The colorful Aztec dance of Xipe Totec

The bright scent of copal fills the air as Xipe Totec’s sahumadora, a type of incense burner, as a sacred ritual is conducted to prepare the dancers of Xipe Totec Aztec Dance group before each presentation. This ritual involves asking permission from the Universe to touch the land and aims to open the path between the earth and the heavens. 

“We start by making a cross with the foot, symbolizing the four directions. We also dedicate it to the four elements that give us life: the sun, water, earth and air, the four seasons of the year, and the four colors of the human race. When the smoke rises, it becomes the prayer we offer to the creator. The smoke connects the earth with Heaven. For me, the smell of copal is spiritual,” said Lazaro Arvizu in Spanish, known as "El General," the leader of the dance group.

The energy of each performance is palpable from the moment the artists walk into the scene. Their striking regalia and the distinctive sound of their chachayotes or ankle rattles prepare the spectators for what is to come: a powerful rollercoaster of emotions, precise movements and storytelling accompanied by the rhythm of the Huehuetl, a ceremonial drum that gives the presentation an energetic setup. 

"I named the group Xipe Totec because it symbolizes the start of the tradition, carried forward by the youth and a new generation," explained Arvizu. Xipe Totec, an Aztec deity, embodies rebirth and renewal, perfectly reflecting the group's mission of revitalizing and passing on cultural heritage. 

Born in Mexico City, he has taught the ways and traditions of the Aztec dance for more than 50 years. Now, at  68, he remembers his beginning at the age of 12 when he started under the wind of his beloved teacher Florencio Yescas, who in 1971 invited him alongside other 12 young dancers to tour Mexico. This journey later led them to visit the United States and ignited the desire to share the ritual with the Chicano community, hoping it would strengthen their bond to their heritage. 

“The Spaniards came and made many changes; they made a big change in the way of living, but little by little, the people have opened their eyes, their spirit, and their mind to be able to find the red path, the path of the ancestors [...] Thanks to the Aztec dance and the promotion of our roots we have encouraged the people in this part of the United States to feel proud of our ancestral roots, to open their eyes, to feel pride, not to be ashamed of being Mexican or where they come from,” explained Arvizu. 

Such is the case of the Cortes family, whose connection to these traditional ceremonies began in 2013 when Aaron Cortes and Carmen Gutierrez started dating. From that moment on, they made it a point to participate every year in the “Mañanitas a la Virgen de Guadalupe” celebration held each December 12 at Divine Saviour Church in Los Angeles, one of the many venues where the artists’ troupe captivates the audience with their spirited performances. Aaron fondly remembers how the danzas sparked Carmen’s passion for learning the tradition, driven by her desire to honor the Virgin of Guadalupe. 

“That was one of her goals in 2024, to dance to la virgencita para cantarle las mañanitas. At the beginning of 2024, she made that commitment and started learning about our culture, heritage, where we come from, and all that [… ] she was the first one to go with my son, […] and ever since we've been going,” said Cortes. 

Each day feels unique for him, bringing new opportunities to explore different aspects of the art and understand their ancestral traditions. Although his family joined the Danza community just a year ago, he describes the journey as profoundly fulfilling, highlighting the growth and learning they’ve experienced, thanks to the invaluable guidance of El General and the supportive, nurturing environment fostered by the group. 

“I watched the dancers and felt nostalgic for what one leaves behind. Watching them dance made me feel connected. I felt closer to our people and our traditions. Every year, I always said, ‘Someday, I am going to dance to the Virgin’, then there came a time when I said that ‘someday’ has to be today […] I have to start now,” shared Carmen Gutierrez. 

One of her favorite dances is the Aguila Blanca, or White Eagle, an inspiring performance she shares with her husband that symbolizes courage and the warrior spirit. The piece reminds her of the eagle’s renewal as it soars high to shed its beak, claws and feathers to embrace a new beginning. Reflecting on its profound meaning, she shares, "When we come to this country, we leave our land, our people, our traditions and culture to start anew in this beautiful country that gives us many opportunities," she said. In this way, the activity is more than an art form—it’s a tribute to resilience and transformation. 

The practice has become a unifying force for the Cortes family, bringing them closer together and creating cherished moments. As parents, they beam with pride as they share how their nine-year-old son, Aaron Jonael Cortes Gutierrez, loves attending the danzas and is even learning Nahuatl, the native language. “He really enjoys it […], and as a parent, I’m just so proud of him,” said Cortes. In an era dominated by technology, his son’s excitement for the next danza is a heartwarming contrast to staying home glued to a tablet or game console. For them, these shared moments mean connection, growth and pride. 

“Dance is a medicine in different ways for our life,” said Arvizu. For him, it’s more than just a physical expression but a powerful form of prayer, not just for those who participate, but for all living beings. As he puts it, “The Great Spirit says, ‘I may be far away, in another universe, but when you call upon me, the distance transforms into a prayer—a prayer you raise for me—and at that moment, I am with you, instantly connected.’” 

Those eager to join the group can reach out via their Instagram account, call Isabel Carrillo at 323-788-2396 or experience the energy firsthand by attending a practice session. The group meets every Monday and Wednesday evening from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the picturesque Los Angeles River Center and Gardens, offering a welcoming space for new members to connect and grow.