AZTEC TRIBAL DANCE

Year Published: 1940s

Description:

Dating to the late 1940s or early 1950s, this film "Aztec Tribal Dances" presents modern day dancers performing ancient dances. The Aztec dances historically were performed in large circles with offerings set in the middle. The film opens with a note informing viewers the dance takes place amid Aztec ruins and these "Aztec" performers are no longer practicing the pagan religion. (Note: many Aztecs were forcibly converted to Catholicism following the arrival of the Spanish in 1519.) The film is dedicated to the memory of photographer Bernard Stanley (:43). Aztec dances appear in brilliant red dress (1:01). The chief stands with his guitar (1:13). Three members stand with colorful and feathered headdresses (1:27) and painted shields. A wide shot captures the ruins (1:34) as bright colored dancers step from the grey entryway. They sing as they move around the center of the ruins (2:21). An aerial shot follows (3:08). The guitar player brings up the rear (3:29), light music spins out. The dancers stand at the base of a tree (4:04). A close shot brings the dancers into view (4:20). They dance back and forth with exposed chests and capes draped around shoulders (4:24). A female dancer wears a long dress (4:24) while strumming a ukulele. Another wide shot shows the dances over grey stone (4:48). The colors of the outfits and shields are noted well here (5:17); a small child dances in front. The dance is filmed between a stone doorway (5:41). Toes and festive shoes are zoomed in on (5:49) as they step in and out of the dance. Jeweled sandaled shoes (6:09) tap in rhythmic rhythm (6:15). Bright headdresses contrast against a pale blue sky (7:04). Three children dance in the center (7:55). Close shots show the children's dress (8:12). A shield is zoomed in on (8:37). A tribal member taps on the teponaztli (8:42). A dancer kicks one leg out and spins (9:00) with a shield and spear in hand. The Aztecs kneel and play instruments (10:22). The man in the center’s dancing becomes more jagged, fast paced and erratic as he moves back and forth (11:52) as the film draws to an end.