David Vargas, also known as Texomazatl (Blue Deer) among traditional Aztec dance circles, founded the original Tezkatlipoka Aztec Dance in 1988 in San Jose, CA. Still active today, Texomazatl has led the group as a ceremonial dance group among traditional circles, as well as, a community-based performing arts group.

For the past 30 years, Texomazatl has continually studied in the traditional schools (Calmecac) of Aztec dance and music and has taught several new generations of Aztec dancers and groups in the South SF Bay Area. Over the years, Texomazatl has drawn from the Calmecac traditional knowledge, which has been passed on from many generations, to share the beauty of Aztec culture by conducting quality school educational programs, residencies and workshops locally and throughout the entire United States and Canada.

At DUF 2020 . . .

This dynamic class will introduce students to Aztec dance, drumming, language and indigenous culture. This class is for intermediate level dancers with three years of folklorico dancing experience that are interested in learning a different type of dance discipline that will complement and enhance their current dance training.

This dance form is pre-Columbian and based on movements found within nature. Students will learn how to dance AND drum: “Huilotl” La Paloma (partner danza); Huehuetl (Drums) and Ayacaztli (hand rattles).

The class will begin with a short introduction of Aztec dance history, meaning and symbolism, introduction of musical instruments and use of Nauhatl (Aztec language) words and names. Students will then be led through a series of warm-up body calisthenics, followed by dance techniques including footwork, timing, and styling drills, and drumming techniques including timing, rhythm, and playing of musical percussion instruments that synchronize with dance steps.

If time allows, additional dances and drum beats will be covered based on the capacity of students to master basic class material. All students will participate in a final presentation and perform dances with accompanying drumming for the DUF Class Recital on Sunday.

 

“When I see students realize they can carry a drum beat with associated accent points and dance in a new type of movement,

I am very happy to see their excitement.”

 

DUF 2020 “Unidos Por Nuestras Raices” will take place on April 3, 4 & 5 in Fresno, CA.

Late Registration continues through March 23, 2020

REGISTER FOR THIS CLASS