On September 19 on the third floor of the MATC Downtown Campus cafeteria, local high school students participated in a dance demonstration called the Ballet Folklorico Mexico de los Hermanos Avila.  

The students did this because they want to continue passing down traditional culture to future generations.  The Office of Student Life and the Latino Student Organization (LSO) sponsored the event.  

The dance has a rich history. In 1972 Jesus Avila and Carmen Avila, a brother and sister who had a deep love and passion for the arts founded the Ballet Folklorico Mexico de los Hermanos Avila.  

The troupe has performed and entertained audiences for 40 years in over 15 countries and all across the US. The Aztec dance, “Danza Azteca” in Spanish and “Mi’totiliztli” in Nahuatl, was one of the most common dances of the native people of Mexico during the Pre-Columbian era.   

Danza Azteca represents  man’s eternal search for cosmic harmony and integration. The chants express the process of physically and spiritually finding oneself among these groups.  The dance is referred to as a type of prayer to the gods and goddesses and to represent the way the Aztecs’ life is practiced.

A folklore dance that was performed was done with the romantic lyrics and poetry of the Mariachis, and the heroes of the Mexican Revolution.

In the Azteca, the authentic outfits transform the lively dancers into the descendants of the pre-Hispanic population. For more information please go to www.folkmexico.com.

 “That’s what the LSO is doing, they’re giving them (students) their dream, and helping them find their worth,” said Fabian Rodriguez, President of the Latino
Student Organization.