About
Mission
We preserve Mexico’s ancient culture through music, song, and Aztec dance of the tradition of the Concheros.
Nosotros preservamos y promovemos la cultura ancestral Azteca a través de compartir la ceremonias, música, canto y danza de la tradición de De Los Concheros.
History
Xochitl-Quetzal Aztec Dance was founded in 2015 out of Our Lady of Tepeyac Elementary School in Chicago’s Little Village Community. We expanded in 2017 to The Back of The Yards community and now have dancers from various Mexican-immigrant communities in the Chicago metropolitan area. Our founder and director Henry Cervantes learned to dance from Chiefs from Chicago and Mexico.
About
Danza Azteca Xochitl-Quetzal (xo-chee ket-zal) is based in the Back of the Yards and Little Village neighborhoods of Chicago. The name of our group means "Precious Flower" in Nahuatl, the Aztec language. Our group of children and adults dances and sings the indigenous music of the Aztec and Mexica people of Mexico, music that has been passed down over centuries.
The dances and songs we perform have been passed down through generations over the centuries. We wear outfits with Aztec symbols, headdresses with feathers called copilis, and ayoyote seeds around our ankles and carry sonajas. Our group performs for the Chicago Park District, schools, churches, festivals, and cultural exhibitions throughout the Midwest.
What We Do
Cultural Performances
We provide vibrant and dynamic performances at festivals, concerts, and special community events.
Educational Presentations
We provided educational presentations to schools, libraries, organizations and museums.
Ceremonies
We honor the heritage of the traditions of the Concheros by continuing the ceremonies taught to us by our ancestors. Our annual feast celebration is in July.
Black and Brown Unity and Healing Work
Logo Explained
Xochitl-Quetzal (xo-chee ket-zal) means “precious flower feather” in the Nahuatl language. Xochitl-Quetzal is the name of the female Aztec goddess of youth, beauty, and the arts. Flowers and feathers on her headdress often represent her in Aztec codices. Our logo represents the sacred flowers and feathers used in our ancestral ceremonies. Our logo was designed by Heather Arellano-Zapata, Art Director, and founder/designer of LicuadoWear.com.
