Danza Mexica : indigenous identity, spirituality, activism, and performance
This dissertation closely examines the Danza Mexica tradition of México Tenochtitlan as it has migrated, navigated and dispersed throughout the United States, transforming the identity politics, spiritual, and philosophical base of entire MeXicana/o communities in the process. The dissertation begins by illuminating the personal and historical significance of the Mexica dance tradition through creating understanding of its cultural/spiritual significance, as rooted in Pre-Cuauhtémoc practice and ritual. Through historical/genealogical and contemporary understandings of the trajectory of Danza, two political/cultural/spiritual movements are examined in both México City and the U.S. Southwest. These lineages cultivated the fertile ground necessary to facilitate the propagation of a trans-national Danza Mexica movement. This study examines the Mexicanidad and Tradición movements of Danza as both historical continuum and contemporary urban phenomenon. This dissertation is framed with explicit attention to the role and participation of women in the Danza movement. The Danza "movement" is defined as both an embodiment of a physical act and a political act. The Danza Mexica tradition is but one strand in a dynamic history and legacy that has shaped how both Mexicanos and those self-identifying as Xicanas and Xicanos name themselves and their experiences, and how they reclaim and embrace Indigenous identity. Through understanding the significance of this constantly emerging movement, Indigenous (re)affirmations of identity continue to inform notions of self, homeland, spirituality, and community. Simultaneously, this dissertation takes a critical look at how Danza circles have been sites where colonial mentality and practices have been reinforced. Despite critiques of "Indigenous revivalism and fanaticism," diverse Danza circles throughout the United States continue to demonstrate decolonization and community empowerment. While the political U.S./Mexican border attempts to control the movement of people, ideas and beliefs continuously permeate. My work examines not only the migration of people, but of culture, spiritual traditions, and identity. This dissertation demonstrates the profound links between Danza and Xicana/o identity, which have been utilized for decolonization, social justice, and liberation of the Xicana/o community
Thesis, Dissertation, English, 2012
University of California, Davis, Davis, Calif., 2012