Aztec Dancers at Library
by Tom Keener
Experience the excitement of the powerful rhythms of the Aztec dance troupe Ollin-Tonalzin (Movement of the Sun) at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9, at the Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen Dr. In honor of their ancestors, members of Ollin-Tonalzin wear colorful traditional regalia, burn incense, and play nature-based percussion instruments as they perform the sacred dances and songs passed down from their elders. The group’s music and dance acknowledge and reflect the four elements—fire, water, wind and earth—that are the building blocks of the universe.
Dancing represented the fulfillment of the eternal search of man for cosmic harmony and integration of body and spirit for the Aztecs and other Pre-Columbian tribes. It was considered a form of prayer, but also a means for communicating with the gods. Aztecs connected all aspects of the dance with their ancestors and nature, uniting them in body and mind.
Ollin-Tonalzin has been performing in the Metroplex since 1996 and featured at Southern Methodist University, Six Flags Over Texas, Plano International Festival and numerous Native CeremoniesOllin-Tonalzin Aztec Dancers have performed for: TWU, SMU, Dallas, Plano, and Wylie school districts. As well as Plano International Festival, Dance for the Planet, Addison World Fest, the Texas State Fair, Six Flags over Texas in Arlington, Fiesta Latino Americana, Collin College Noche de Estrellas-Latino Festival and many other events..
While living in California in the 1980s, Temiztlatzin (Graciela Solorio) witnessed her first Aztec dance and the experience brought her to tears. Recognizing it as a spiritual communication with her ancestors, she was inspired to learn more about Aztec dance and rituals. She sought out the indigenous inhabitants still leaving in the Mexico City area who had preserved the Aztec customs passed down to them through oral tradition. Her efforts ultimately led to train other dance groups, allowing them to return to their communities, thus further preserving the Aztec culture.
Ome Ehecatl (Miguel Solorio) and Temiztlatzin assert, “We hope our audience develops an awareness of the richness and diversity of native people of Mexico represented in part by our traditional Aztec dance as it is done in many parts of Mexico and the USA.” Ollin-Tonalzin Aztec Dancers have performed for: TWU, SMU, Dallas, Plano, and Wylie school districts. As well as Plano International Festival, Dance for the Planet, Addison World Fest, the Texas State Fair, Six Flags over Texas in Arlington, Fiesta Latino Americana, Collin College Noche de Estrellas-Latino Festival and many other events. Ollin-Tonalzin Aztec Dancers have performed for: TWU, SMU, Dallas, Plano, and Wylie school districts. As well as Plano International Festival, Dance for the Planet, Addison World Fest, the Texas State Fair, Six Flags over Texas in Arlington, Fiesta Latino Americana, Collin College Noche de Estrellas-Latino Festival and many other events. Ollin-Tonalzin Aztec Dancers have performed for: TWU, SMU, Dallas, Plano, and Wylie school districts. As well as Plano International Festival, Dance for the Planet, Addison World Fest, the Texas State Fair, Six Flags over Texas in Arlington, Fiesta Latino Americana, Collin College Noche de Estrellas-Latino Festival and many other events.
This free program is part of the library’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations and is sponsored by Bach to Books. No reservations are required.
Call 214-509-4911.
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