Ketzal Coalticue Story
-(Divine Bird of the serpent skirt) is a Kalpulli (learning community) of Indigenous people joined by the desire to learn, share and live in the tradition of Mexicayotl. The main focus of our Kalpulli is to conserve and share the cultural teachings of our ancestors, with dance being one of the essential pieces. KetzalCoatlicue pursues this spiritual, mental, and physical vocation with music from the sacred drum, conch shells, seeds and other instruments gifted by the natural environment.
Since the invasion of Mexico in the 16th Century, Indigenous communities in Mexico preserved Aztec dance, ceremony and science through oral tradition. Aztec Dance performance was confined to religious celebrations until the early 20th century. A new movement of consciousness gave way to the Mexicayotl which opened the performance of dance and ceremony to celebrations outside the church. Mexican teachers from established boards in the Traditional communities have brought this knowledge to our Kalupulli in Minnesota.
KetzalCoatlicue is a member of Makuilli Tonatiuh (Fifth Sun) a traditional dance board located in Axochiapan, Morelos lead by dance General Pedro España Figueroa. We receive intensive instruction in all the aspects of tradition by visiting dance communities within our board and by having teachers come to Minnesota several times a year. This traditional relationship has opened the doors for our Kalpulli to participate in ceremonies with groups in Mexico and the United States.
We offer authentic cultural presentations with commentary on the natural elements depicted in the dance steps and the connection between the dances and the environment. We have danced for educational programs, community groups, vigils, parent meetings, community demonstrations, public celebrations and large political and religious events.
Presentations and Awards
National Lawyer’s Guild Social Justice Award; Artist in Residence
at the Minnesota Arboretum; Faribault International Fair; Owatonna Culture
Fest; St. Paul’s Ceremony in Axochiapan, Morelos, Mexico; Wachipi
Society Sobriety Pow Wow; Summer Solstice Ceremony at Powderhorn Park,
we had the participation of Traditional dance circles from Chicago, California
and Mexico; Grande Day Parade “Princess Award”; Torch Light
Parade; Hiawatha Light Rail Opening; Gay Pride Parade; United Women of
the Red River Valley Outstanding Latinas Award; Chicano Park Celebration
in San Diego. CA.; Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride; National Association
for Chicana and Chicano Studies National Conference in Los Angeles, CA.
and Chicago, Il.; Cinco de Mayo and 16 of September parades in Minneapolis;
Martin Luther King Celebration in Minneapolis City Hall; May Day parade
in Minneapolis; Minneapolis Latino/Chicano Summit at the Minneapolis Community
College convened by the Mayor of Minneapolis; State-wide Latina Conference
in Moorhead MN; Saint Paul the Apostle Ceremony in Minneapolis; Day of
the Dead Celebration in Minneapolis and Saint Paul; Global Event of Faith
at the Minneapolis Civic Center.
We accept invitations to participate in events depending on availability of our members. Evening and weekends are ideal performance times. In order for us to complete our dance ceremony, we require at least a 30 minute time slot for our dance offering. If you require additional information please call us at (612) 822-6269.
In Tlanextia
In Tonatiuh
Mexica Tiahui.
Tlayohua Ehekatl
Susana De León, Director