Maru Montero Dance Co.
AboutClassesMini-MonterosCinco de MayoPress PageSupportContact
 

 

The Dance of 'Los Concheros'

The dance of the concheros is derived from ancient dances performed by the native peoples in Mexico. In pre-Hispanic Mexico, dance was a very important part of life. Sacred dance was related to religious ritual. Dance was done to please the gods, to ask for blessings, and to receive permission to carry out activities.

The native people felt they could communicate with the cosmos and divine forces through dance. The original instruments were drums, rattles, flutes, and anklets made of shells that reverberated with each step taken. The instruments produced percussive sounds to send forth to the universe. This in turn would establish a connection between mother earth and the sun god. The performers dance in a circle to represent the solar system. The costumes have been adapted for theatrical appeal.

At the time of the Spanish invasion of Mexico, the Aztec civilization was dominant. The Aztec nation fell after the Spaniards defeated their king Cuatemoc, through torture and eventual murder. The Spanish clergy was determined to quickly convert the natives to Catholicism. They were forbidden to play their instruments. If caught doing so, the offender lost his hands. The sacred dances were also prohibited. They were considered pagan rites. Eventually the Spaniards made exceptions to that rule. They did so in order to make the new religion more appealing. The native people of Mexico could resume their traditions outside churches for the feast days of Catholic saints and other religious holidays.

The guitar was introduced to Mexico by the Spanish. The Mexican Indians fashioned a guitar-like instrument from armadillo shells. The shell was called a concha; and thus the name concheros. Mallets are now used to play the drums instead of the hands.

Legend says this is done out of respect for all those that lost their hands while trying to perpetuate the cultural tradition. Conchero dancers are made up of specific units called mesas. The units are regimented in a military type format with a captain and other leaders responsible for certain aspects of the dance.

Pilgrimages to sacred sites were a regular obligation in pre Columbian Mexico. The pilgrimage could last for a week or longer. Ceremonial centers were visited by devotees of various spirits or gods. These spirits and gods were known to grant favors, blessings, and to perform miracles. Shields and swords became accessories to symbolize war-the war between good and evil, positive and negative.

The pilgrimages were made to five principle sanctuaries. The sanctuaries roughly coincide geographically to the four points of a cross and the center point. The four points represent the four winds.

After the conquest, the pilgrimages took on more of a Catholic character. Religious banners were carried and saint’s pictures were displayed. The guitar-like conchas were now included in the instrumentation. Some object to this addition because of its European origin. To some this deviates from the purest form of authenticity.

Every year conchero troupes make a pilgrimage to Mexico City for the December 12 feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Guadalupe is the patron saint of Mexico and all the Americas. She is as important to Mexican identity as the symbolic eagle. Each year conchero dancers from around the country can be seen performing their traditional dance outside the basilica in her honor.
To view two examples of the dance please click on the following links.

You can view more examples of the dance here and read about their story here and here in English and in Spanish.


Are you on Facebook? Visit the Maru Montero Dance Company Page and learn about events, contests, and other volunteer opportunities!

Join our mailing list to receive event updates, learn about volunteer opportunities and raffles!

Email Newsletter icon, E-mail Newsletter icon, Email List icon, E-mail List icon
Join our FREE Email Mailing List

For Email Marketing you can trust

 

Check back for schedule and updates on the 2011 Festival

 

 

Se Buscan Bailarines:

photo5

¡La Danza de los Concheros!
El XVllll Festival Nacional anual del Cinco de Mayo
Infórmate aquí

Call for Volunteers
ENG / ESP

Join our Facebook Group
facebookgroup


@MaruMonteroDC

 

The photos below are courtesy of
Gary Jean Photoworks

photo13 

photo5

photo13

Read about previous Cinco de Mayo Celebrations:

 
      Connect With Us:     
MaruMonteroDC

      TheNationalCincodeMayoFestival     

      @MaruMonteroDC