Aztec Dance has had a major impact on the Chicano/Mexicano population of the United States by emphasizing its roots in the indigenous history and culture of Mexico. In San Diego, Aztec dancers have been regular participants in cultural events since the early 1970s. Individuals who dedicate their lives to Danza Azteca embrace a life philosophy, as well as art, music, and dance forms, by developing pride in and repect for families and Mexican cultural traditions.
Mary Lou Valencia, who is of Yoreme and Jicarilla Apache descent, has participated in Azteca dance, drumming and singing since 1971, when she began her studies with Maestro Florenico Yescas. She also studied with Capitán Mario Aguilar, developing her skills and learning to play the concha (mandolin) for use in traditional ceremonial activities. In 1992, as founder of Danza Mixcoatl, she was acknowledged as a "Capitana de la Danza" and became the first US-born female leader of the traditional discipline in San Diego. A well-rounded Azteca dancer also designs and constructs regalia for dance. Valencia has demonstrated expertise in this important aspect of the tradition. She is a seamstress and has acquired special knowledge of the symbols and motifs appropriate for regalia. She learned from the masters, Yescas and Rosita Amaya, Azteca regalia maker in Mexico for over 35 years. Valencia has performed, taught, and conducted workshops on all aspects of the Danza Azteca tradition throughout the San Diego Area.
After many years of being intrigued by the Danza Azteca, Eva Sandoval began to participate in cultural and art activities in 1990 at the Centro Cultural de la Raza, San Diego. In 1995, she was finally able to commit time to this cultural activity and she joined the group Danza Mixcoatl. Although she has already made several of her own regalia for the performances and ceremonies of the danza and is already an accomplished seamstress, Sandoval looks forward to learning new techniques, styles, and intricacies of regalia making with Valencia.
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