Meso-American Folkloric Dance How do these dances celebrate the culture and celebration of Dia de los Muertos?

What is Meso-America? Located in central Mexico and South America Literally translated as ‘Middle America’ Pre-Colombian cultures thrived before the colonization of Spanish conquistadors One of six ancient civilizations that was created independently. Defined by shared cultural traits of the indigenous populations as early as 7000 bc After much time, dominate groups emerged as Mayans, Incas, and Aztecs. Aspects of their culture still survive today despite Spanish attempts at erasing their traditions, language, and religion. This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

Why is Meso-America important to Latin dance? Large influences of Latin dance origins are rooted in the indigenous populations of Mexico, South America, and the Caribbean. Current Latin dance styles are some of the oldest dance styles in history. Due to colonization and the Atlantic slave trade, there isn’t one origin for Latin dance. American culture is greatly influence by Latin-Americans and Hispanics due to the geographical proximity to the countries. Large populations of Americans are of Latin or Hispanic decent. Recognize their contributions to America through the form of dance This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

How important is dance to Meso-America? What we know about the ancient culture is preserved in their monuments, language carvings, and current Meso-American groups. Dance serves a different purpose to these groups During ancient times, dance was not as it known today It served a ritualistic or religious purpose Meant to connect priests or spiritual leaders to the Gods. Continues to preserve their culture Validates them as an ancient culture before the Spanish conquest

What is folk dance? Folk dance is different as it preserves or highlights ancient or traditional dance forms of a particular group of people Cultures of all kinds use folk dance to share their history and build an identity and pride around their early ancestors Latin dance and folk dance are different forms of dance We’ve focused on Mexican folk dance as it pertains to Dia de los Muertos. Similar to the continued tradition of the holiday, certain folk dances are performed during this time even though the beliefs behind them are no longer practiced Today, dance continues traditions and practices of precolonial times This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY

Who influenced these folkloric dance styles? For the Aztecs, there were two types of dance: one for the common people, usually performed in a cypher or roda, and one for the elite. After the Spanish conquest, there were many efforts to abolish indigenous dancing. They considered it ‘pagan’ or non- Christian. Colonization combined African, indigenous, and Spanish cultural dances 1520-1750 The combine the rigid and traditional partner dances of Spanish Europeans with the lively and energetic cultural dances of indigenous populations.

What does this have to do with D.O.T.D? The holiday provides a time of recognition of ancient traditions It wasn’t until the Mexican Independece war that dance was used a political statement of independence that could be openly celebrated This generated interest in other Mexican traditional dances; particularly ‘son music’. Shifted focus from European heritage to indigenous heritage Now, there is formal training and study of these dances performed year round Dia de los Muertos is not just a celebration of the dead, but of the Mexican and indigenous cultures

Danza de Xocoyote Aztec dance tradition Men, women, and children perform together Use of the roda or cypher Live music accompianment with drums, shakers, and clappers Painted faces, skirts, and bare feet Reflects the Aztec beliefs and common people dances Does not celebrate one thing in particular Theatrical

Danza de Jaguar Aztec tradition Been modified over time and combined Mexican theatrical elements Tale of Los Tacuanes- the one who eats people Shared story of a fight in a small town. Used dancing to scare away anything that could cause harm to their village Greatest of these dangers was the jaguar Jaguar hold significance across indigenous cultures and Meso-America

Danza de Voladores Dance of the Flyers Ancient ritualistic folk dance Dancers climb a 30 meter pole Consists of 4 dancers and 1 musician Usually only performed by men 4 dancers descend to the ground while the musician plays a small drum and flute 450 years ago, there was a drought that starved people The ceremony was used to appease the Gods in an effort to make it rain. Where colorful hats, white shirts, and pants. They have a sash that crosses over chest. Requires 10-12 years of training to be a Volador This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY

Danza de Viejitos Only men perform this dance Represent four elements: fire, water, earth, and air Four colors are worn on a straw hat: yellow, red, blue, and white Where a poncho or cloak, white underneath, sandals, and a wooden cane Main characteristic is the mask of an old man with a toothless smile Pink skin is to poke fun at the Spanish slave owners and the flourish of sun burn on their faces Meant to be comical

What does it all mean? Todays modern Latin dance has many origins Spanish colonization of Meso-America changed how Latin dance and folk dance looks today Dance is used to preserve traditions and build pride in one’s country Dia de los Muertos is a platform for these dances to be showcased and performed Salsa, bachata, and merengue have Caribbean roots that differ from the Meso- American folkloric dances Latin dances focus more on social and competition dancing Folk dances are about cultural identity and preservation This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA