Danza Azteca Citlaltonac
Indigenous Ceremonial Group
and
Non-Profit Organization
Coachella California
DANCE CIRCLE
The Aztec Dance, known as “Danza Azteca” in Spanish or “Mi’totiliztli” in Nahuatl (the language of the Anahuac native people), is a fundamental expression of the artistic and cultural essence of Mexico’s indigenous population.
This dance symbolizes humanity’s timeless quest for cosmic harmony and unity, encompassing both physical and spiritual aspects. The chants performed during Aztec Dance rituals revolve around this essential journey. It has been described as not only a form of prayer but also an all-encompassing way of life and means to communicate with others.
Each routine within the Aztec Dance embodies the duality inherent in ancient Aztec culture. On one side are representations associated with women, such as nightfall, jaguars, and earth; on the other side are elements linked to men like daylight, eagles, and water.
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Entertainment is not the principal objective; rather, honoring the elements and forming a link with the cosmos is the overall goal of the Aztec/Concheros’ dance. For that reason, the four cardinal points are blessed before the start of the routine, and the steps are dedicated to the harvest, fertility, earth, fire, and water.
There are also several instruments incorporated into the performance, such as the concha de armadillo (armadillo conch) guitar from which they take their name, the huehuétl and teponastli drums, ayoyotes and ayacachtlis / ankle and hand rattles. The dancers unite to create a corporal expression to connect with mother nature and our ancestors.
