Danza Mexica de Cuahutemoc en Los angeles

DANZA MEXICA CUAUHTEMOC

Spring of the year 2008 proved to be one of the most decolonizing and self-enlightning times of my life till this day. Bryan was one of my closest brothers that went to Los Angeles valley college with me. I met him during my first MEChA meeting on those cold rainy days in the fall semester of that year. One night a vision came to him... he has been wondering so much about a people or group of people that keep that fire warm. By celebrating, praying, and paying homage to the representations of the elements and to the directions of the universe that surround us. "Like a type of danza" said Bryan. "Kinda like the ones the African people do?" I said. "I think that's just in the movies Bryan, there are no more of those traditions." Bryan, one day found a group of people that practice ancient indigenous traditions, our ways of paying homage to mother earth, to the father sky, and grandfather time. He never told me that he found this circle of luv.

In the course of the next three months Bryan looked happier and rejuvinated everytime I saw him. "Whats up compa?" he never did want to tell me at least that what I felt. So, I asked the sister Karen. She told me that they both started doing DanZa Azteca every Tuesday night and Friday night. I was eager to find out more about this circle. I asked her if I can go to the practices and check out the mood. Karen laughed and said, "Samuel, all you needed are some shorts and a will stronger than your enemies hate to come and check out this ceremony."

The following tuesday i went to this practice/ceremony. Karen told me that the Danza starts at 7pm and ends at 9pm. I was sold! At first I was nervous, scared, shy but above all I was ready to find out a thing or two about this ceremony. I didn't know what to expect from the people that were in charge of leading the Danza.

At this time I was living in Panorama city in the spring of 2008. I had three roommates. Jesse, Bryan, and Luis. I was sharing a room with Bryan. Working full time at the Home depot and going to school full time at L.A.V.C. Rockabilly style, music, a pompadour and a 1967 Nova was my thang. Little did I know that this new or rather old tradition was going to get re-tapped and was going to change my life forever...

Tune in in a couple of minutes for the rest of this blog...

"Why I left Danza Mexica Cuauhtemoc"