 David Vargas, also known as Texomazatl (Blue Deer) among traditional Aztec dance circles, founded the original Tezkatlipoka Aztec Dance in 1988 in San Jose, California which is still active today. Texomazatl has led the group as its Executive/Artistic Director as a ceremonial dance group among traditional circles, as well as a community-based performing arts group.
For the past 30 years, Texomazatl has continually studied in the traditional schools (Calmecac) of Aztec dance and music and has taught several new generations of Aztec dancers and groups in San Jose. Over the years, Texomazatl has drawn from the Calmecac traditional knowledge, which has been passed on from many generations, to share the beauty of Aztec culture by conducting quality school educational programs, residencies and workshops locally and throughout the entire United States and Canada.
Some of the highlights of Texomazatl's experience as a performing artist include: • Founder and head teacher of Calmecac Tezkatlipoka Aztec Dance & Drum • Residencies for Mexican Heritage Plaza, Escuela Popular, Sacred Heart Community Center, Roosevelt Community Center and several San Jose high schools• Organize and set up Youth Culture Camps for community events or festivals • ABC7 News “Profiles of Excellence” recipient, April 2011 • Resident Artist at Danzantes Unidos Festival (DUF) • Resident Artist for Young Audiences of Northern California,1999–Present (Young Audiences of Northern CA) • Resident Artist with Green Meadows Productions – Festival of Cultures, 2002–2006 (Festival of Cultures Blog) • Design and custom make traditional jewelry, regalia, and drum instruments ARTIST RESIDENCIES/TEACHING • Plan and facilitate artist residencies and workshops of traditional Aztec dancing and drumming • Curriculum covers various levels of drumming and dance techniques
COMMUNITY OUTREACH • Participate in city efforts and neighborhood support events and activities to promote community, cohesiveness, harmony and fun through the exposure of Aztec dancing and drumming • To engage on a personal level, at various events, attendees are invited to participate in short demonstrations of techniques
PROFESSIONAL COLLABORATION • Collaborate with local art groups to bring cultural arts awareness • Promote Museum of Arts to the community with focus on children and youth using classical, iconic images
PROFESSIONAL CULTURAL PERFORMANCES • Direct, execute and present culturally relevant and educational information for school-age audiences and present staff, teachers and accompanying parent at school assemblies • Supervise and train visiting dancers from Mexico to our dance company’s repertoires of traditional dances, including instruction in associated drum-percussion music for these pieces • Choreograph all shows • Design/direct stage set up, props and use of regalia
Email Texomazatl for a copy of his Resume and/or Bio. © 2010 Tezkatlipoka. All rights reserved. |
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