Danzantes Unidos DUF 2026 “Nurturing the Light” welcomes David “Texomazatl” Vargas teaching Azteca Drum & Dance for Teens & Adults; ages 13+

David “Texomazatl” Vargas, is a kind, yet demanding Elder within the Danza Azteca genre. 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 which is still active today. Texomazatl has led the group as its Executive/Artistic Director as a ceremonial dance group among traditional circles, as well as a community-based performing arts group.

For the past 35 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 San Jose. He has drawn from the Calmecac traditional knowledge to share this knowledge via high-quality educational programs in schools throughout the US & Canada.

As of the last 2 years Texomazatl has continued in his travels and has founded three new Grupos: one in Houston, Texas “Itzcoatl Tezkatlipoka”; a group in Phoenix, Arizona “Xochitlihuan Cuicatl”; and a third group in Las Vegas, Nevada “Calpulli Xiuhtecuhtli”. These three Grupos, along with the San Jose original based group “Tezkatlipoka Aztec Dance and Drum”, have formed an Alliance with a 3-day Ceremonial weekend filled with drumming, dancing and an educational lecture series on the Aztec Calendar and the traditional handling of our ancient practice of the Smoke Urn (Saumador or Popochcomitl). This event brings together four states of Danza groups and they have plans to do this annually. Maestro TexoMazatl states it has been a very fulfilling culmination of hard work and dedication on the part of all of his students coming together.

“Ayoyotl or Cacabeles” , referencing the rattle of a rattlesnake . This dance was presented by El Gran Maestro
Florencio Yescas from “Tlacopan” now known as Barrio Tacuba Mexico since the late 60’s/early70’s. The dance consists of eight beautiful challenging sequences of dance steps that express flowing slow rhythmic movements; such as a Coatl (snake) accompanied with quick powerful movements like the striking of a rattlesnake. Naturally the accompanying drumming is exquisite in that it also has a balance of medium to fast speeds and definite pronounced accenting will be observed. practiced and delivered so as to give inspiration, power , encouragement and ganas to the dancing.

Cultura illuminates LIFE . . . nurture the light.

Danzantes Unidos Festival DUF 2026 “Nurturing the Light” will take place March 27, 28 & 29 in Fresno, CA.
Registration is OPEN at www.danzantes.org.  Early Registration ends on January 23, 2026.
Click here to register for this class: Azteca Drum & Dance