Photos and written by Isabel M. Castro
Aztec dance, a sacred tradition rooted in pre-Hispanic Mexico, has found a vibrant new home in Las Vegas. This ancient practice, once performed to honor the gods and connect with nature, now serves as a bridge between centuries-old rituals and contemporary cultural celebrations. Among the many groups carrying on this tradition is Calpulli Tlateloco, led by three generations of dancers: Antonietta Giron Moctezuma, her daughter Ingrid Ollitzihuatl Ivarsson Moctezuma, and her granddaughter Sage Moctezuma (age five). Together, they embody the ceremonial beauty and resilience of Aztec dance, ensuring that its powerful legacy thrives in modern times.
Aztec dance is more than art; it’s a form of prayer and spiritual cleansing. Rooted in ritual, the dances are performed in circles, symbolizing the unity between the physical and spiritual worlds. Offerings are placed at the center of the circle, creating a focal point of energy. Each movement has a deep symbolic meaning: serpent-like motions represent fertility, turns to embody the spirit, and squats honor the land and its crops.
While the Spanish conquest altered many indigenous traditions, Aztec dance endured. It blended with Catholic influences and evolved into "Danzas de Conquista" (Conquest Dances). Today’s Danza Azteca preserves much of its original spiritual essence while adapting to contemporary contexts, making it a living testament to the resilience of indigenous culture.
The regalia worn by Aztec dancers celebrates artistry and symbolism. One particularly striking example is the attire inspired by the Cihuateteo, the spirits of women who died in childbirth. The Aztecs revered these women as fallen warriors, honoring their sacrifice with depictions of skeletal faces and eagle-claw hands.
Dancers (Like Calpulli Tlateloco) hand craft their own regalia, which includes cactli (sandals), auoyotes (ankle rattles), and accessories like falcon tail fans and ayacaxtli (hand rattles). Jewelry made from turquoise and red coral adds vibrant detail, while elaborate face paint pays homage to the sacred legacy of the Cihuateteo.
Three Generations of Ancestral Dedication
At the heart of Calpulli Tlateloco are three generations of women whose passion for Aztec dance transcends time.
Antonietta Giron Moctezuma
Antonietta Giron Moctezuma, the family matriarch, was born in Rivera de Tenochtilan, Mexico City. Her journey began in middle school, when she participated in a national initiative to promote Indigenous arts among youth. Under the guidance of two Choncheros—master Indigenous dancers—Antonietta honed her craft, eventually leading her dance troupe to win national competitions.
In the 1990s, Antonietta moved to Los Angeles, where she continued to perform and teach before settling in Las Vegas. Over the years, she has become a revered figure in the local cultural arts scene, leading ceremonial dances and participating in festivals alongside her family.
Ingrid Ollitzihuatl Ivarsson Moctezuma
Her daughter, Ingrid Ollitzihuatl Ivarsson Moctezuma, inherited this passion. At age 10, Ingrid began dancing in the historic center of Mexico City, Tlatelolco. Her first performance was at the Temple of Guadalupe Tonantzin, where she fell in love with the profound connection between dance and culture. Ingrid's upbringing included visits to museums and participation in Indigenous rituals, which deepened her appreciation for her heritage.
By age 12, Ingrid had joined a folkloric dance group and eventually became a soloist in both Aztec and folkloric styles. Today, she carries forward her mother’s legacy, performing and teaching in Las Vegas while passing down these traditions to her young daughter.
Sage Ivarsson
Sage Moctezuma, affectionately known as “Sagie,” represents the third generation. At just five years old, Sagie accompanies her mother and grandmother to performances, often dressing in miniature versions of their intricate regalia. Playful and spirited, she absorbs the sights and sounds of the ceremonies—the rhythmic drumbeats, the cries of conch shells, and the jingling of ankle rattles. Though still a child, Sagie embodies the future of this sacred tradition.
Calpulli Tlateloco regularly shares their art with the Las Vegas community through free, public events. Among their most notable gatherings are: The Meztli’s Planting Ceremony: A celebration of the lunar cycle and its connection to agriculture. The Four Celebrations: Honoring the cycles of life and nature. The Indigenous American Heritage Festival in Henderson, NV: A vibrant showcase of native cultures. Native American Heritage Day-Indigemart at Nuwu Art Gallery and Community Center: A fusion of art, education, and performance to name a few. These events are not merely performances but ceremonies that invite the community to experience the spiritual essence of Aztec culture.
Aztec dance in Las Vegas is more than a spectacle; it’s a living, sacred tradition that bridges cultures and fosters understanding. Through their dedication, Calpulli Tlateloco has become a cornerstone of Las Vegas’s multicultural identity, ensuring that the spirit of their ancestors lives on.
“Every movement is a prayer,” Ingrid explains. “When we dance, we’re not just performing. We’re connecting—with our heritage, with each other, and with the community around us.”
For these women, Aztec dance is a legacy of resilience, a testament to the power of cultural preservation, and an invitation for all to witness the beauty of their heritage.
Whether at a local festival, a ceremonial gathering, or an intimate community event, Calpulli Tlateloco invites you to experience the sacred rhythms of Aztec dance. Their performances are a reminder that even in the neon-lit desert of Las Vegas, the ancient pulse of their culture endures—vibrant, powerful, and will live on and remain unbroken from generation to generation.
Instagram: @calpulli_tlatelolco