Dance of the Little Old Men: Traditional Mexican Culture
Tara. A. Spears
As a fan of folkloric dance I really enjoyed the recent performance of the Danza de los Vieajitos in La Penita. Beyond what happens on stage, behind the dance, behind the masks and energetic stomping, is a beautiful tribute to life, to the joy of living and, above all, a tribute to the people of the third age-the elderly. You cannot find recognition of the old folks in any other Mexican regional dance or in any other culture. Perhaps that is the appeal of the traditional Dance of the Viejitos. Its history goes back to pre-Hispanic times; it is related to the dances that were part of the ritual in honor of Huehueteotl, the old god or god of fire.
This dance has a touch of humor; the dancers stage the aches and pains of old age through falls, spasms and a stooped walk; however, they also boast a youthful vitality that they express with an intense stomping (zapateado) and running with the cane to the rhythm of music that features violins and guitars.
The dance troupe consists of four men dressed in the traditional dress of the Purepecha, Michoacan region. The peasant clothing consists of white pants and shirt covered by a colorful blanket, a sarape. The dancers wear sandal (huaraches) with wooden soles to better emphasize the stomping (zapateado) during the dance. The costume is topped with a hat that has colored ribbons hanging over the head. An important element to the costume- and the dance- is a cane. The dance routine has sets that consist of the old men grabbing the baton of the companion in front and then running from one side of the stage
to the other without letting go.
The dance is a real theatrical performance, since it begins without music and with typical movements of an elderly person: bent postures, wobbly steps, aches and trembling throughout the body. When the music begins, the wobbly steps become energetic stomps (zapateados) and the movements become full of vigor and energy.
The dance is composed of several segments, among which the dancers return to act like old, and even try to revive one of their “tired” and “injured” peers, provoking the laughter of the audience. Subsequently, each of the members of the dance has the opportunity to make a solo in front of the audience, while the rest awaits their turn.
The dancers have their faces covered with masks made of wood or cane paste that represent the face of smiling old people. The dance is guided by a couple named “Veripiti” and the “Maringuía”. The latter is the representation of an old woman with gray hair.
This popular folkloric dance is recognized internationally for its color and symbolism. Due to the scenic expressiveness of the dance, Dance of the Old Men has become a symbol of identity for the people of the lake district of Michoacán. But, due to its upbeat message to enjoy living, regardless of your age, this Mexican traditional dance appeals to audiences everywhere.