KEYWORDS

Features Native American dance from Mexico and touches on other Native cultures of the Americas. In full Aztec “Warrior Style” dance regalia, the program opens with dance and a blessing to the four directions followed by a traditional greeting in the ancient Aztec language of Nahuatl. Background on the meaning of the dances performed and brief history of the Aztec people will be told (in English) with Spanish and Nahuatl terms used. Several Aztec “Warrior Style” dances will be presented as well as explanation of costume elements and traditional musical instruments. A “Friendship Dance” in Aztec style, inspired by the Pow Wow “two-step” dance from the North American Plains Indians, will end the program with audience participation.

John Jaramillo

John Jaramillo, an international performing artist since 1983, has also performed and taught at theatres, operas, festivals, museums, universities and schools throughout the United States. In 1996 John produced OLD MAN KOKOPELI, a work inspired by his Native American Pueblo Indian heritage. His artistic background includes dance and theater training at the University of New Mexico and international study in Flamenco Dance in Spain. In 1990 John was invited to join the Aztec dance troupe, EHECATL, by the troupe’s founder, Paz Zamora. This dance troupe is based in Albuquerque, New Mexico and is comprised of members of various Native American tribes from regions of Mexico and the United States. John has performed with EHECATL in the U.S. and Mexico. He has also toured nationally as a principal performer with Naa Kahidi Native American Theatre and Daystar Native American Dance Theatre. He is currently a teaching artist with the Alliance Theatre’s Georgia Wolf Trap program and part of YA’s Arts Partner’s program. John is also a professional Flamenco dancer.