Year after year in Teotitlán del Valle, representations of the Dance of the Feather of Promise are performed, carried out by a group of dancers. The group is made up of volunteers, who make the "promise" to be dancers for a period of three years, to date there is an estimated list of promises for 2042.
The promise involves much more than just the dance, both for the dancer and his family. It represents a commitment, responsibility and a blessing. A commitment to the population and the other members of the group. A responsibility to take charge of both the rehearsals and the costumes required in each presentation. And a blessing, since it is not only a historical, but also a religious and spiritual representation performed in the atrium of the church where it is requested for the health and well-being of loved ones and the population in general.
The group of dancers is made up of 9 or 17 members, depending on the organization of the group that will fulfill the promise. Integrated by: Moctezuma; 2 Teotiles; 2 Captains; 4 Kings; La Malinche and Doña Marina, the latter represented by infants, the only female members of the group and who represent the fusion of the two cultures, the indigenous and the Spanish; and finally 2 subordinates. When they become 17 dancers it is integrated by: Moctezuma; 2 Teotiles; 2 Captains; 4 Kings; 8 Vassals; the Malinche; Doña Marina; and 2 subordinates. Finally, it is considered that the representation of the dance is complete when the 17 dancers and Hernán Cortes are integrated with his group of soldiers.
The dancers wear textiles designed and made by themselves. The plume decorated with turkey feathers seeks to represent the worldview of the Zapotec ancestors, carrying 9 small mirrors that represent the solar system and its circular shape represents infinity, since it has neither beginning nor end. The coins refer to the gold jewelry worn by the Aztecs. The brocade represents the religious fabrics that the friars used to represent the conquest. On their backs a woolen “tilma” or some religious image stands out, making a semblance of the one used by the nobles. Similarly, a woolen canvas covers his knee and ankles representing the dress of the Mexican nobles. The dancer carries a “paddle” that represents the weapon of war “Macahuitl” and a rattle that simulates the sound of rain, which also helps to set the rhythm of the dance.
The dance group begins rehearsing at least 8 months in advance before their promise begins, and rehearsals can last up to eight hours. Preparing them for the long days of dance that take place in the atrium of the Church during the most important festivities of the population, these being the Precious Blood of Christ in July (the date may vary between the first and second week), from the Virgin of the Nativity on September 8, of the Virgin of the Rosary on October 7 and of the Virgin of Guadalupe on December 12. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that the Pluma Dance Group of Teotitlán del Valle eventually participates in the Guelaguetza of the state of Oaxaca.
We appreciate the participation of Froylan Mendez, Roman Hipolito, Abel Ruiz and Roberto Martínez in the preparation of this article.
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