This family matinee features music, ritual dance, and colorful regalia from Aztec traditions.

From Mexico, to Utah, to California and all throughout the Northwest, Aztec Dance Captain Jose Carlos leads his family and Woodburn community in the Azteca arts. The danza azteca group, Huitilocphtli (translated from Nahuatl:“Hummingbird to the left” or “Strength of your will”) shares ancient stories left by their indigenous Mexican ancestors. Dancers spin, crouch and jump, shaking their ayoyote rattles to a rhythm and tempo set by the huehuetl drums. Their tall, giant feathers sway with each movement, pointing towards the Creator in the sky.

Each danza is a story of gratitude: do not forget we are made of water, earth, air and fire. Each danza is a battle: a test of your discipline and courage, an incarnation of Tezcatlipoca who teaches the story of your worst enemy: your own fears and self.  In a beautiful fusion of feathers, beaded regalia, movement and pre-hispanic music, the danza azteca takes you on a journey 1,000 years back to indigenous Mexico.