Arriving in DF, we were able to walk near the Zocalo where tents were set up protesting for workers rights- and do a bit of shopping close to the adjacent cathedral where people were set up selling jewelry, dresses, pictures, and all sorts of danzante garb. 
Once in Puebla, we caught a ride to Maestras house near a school in the town and were lead to the altar that had already begun being prepare for the nights vellaccion. 
And then the danza came that went from 1030am the next morning to close to 5pm- where we danced to create a good strong energy and I felt connected to my fellow group members and the other danzantes present- recognizing some new faces & some that had become familiar overnight. My mind fought me- wanting to watch the expressions of the faces of people that passed our mathematical formations made up of over 80 danzantes. We paused to take bites of frozen fruits and take in the nourishment of melon, limon, and pineapple aquas... thought I yearned for H2O. Becoming in sync through some of the danzas in such a way that I heard songs being sung through the rattle of our ayoyotes^. Ancient joyous songs. And when it was over, we carried our cargos back to Maestras home- I held the water, my sister held a baston^^, Jessica her fire, and Mateo with his sonaja^^^- marching along with everyone else helping us get back to the altar. 
from Tlazolteotl's womb. my hands moved rhythmically as i studies the pictures we'd printed from my home computer-ha. i calculated her curvature and studies her face, looked at the face of the man* that came from her as it contrasted to her intense expression. as i began to form her torso i kept my thoughts on how her depiction symbolizes the energy of regeneration. that is, taking things that have died away or are soiled and recycling them to things that are useful and beautiful. as i created her, i reflected on how i exhibit this energy- and i let myself relish in it for a while...
Catholics they did it by force but they also wanted to make the transition easier. So they saw the indigenous come to this teocali and pay reverence to the mother Tonanztin. The priests saw how the would get on their knees and bring gifts, which is what they wanted in their own religion but had not achieved it. So they constructed the church over the temple and replaced Tonanztin with the Virgin Mary. Over time it worked. This is one of the last remaining indigenous churches in Mexico. Inside it still has the original steps from the teocali. There are so many indigenous details inside along with Mexika deities like Tlaloc, Quetzalcoatl and Coatlicue.
lived there. As well as the history of the catholic conversion of the Mexikas. The danza was done right outside the church on top of the pebbled stones. I was able to hold my fire and help setup the altar. The danza felt light but strong. It was beautiful to see Tonantzin Coatlicue work as a team to be able to pull this danza off for one of their group members. Our danza was not the only one paying reverence to Tonantzin. The whole town was. There were vendors, fireworks and people were out for this special day. I wish I could have taken more pictures, but when you have a duty and are dancing, its hard to put out the camera. I took this picture in May 2009. I was taken here by Gerardo, I just recently learned its history in December. 
Who We Are
We are a emerging group of danzantes (Mexica/Aztec dancers) that is starting up here on the East End. We are teachers, students, workers, activists, and all members of the Houston community.
Why We Are Here
While we all have our own reasons for joining danza and the Mexicayotl* lifestyle, we are here collectively dancing in your area to bring the dance of the ancient people of this land back into the hearts of the Brown community, from where it originates. We also formed as living proof that though our people have suffered much in the hands of those who wish us harm, our ancient ways have survived for over 500 years and we are all Native/Original People.
When We Practice
Every Saturday @ 9:00am
Hidalgo Park– 7000 Ave Q, Houston, TX 77011
Can You Join
We hold an Open Danza Circle which means that everyone is welcome to come and learn. There are no fees to learn, join, or practice with us.
*Mexicayotl– the essence of Mexicanismo/ the heart of the Mexica. Modernly used to describe a system of traditions and beliefs passed down by the Aztec/Mexica people from whom we descend from.
