Culture in Motion: How Aztec Dancing Connects Me to My Heritage and Community
Discovering the Aztec Dancing Tradition
When people talk about Mexican culture, they usually think of the food, the music, or the Spanish language. While those are all important, there’s another tradition that connects me to my roots in a way words never could—Aztec dancing. This powerful tradition has become a huge part of my life, shaping how I see my heritage, my community, and myself.
I’ve been a part of the Aztec dancing tradition since 2018. What started as something I watched from the sidelines soon became something I lived. Growing up, my church always invited dancers from another parish to perform for La Virgen de Guadalupe celebrations in December. The bright colors, the sound of the drums, and the energy of the dancers always amazed me. But everything changed my freshman year of high school when we decided to start our own group at Saint Ann’s.
From Beginner to Leader
I had no idea that learning these dances would change the way I connect to my culture. Every practice, every step, and every beat of the drum taught me something new about the history and strength of my people. Aztec dancing is more than just moving your feet—it’s a way of honoring those who came before us. It’s a way of telling stories without words.
Over the past seven years, I’ve gone from being a beginner in the back row to leading my own line of dancers. As a leader, I now teach younger members of our church how to dance. I help them understand that they’re not just learning steps—they’re learning a piece of their history. I’m proud to see new dancers grow in confidence and learn to carry this tradition with pride.
Culture in Motion(Check out a Video of us Dancing)
Building Community Through Dance
For me, Aztec dancing tradition is more than a performance; it’s a way to build community. Every time we gather to practice or perform, we create a space where we celebrate our roots together. I’ve watched friendships grow, families connect, and people find pride in their heritage—all through dance. We’re not just a group of dancers—we’re a family brought together by tradition.
Introducing ‘Culture in Motion’
I call this idea “Culture in Motion.” It’s the belief that culture doesn’t have to stay frozen in books or recipes. It lives and breathes in the things we do—in the way we move, the traditions we pass down, and the spaces we create. For me, dance is that motion. It allows me to connect to my Mexican roots in a way that feels alive. It’s something you feel deep in your chest when the drum starts beating. It’s culture that moves with you, literally.
Connecting to a Bigger Story: Visiting the Mayan Ruins
A few years ago, my family took a trip to Mexico, where we visited the Mayan ruins. Standing there, seeing the stone temples and carvings, I felt that same connection I feel when I dance. It reminded me that our people have always used movement, ceremony, and storytelling to keep their culture alive. Visiting those ruins gave me an even deeper appreciation for the Aztec dancing tradition I’m now part of. It showed me that this is about more than just one group or one moment—it’s about carrying the strength of generations forward.
Living My Culture Every Day
When I dance, I’m reminded that my culture is not just about what I eat or the language I speak. It’s about how I move through the world and the community I build around me. I know not everyone connects to their culture in the same way, but I hope my story inspires others to look beyond the usual. Maybe for you, it’s music, art, or even a family craft.
Find your own “Culture in Motion”—whatever makes you feel connected, alive, and proud of where you come from.
Keeping the Tradition Alive
As I keep dancing and leading others, I carry my heritage with me. And I know that every step I take is part of a bigger story—a story of resilience, pride, and community. Aztec dancing has taught me that culture isn’t just something you learn. It’s something you live. And for me, it will always be in motion.
Find Your Own Culture in Motion
I invite you to think about the ways you connect with your own heritage. Is there a tradition, an art form, or a practice that helps you feel closer to your roots? If you haven’t found it yet, I challenge you to explore beyond food or language. Try dancing, crafting, or learning something passed down through generations.
Culture lives in motion. It’s in the steps we take, the traditions we carry, and the communities we build. I’d love to hear how you’ve found your own Culture in Motion—share your story with me or comment below. Let’s keep our cultures alive, together.
