San Pancho - Huitari Ballet
By Elvia & Geno
Lamphiear
Two years ago a person arrived in San Pancho whose
presence and talent we are very fortunate to have.
The talented Alberto Diaz Castillo has shown us that
anything is possible. During the mornings he works
at the hospital in San Pancho in the maintenance department,
while during the evenings he dedicates his time to
his great passion of dance.
 Alberto is originally from Tepic, Nayarit (the Capital
of our State). He is married to his beautiful wife
Liliana and they have two gorgeous daughters. Alberto
studied regional dances in Tepic and was such a great
student that he was chosen to travel to Mexico City
to study in the Institute Of The Beautiful Arts. There
he attended classes held by the world famous ballet
performer and teacher, Amalia Hernandez. After that
he returned to Tepic and took Flamenco classes. There,
Alberto studied under Alfonso Garcia for eight years
at the Classic Ballet Institute. Alberto taught summer
courses of regional dance in several states in the
south of Mexico. Since he was a little boy he held
an interest in dancing. Though he liked football, he
would not trade dancing for anything. The ballet Huitari
has been his greatest achievement.
A while back, realizing his evenings were free, Alberto
decided his passion could not be locked up as he believed
that would be a crime. Alberto made his decision, talked
with a few people and he felt that the possibility
was there. He wasted no time getting organized and
one day the chapter, Huitari Ballet, was born.
First it was the women in the town who started taking
lessons. The ladies eagerly learned and performed at
several festivals with beautiful and colorful outfits.
After a few months, due to their multiple responsibilities
of motherhood and families, the ladies chose not to
continue. It then became apparent that the focus should
be centered on the children dancing. Alberto and parents
alike started motivating and supporting the young ones
to participate in the ballet. The ballet chapter now
has forty members (ages 6 to 20) and the teacher always
welcomes new students with open arms.
 The ballet is one hundred
percent folkloric. Alberto explained to us that every
state in Mexico has at least one baile o Danza regional
that represents the state. Alberto also explained
to us the difference between a danza or a baile.
He said a dance is a ritual, a ceremony in itself,
that is offered to the gods and they are a legacy
or our ancestors -like the "danza
of the deer". The baile has more rhythm, different
instruments, more swinging of the skirts and is a mix
of Spanish influence and the original cultures of Mexico.
The ballet performs more then ten bailes of Nayarit
and more than fifty Mexican traditional of both. Alberto
mentioned that their favorite dancing is from the states
of Nayarit (of course), Jalisco, Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas,
Tabasco, Veracruz and Durango. The truth is that a
danza or baile is a performance that should never be
missed.
Huitari means rain in huichol.
The Ballet Huitari has performed for us on several
events locally, like Mothers Day, Independence Day,
etc. They also are at
the hotel Costa Azul Hotel to dance every Friday at
their Mexican Fiesta Night. There they treat the tourists
with their dancing, shouting, flying hats, colors and
loud shrills giving all a taste of Mexico. The ballet
has been invited by the government on many different
occasions to perform all over the state. Alberto said; "If
we are invited, we will perform. It is our desire to
become better and grow in any positive possible way."
The ballet is independent but not self-sufficient.
They have made great efforts and have been able to
provide the dancers with an incredible wardrobe. They
don't have a fee, but require that transportation and
meals be provided. They are always open for an invitation.
 For the members of the community, the Ballet Huitari
has offered a cultural space for all to learn about
their roots. They encourage everyone to believe that
dreams do come true. Our children and teenagers have
a safe, nurturing place to go after school. It is a
great way to keep a healthy body and mind, meet with
people of different ages who share a common goal. Dancing
is a great, creative outlet that helps children to
built their self- esteem through achievements. The
parents are very proud of their off-spring and they
support them in every way they can.
Alberto says that a dance teacher, just like any other
professional, needs to continue growing and learning.
He still attends school every weekend. Alberto mentioned
that eventually he would like to start Flamenco classes
and that whenever someone wants to learn dance - he
will be there willing to teach. Then he said that all
of this would not have been possible without the unconditional
support of his lovely wife, who goes with him to every
rehearsal and presentation and pays attention to all
the details.
The Ballet Huitari is of great pride to the San Pancho
inhabitants. On your next visit don't miss the ballet!
Well done San Pancho!... and muchas gracias maestro
Alberto!!
Maria Elvia Garcia Palomera & Geno
Lamphiear
genolamhiear@hotmail.com
* This
information is provide by María Elvia
Garcia Palomera & Geno
Lamphier, owners of Calandria
Realty in San Francisco [San Pancho], Nayarit,
Mexico
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