: Netza, why are you participating in the Mexican Arts Festival at San Geronimo Valley Community Center this Saturday, June 15th?

Netza: For me it’s been very positive to share Mexican folk dance with kids and young teenagers. I like to do this to preserve our culture.

Hannah: As your Facebook fan I can see you have performed at many festivals – what are the highlights for you?

Netza: This year we have been so honored to be the premiere opening act for the SF Ethnic Dance Festival. We also work with Youth in Arts and it’s really special for me to go to schools and work with kids to teach them a little bit of Mexican folk dance. We go to elementary, junior high and high school. 

Hannah: How did you get your start?

Netza: I started at San Rafael High School in 1989 – I was teaching folklorico dance there for 4-5 years. I was really lucky when they called me and said they were looking for someone – people in the community knew I was a former dancer and recommended me for the position.

Hannah: Tell me about your dance career.

Netza: My dance career started in Mexico in a state called Nayarit. I have been dancing since I was 5 years old. That has always been my passion. I tried all kinds of styles, but for me it was most profound to do Mexican dance. I was 9 years old when I became a professional folklorico dancer. I danced with one of the five best dance companies in Mexico, called Ballet Folklorico Mexcaltitan.

Hannah: Pardon my ignorance – in some dance forms there are often famous roles that people are familiar with, are there roles like that for folklorico?

Netza: We don’t have roles like that but the best dancers in the companies perform the solo acts. I was fortunate to have this opportunity with Ballet Folklorico Mexcaltitan.

Hannah: When did you move to the United States?

Netza: I was 19 when I came to San Rafael. I was more focused on my education at that time, particularly with English as a Second Language.

Hannah: What is important about the traditions?

Netza: We are so far away from home and it is so important to let the new generation know what Mexico is – Mexico is very rich in culture and they may not learn that since we live here in the United States. The culture is part of what it means to be Mexican. Through my work I want to give back for Mexicans who want to continue with the traditions. 

Hannah: We notice a strong postive effect on self-esteem for kids who participate in our Revivir la Cultura program at San Geronimo Valley Community Center – what are you seeing with the kids you work with?

Netza: One of my main goals is to have kids out of the streets, and to have a place to go to learn self-esteem and to learn the Mexican culture through dance. And they don’t have to be Mexican to be part of our culture. It is just a matter of sharing and learning another culture.

Hannah: Do you teach bilingually?

Netza: Yes, mostly in Spanish because I work with kids from the age of 5 and up so for me it is really important to do a lot of Spanish in my little kids and teen groups. Even if they answer me in English I try to give them as much Spanish as I can.

Hannah: Why is it important for the kids to keep up their Spanish?

Netza: I think it is really important for the kids to have Spanish. I know with this evolution of being in the US and growing up as Hispanic, being bilingual can help them with their school career and it can open up a lot of doors for them in the future. Sometimes I even pretend not to speak English to get them to speak in Spanish (of course they know I speak English). The parents are really happy that I am encouraging them to keep their language alive.

Hannah: How do people get involved?

Netza: We have have classes, the dance company Ballet Folklorico Netzahualcoyotl, and we work with Youth in Arts to bring presentations to the schools. The company opens the door for everybody – it not just a dance company, it’s a big dance family who enjoy what we do.

Hannah: What something interesting about you that many people don’t know?

Netza: I worked for Chef Heidi at San Anselmo restaurant Insalata’s for 20 years. I love food. The way Heidi took my hand over cooking -- it was such a pleasure to learn and to make people so happy. 

Hannah: What should people look forward to seeing on Saturday, June 15th at the San Geronimo Valley Community Center Mexican Arts Festival from Ballet Folklorico Netzahualcoyotl? 

Netza: We are preparing five numbers – based on five different states of Mexico. Our goal is to promote the kids and teenagers. We will be presenting from dances from Jalisco, of course with Mariachi music, as well as from Veracruz, Guerrero, Finaloa and Nuevo Lion.

Hannah: What is your dream for your work? 

Netza: My dream is to have my own dance studio to be able to extend classes the whole week here in Marin County. That’s the dream I have always had since I came here. All my dreams are about dancing.

More about the Mexican Arts Festival on Saturday, June 15th, 2013 from 12-5pm at San Geronimo Valley Community Center.

Featuring Ballet Folklorico Netzahualcoyotl of San Rafael and Concord, Mariachi Aguascalientes of Novato, artists from Canal Welcome Center in San Rafael and Latino Photo Project of Point Reyes Station, Danza Tonatzin of West Marin and more!

For more information about Ballet Folklorico Netzahualcoyotl:

Contact Ballet Folklorico Netzahualcoyotl

Phone: 415-613-4822

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ballet.netzahualcoyotl

Contact San Geronimo Valley Community Center

Phone: 415-488-8888

Web: http://www.sgvcc.org/artsevents/centerevents.html#mexfest

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/San-Geronimo-Valley-Community-Center-Arts-Events/144876422272511?ref=ts&fref=ts