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Aztec Dancers Light Up the Stage
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Johnson County Community College
Press Release

College Information and Publications
913-469-8500
Julie Haas, Director, ext. 3120
Peggy Graham, Writer, ext. 3425
Tyler Cundith, Sports Information Director, ext. 3122

08/01/06
Story by Peggy Graham

Traditional Aztec Fire Dancers Light Up the Stage

    Dressed in elaborate costumes, In Tlanextli Tlacopan, traditional Aztec fire dancers from Mexico City, will literally light up the stage when they perform energized dances and handle fire to the rhythmic beating of drums at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15, in Yardley Hall of the Carlsen Center, Johnson County Community College.

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     Performers in plumed headdresses, painted faces, loin cloths or beaded skirts represent the glory of Aztec and Mexican traditions. Historical narration makes it an unforgettable cultural experience as well as intense entertainment. In a blazing finish, barefoot performers dance over flames of fire.
    In English, “In Tlanextli Tlacopan” (pronounced In Tee-lawn-next-lee Tee-laaa-copawn) translates “in the Splendor of Tlacopan.” Tlacopan is the name of the barrio (today know as Tacuba) in Mexico City. The dances honor their ancestors and preserve their historical and cultural identities.
    The family-based group is composed mainly of Tellez Family members. The entire family, including brothers, sisters, nieces and nephew are from Tlacopan (Tacuba) in Mexico City.The Tellez family have all learned the tradition of Aztec dancing in the Tlacopan (Tacuba) barrio since they were children and continue to participate in important Aztec ceremonies throughout Mexico. Tlacopan also has presented Aztec culture and dances throughout the United States, including New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and American Indian powwows.
     “We want people to know the splendor of the Aztec/Mexican peoples is alive and well and not an imagination of the past,” says dance leader Martin Tellez.
   Tickets to Tlacopan, part of the Carlsen Center Family Series, are $10 adult, $7 youth(12 and under), available by calling the Carlsen Center box office, 913-469-4445, or online at:  www.jccc.edu/CarlsenCenter
 

As part of the the group’s emphasis on education, In Tlanextli
Tlacopan will perform school shows for grades 4-8 at 9:45 a.m
and noon Thursday, Sept. 14, in Yardley Hall. Tickets are $5,
available by calling the Carlsen Center box office, 913-469-4445.