The Azteca´s Dancers are groups of ritual dance in Mexico. This cultural phenomenon has (both pre-Hispanic and Christian ) syncretic Mexican roots and is linked to various religious holidays. Among the names that are given to this dance are " concheros dance ", "dance tradition ," " Aztec or Mexica Dance " or " Dance of conquest" and regional . Among the most important festivals are the Sacromonte (cycle starts in January or February ), the Holy Cross in Chalma ( a week after the May 3 ), Santiago Apostle ( the closest to July 25 Sunday in Tlatelolco ) San Miguel ( September 29 ) and the cycle ends with the dance to the Virgin of Guadalupe in the atrium and around the Basilica of Guadalupe , on 12 December.
Danzantes "La Revolucion", CDMX México City, May 2016.
Leader of the Group Matachines "Revolucion", CDMX May 2016.
Danzantes "La Revolucion", CDMX México City, May 2016.
Today, there is another stream of dance called Danza Azteca Mexica Guerrera whose purpose is to review the history of ancestral roots from the anthropological and archaeological point of view, placing it before the arrival of the Spaniards. Therefore, its forms try to adhere to the above known elements to the stage of colonization. Hence the costumes, instruments and indigenous heritage resume forms and does not necessarily include the forms and traditions of colonization.
Danzantes "La Revolucion", CDMX México City, May 2016.
While modern Aztec dance does not necessarily include Christian religious forms, itself is full of spirituality. Therefore, we speak of the sacred circle dance and sacred elements. In this dance it is inserted into the concept of mexicanidad and recovery of ancestral indigenous essence.
"La Revolucion", CDMX México City, May 2016.
The spread of pre-colonial Aztec dance has boomed in recent decades, so it is easy to see groups practicing dances called Aztecs in the neighborhoods, in the center of Mexico City and sites and cultural events such as museums and theaters.
"La Revolucion", CDMX México City, May 2016.
Along with the expression of modern Aztec dancers they have come other manifestations such as making and selling handmade goods associated with dance, and ritual events like the temazcal and some customs documented as the allocation of Aztec names according to Tonalamatl with a modern interpretation.
Danzantes "La Revolucion", CDMX México City, May 2016.
The importance of modern Aztec dancers lies mainly in the conservation of ancient forms , they seek to preserve the tradition, thus forming species of schools (called calpulli or calmecac ), where in addition to teaching dance workshops prehispanic philosophy and classes are Nahuatl.
Danzantes "La Revolucion", CDMX México City, May 2016.
Thus, groups seeking to spread the culture mexica by the country and even recover Nahuatl and set it as official language have also emerged . There are other groups who only seek to return to their ancestral dances , eliminating colonial elements and emphasizing the mexicanidad .
Danzantes "La Revolucion", CDMX México City, May 2016.
This group of dancers practice every Wednesday around 21:00 hrs at Plaza Monumento a la Revolución. They are a big group of around 50 people with such energy and they only dace with the sound of a horn and a drum. If you visit Mexico City don´t miss the opportunity to see them at this plaza.
Soreya Reyes
STREET LIFE AND DOCUMENTARY PHOTOGRAPHY
STREET LIFE AND DOCUMENTARY PHOTOGRAPHY
