Ignacio "Nacho" Delgado-Hernandez was born in Tijuana, Mexico to parents, Maria de
la Luz Hernandez and Mariano Delgado, both natives from the state of Michoacan. Soon
after, his family relocated to wine country in Napa Valley, California. By circumstance,
Mexican folk dance became part of his early childhood. His family picked crops for
a living and during harvest season the field workers had parties in the vineyards
celebrating "La Pisca," the harvest season. It was these parties that kept the beauty
of his culture alive. Mexican banda music and rancheras from the mariachi were always
part of his environment--It was evident that in midst of the struggles of all immigrant
people in the United States, there was beauty within the Mexican culture that wasn't
often exposed and promoted. He became motivated to join the after school program
at his elementary school, Ballet Folklorico de Westwood. Soon after, Ignacio would
return to teach at this elementary school as a volunteer and then as staff member
at the age of fourteen. Furthermore, he danced in a community folklorico program,
Ballet Folklorico de Colores and would later join companies in the Bay Area at the
age of fifteen.
Ignacio joined Grandeza Mexicana Folk Ballet Co. in 2009, after relocating to Southern
California to attend UCLA, where he studies Political Science and Chicano Studies.
He joined Grandeza Mexicana's team of instructors during the 2010-11 season. He trained
with folk dance directors: Carlos Moreno, Martin Romero and Jose Vences; in addition
to his Mexican Folk training, Ignacio's other instructors include Northern California's
contemporary dance director, Lisa Clark and Jazz Dance director, Kris Vantreese--All
challenging him throughout his development. Most particularly, Grandeza Mexicana
has challenged his perception as a folk dancer and choreographer. Ignacio admires
the imperfect and conscious Folk artist--taking the experience of Mexican people
to the stage and as a result, capturing, motivating and emotionally connecting with
audiences through their craft. He is currently serving his second year as the Artistic
Director for Grandeza Mexicana's Dance Academy.
