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Leslie Ibarra
Mr. Nenni
English 3
16 March 2012
Mexico is a very diverse country that includes 31 states and the federal district where the
national capital, Mexico City, is located. There are a variety of dances in different states and
regions of Mexico. Dances that are native to Mexico must be imported to past down to
generations so the history will not be lost. (TIFCP)
Mexico has a long and rich tradition of dances. This includes the dances performed by the
indigenous groups such as the Aztecs and Mayans. The early Amerindian dances included ritual
and secular dances. All the traditional dances each have very different roots and styles. They
bring various aspect of Mexican culture to the audiences who see them performed. Traditional
Mexican dances provide a glimpse into the culture of the region. Like the Mexican Hat Dance
was named the national dance of Mexico in 1924 in an effort to bring together several different
cultures together as national identity. La Danza Del Venado, known as the deer dance, is a
ritualistic dance performed primarily in the Yaqui region of Mexico, by the people of the same
name as the region. The deer dance is another traditional Mexican dance that is ritualistic. The
dance illustrates a deer hunt and it is performed by the group of dancers who play the roles of the
hunters and deer itself. (LTK)
Performers that play the role of the hunters wear wooden masks and bells and the ones
that play a role of a deer have an elaborate headdress and minimal costuming otherwise. Those

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dancers that play a deer must jump; walk and move like a deer and finally pretend to die like one.
This dance has great symbolic meaning because in the area where this dance originated from the
main source of food was deer. Deer dance is not the only Mexican dance that mimics an animal.
In fact there are many other dances alike and one of them is the Iguana dance which is the dance
that glorifies the strength and the graceful movements of the iguana.Guadalajara is home of the
national dance of Mexico, the Jarabe Tapatia. “Jarabe” is a term refers generally to a type of
Mexican traditional music that uses multiple meters. “Tapatia” is a term that indicates that
something is from Guadalajara.(LTK)
Dancing was such an integral part of Pre-Hispanic culture, children were taught to dance
before being introduced to more formal education.The dances of modern Mexico were a mix of
the traditional Mexican style and the Spanish style. There were intermarriages between the
Spanish and the Mexicans, and the children from these marriages began following customs of
both Mexico and Spain. This reflected in the music and dance of the region as well. (Markovich,
Miki)
Folk dances in Mexico have traditionally been a way of honoring the Mexican culture
and a representation of the struggles and joys of the daily Mexican life. It is a celebration of the
religious and cultural rituals and festivals, celebrated by the people of that place. The origin of
Mexican folk dances lies in the Mesoamerican days, when ritualistic dance was performed to
appease the deities by the Mayans and the Aztecs. When the Spanish arrived in the early 16th
century, they brought with them, the European-style dances such as the waltz, ballet, polka and
schottische, which greatly influenced the indigenous dance form. Subsequent conquests allowed
the German, French, Spanish and Italian dances, to mingle with the original folk dance and the
emergence of three forms of Mexican folk dance. The first is 'danza', which is an indigenous

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ritual dance, performed in religious or community settings. The second category of Mexican folk
dance forms is 'mestizo', which showcases the western influences on the indigenous dance, in
either the steps or the theme. The 'bailes regionales' or the regional dances, are a manifestation of
the dance form by each community. This is usually presented in community and theatrical
performances.(Markovich, Miki)
Many Mexican families are planted firmly in religious faith and the rich intricacies of
generational traditions and celebrations observed year after year. Dance has long played a role in
these special days, such as coming-of-age parties, religious events, and agricultural celebrations.
In Mexico there is a dance for everything. There are dances for weddings, for funerals,
for national celebrations, for death, for birth, for rain, for agriculture, for people in love, for
people that “dance around” love; there are also "animal” dances and many, many other.In other
wards Mexicans dance when they are happy and celebrating, when they are sad and mourning,
when they are hopeful and in love or broken hearted. No matter what is happening, there is
always music and dance to express ones feelings.(TMD)
The Tlacolorerosis dance is the Mexican agricultural dance that is performed in the
Mexican state Guerrero. This dance has it origin in the Aztec’s religious beliefs and its purpose
is to prepare the land for cultivation. Dancers wear large masks that represent animals and are
directed by a captain while dancing to the violin music. Dancers are marking the rhythm with
their whips and imitating the crackling of the fire as it burns the tree. In fact the entire dance
represents the burning of the bushes and the cleaning of the corn-patch. (TMD)

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As you know Mexico is very diverse country and different parts of Mexico were under
the different cultural influences such as Spanish, French or Central Europe. For example the
Mexican state of Nuevo Leon with its great influence of Central Europe (Czech Republic,
Germany, Austria, etc.) is known for its “polka” which is a lively Central European dance that
originated in the Czech Republic in the middle of the 19th century. Interesting thing about the
influence of the Central European culture on Mexican culture is the fact that Mexican Banda
music (type of traditional Mexican music) is a derivative of European polka music. However
even though Mexican Banda music has its roots in European culture it is very Mexican and
unique. (MFDT)
In conclusion Traditional Mexican dances are a rich and important part of traditional
Mexican culture and they represent a true treasure of Mexican people.

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Work Cited Pages
1. "The Dances of Mexico." The Institute for Cultural Partnerships. Web. 14 Mar. 2012.
2. "Traditional Dances of Mexico." LoveToKnow. Web. 14 Mar. 2012.
3. "Mexican Folklore Dance Traditions." Unique Weddings. Web. 15 Mar. 2012
4. Markovich, Miki. "History of Dance in Mexico." EHow. Demand Media, 25 July 2010.
Web. 15 Mar. 2012
5. "Traditional Mexican Dances." Mexican Culture: Traditional, Food, Clothing, Recipes,
Games, Girls. Web. 15 Mar. 2012