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A 900-year pilgrimage to find a symbol that would tell the people where to build their empire ended when a <br /> band of Aztecs discovered an island on which they saw an eagle devouring a serpent over a cactus. The island <br /> in Lake Texcoco was inhabited by Aztec men and women, where they celebrated life (with their gods) with <br /> magnificent rituals and ceremonies, in which music and dance were key elements. Elaborate feathered outfits <br /> were thought to provide a mystical communication with their gods. <br /> Zapateados are dances enjoyed throughout the state of Guerrero. They reflect the rhythm of a people willing <br /> to express the joy of life with all their strength. In the state of Sonora, the Yagui Indians perform their <br /> elaborate Deer Dance before beginning the hunt. <br /> Dance is very important to Mexico and the Mexican people. Children are taught to dance every year in school <br /> and the most talented are allowed to participate in the school's own Ballet Folklorico. There are many <br /> professional dance groups throughout Mexico whose performances represent a sampling of the different styles <br /> of Mexican dance. The Ballet Folklorico's goals are to awaken a sense of culture within the students' own lives, to <br /> create interest and pride in their own cultural backgrounds, and to foster a sense of respect for other cultures. <br /> Dances <br /> Paso de Comio <br /> This dance honors the four directions: north, south, east and west. The dance begins with the performers <br /> lowering their bodies in a symbolic homage to each of the four directions. <br /> Guadalajara <br /> This dance honors the Mexican ancestors, the Aztecs. It also contains various tap combinations, which are <br /> called zap ateados. <br /> Tonancin <br /> The entire dance is performed in a circular configuration to show reverence to the mother of all peoples, <br /> Mother Earth. Dancers demonstrate reverence to the heavens and to the land by raising and lowering their <br /> outstretched arms in unison. <br /> Fuego <br /> This spectacular dance is dedicated to the sun. The Aztecs worshiped the sun as a force that creates and <br /> sustains life. <br /> El Segundo Jarabe and Diana <br /> These are dances whose movements depict the history of Michoacan, a region that was strongly influenced by <br /> Spain in the 1 bth and 17th centuries. <br /> La Raspa <br /> The purpose of this dance is to encourage children to carry on the dances and traditions of Mexico and other <br /> cultures. It involves audience participation and teaches children and adults alike some basic movements and <br /> steps of the well known Mexican dance. <br /> Son de la Negro and Jarabe Tapatio <br /> These flirtatious dances from Jalisco highlight the courtship ritual of this region of Mexico. The men's costumes <br /> show influences from Spain and China. <br /> Son de la Negro is a love song that the men of Jalisco demonstrate their admiration of the dark, exotic beauty <br /> of the women of this region. <br /> Jarabe Tapatio, commonly known as the Mexican Hat Dance, is the fast-paced, happy love song that is <br /> considered the national folk dance of Mexico. <br /> Page 2 <br />