CHULA VISTA Talk about a trip through memory lane. From thank you cards from her former students to a photo sent by President Ronald Reagan to an old image of Mexican comic icon "Cantinflas," there's not enough space in this house to capture a 40-year career.
The home belongs to Martha Sánchez, a retired South Bay school teacher, who has devoted her life to promoting her native Mexican culture in the United States.
"My children achieved all of this, not just me," said Sánchez as she thumbed through albums filled with letters, awards and newspaper stories from both sides of the border.
A native of Guadalajara, Sánchez came up with the idea of creating a space where Mexican-American children could get in touch with their culture through art, dance and music.
That's how the Centro Cultural de los Niños (Cultural Center for Children) was created in 1972, which spawned the Ballet Folklórico Xóchitl.
Ever since then, the ballet has shared its energy and color across the region.
The group performs at annual events such as the Holiday Bowl and the Del Mar Fair and recently at Chula Vista's centennial celebration.
The members once appeared in the nationally televised variety show "Siempre en Domingo," hosted by Raúl Velasco in Mexico City, and performed for Mario Moreno, the legendary comic known as "Cantinflas," who sent them a personal note of thanks.
Former President Reagan sent his photo, at the request of former Congressman Duncan Hunter.
To be part of her dance ensemble, age and nationality are irrelevant. Babies, adults and even grandparents are welcome. The only requirement is having an interest in sharing the Mexican culture.
The teacher's goal is not to develop professional dancers, rather people who want to do good and who love their heritage.
"I want to create a space where we can learn about this culture and have fun with our dances, music and traditions," she said. "Most of all, it's a family program."
Sánchez was inspired by her parents, both teachers in rural Mexico who donated their work for years. She charges each student $2 per class, which helps her cover the rental of the rehearsal room, at Chula Vista's Valle Lindo Elementary School, where she worked as a teacher.
Her lessons extend far beyond those walls, however. Josué Ramos, one of her former students, now is 20 years old and serving in the U.S. military, stationed in Minneapolis. He was recently honored as the "charro of the year."
"Wherever he goes, he takes with him what he learned during all of his years with Mrs. Sánchez," said his father, Alfredo Ramos.
He was interviewed just before the ballet folklórico performed at Qualcomm Stadium last Sunday.
Some eleven years ago the dance group received an invitation from the San Diego Chargers to perform in pre-game festivities as part of Hispanic Heritage celebrations in September.
Ever since then, year after year, the members bring the color and music of Mexico back onto the field at Qualcomm, before more than 60,000 people.
"The fans love it and it's something we enjoy doing every year," said Sean O'Connor, the team's operations director, adding that seeing the children's perform is what he enjoys the most.
Last Sunday, the more than 100 members of Ballet Folklórico Xóchitl, including the teacher's grandchildren, performed before the Chargers squared off against the Kansas City Chiefs.
For ten minutes, fans took a tour of Mexico through its music and dance, set to mariachi music, all commanded from center field by Sánchez.
"I'm very excited to be at a Chargers' game and perform in front of so many people," said Keilani Carrion, a girl who has Filipino roots.
Her mother, Jessica Carrion, signed her up for the ballet group because she wanted her to know a little more about the Mexican culture, which she says she admires.
Sanchez raised four children and has nine grandchildren, most of whom have danced in her group.
At age 68, she may be officially retired from her classroom room, but she says she's far from finished teaching.
Alexandra.mendoza@sandiegored.com
More information: http://cccballetxochitl.com/
Video in spanish by Micaela Arroyo
