History
31 years dedicated toward preserving the culture of our people.
In 1975-1978, danza was introduced to the Denver area by way of the Crusade for Justice, an urban civil rights and cultural movement for Chicano people. Trough the Crusade, danza was eventually taught to the students along with other cultural dances. During this time several teachers were invited to come and share their knowledge of La Danza. Some of those teachers included Mario Aguilar, Guillermo Rosete and Leon Aztleka, just to name a few. Too soon, La Danza became a fond memory for the people of the Crusade.
After leaving the Crusade for Justice to continue a higher education, several students had a desire to continue sharing La Danza. Students of Auraria Campus approached members of an organization called MEChA (Movimiento Estudiante Chican@ de Aztlan) or (Chicano Student Movement of Aztlan) and posted “danza practices to be held if anyone is interested”. Soon this seed that was once started was replanted. These students and other community members continued La Danza under the name of Los Danzantes de ColorAztlan. At this time there was an agreement of equal leadership because of the status of each student’s knowledge of La Danza. During the years of 1980 through 1983, other teachers such as Jesse “Chuy” Ortiz added to the teachings of La Danza to the Grupo. Being so distanced from the culture, spiritually and regionally, bringing in teachers from other dance groups was necessary to grow with knowledge. Two or Three years later a gentleman from Delicias, Chihuahua Mexico named Raul Chavez eventually became the first palabra of Los Danzantes de ColorAztlan and added his knowledge to La Danza. Los Danzantes de ColorAztlan eventually changed to Grupo Tlaloc.
As we all know, La Danza requires a lot of time and commitment. Sometimes this work becomes hard. The hearts of many are there but the commitment may not be. Too soon the Grupo was seeking teachings once again. Carlos Castaneda became a member of Los Danzantes de ColorAztlan during these changes around 1983. He started as a sodaldo for La Danza, and was soon sent throughout Aztlan to learn about this beautiful way of life. He was eventually was ranked to sargento de la disciplina. At this time there was no capitania only first and second palabras. Soon after Carlos became second palabra of Grupo Tlaloc. Raul eventually left Grupo Tlaloc to join up with a another grupo, as a result of these changes, Carlos was chosen as 1st palabra.
"I acknowledge and recognize the birth of La Danza as being a part of ColorAztlan since the time the Xinaxtli (seed) was replanted in 1980. I also thank the many teachers who have added their wisdom of La Danza to this circle by way of our jefe of jefes, Maestro Florencio Yescas. I also thank dearly, all those who have gone before us and left behind the beautiful teachings of our people. I am forever grateful for their hard work and efforts in nourishing la danza in ColorAztlan. Now as director and 1st palabra of Grupo Tlaloc, I am blessed to have come this far with La Danza, and humbled to be acknowledged as the jefe of this Grupo. I am proud to announce 31 years of preservation and dedication of continuing our annual celebration of Xupantla in Denver’s own La Raza Park." – Carlos Castaneda
El Es Dios!
In 1975-1978, danza was introduced to the Denver area by way of the Crusade for Justice, an urban civil rights and cultural movement for Chicano people. Trough the Crusade, danza was eventually taught to the students along with other cultural dances. During this time several teachers were invited to come and share their knowledge of La Danza. Some of those teachers included Mario Aguilar, Guillermo Rosete and Leon Aztleka, just to name a few. Too soon, La Danza became a fond memory for the people of the Crusade.
After leaving the Crusade for Justice to continue a higher education, several students had a desire to continue sharing La Danza. Students of Auraria Campus approached members of an organization called MEChA (Movimiento Estudiante Chican@ de Aztlan) or (Chicano Student Movement of Aztlan) and posted “danza practices to be held if anyone is interested”. Soon this seed that was once started was replanted. These students and other community members continued La Danza under the name of Los Danzantes de ColorAztlan. At this time there was an agreement of equal leadership because of the status of each student’s knowledge of La Danza. During the years of 1980 through 1983, other teachers such as Jesse “Chuy” Ortiz added to the teachings of La Danza to the Grupo. Being so distanced from the culture, spiritually and regionally, bringing in teachers from other dance groups was necessary to grow with knowledge. Two or Three years later a gentleman from Delicias, Chihuahua Mexico named Raul Chavez eventually became the first palabra of Los Danzantes de ColorAztlan and added his knowledge to La Danza. Los Danzantes de ColorAztlan eventually changed to Grupo Tlaloc.
As we all know, La Danza requires a lot of time and commitment. Sometimes this work becomes hard. The hearts of many are there but the commitment may not be. Too soon the Grupo was seeking teachings once again. Carlos Castaneda became a member of Los Danzantes de ColorAztlan during these changes around 1983. He started as a sodaldo for La Danza, and was soon sent throughout Aztlan to learn about this beautiful way of life. He was eventually was ranked to sargento de la disciplina. At this time there was no capitania only first and second palabras. Soon after Carlos became second palabra of Grupo Tlaloc. Raul eventually left Grupo Tlaloc to join up with a another grupo, as a result of these changes, Carlos was chosen as 1st palabra.
"I acknowledge and recognize the birth of La Danza as being a part of ColorAztlan since the time the Xinaxtli (seed) was replanted in 1980. I also thank the many teachers who have added their wisdom of La Danza to this circle by way of our jefe of jefes, Maestro Florencio Yescas. I also thank dearly, all those who have gone before us and left behind the beautiful teachings of our people. I am forever grateful for their hard work and efforts in nourishing la danza in ColorAztlan. Now as director and 1st palabra of Grupo Tlaloc, I am blessed to have come this far with La Danza, and humbled to be acknowledged as the jefe of this Grupo. I am proud to announce 31 years of preservation and dedication of continuing our annual celebration of Xupantla in Denver’s own La Raza Park." – Carlos Castaneda
El Es Dios!
