Nineteenth International Conference on Diversity in Organizations, Communities & Nations

Abstract

Like most countries, Mexico is rich in history, culture, and diversity. All across Mexico dances are performed the same way they have been for hundreds of years. It is deeply important to Mexicans to remember, preserve, and celebrate their culture and history. Each state in Mexico is unique and has dances that are specific to a particular region or area of the state. The stories of the dances could are influenced by various cultures, religions, separate countries, or the location of the state. The state of Durango performs polka style dances that originated from Europe. Guerrero, which is situated on the water, has a dance titled Pescado, or Fish, which indicates the significance of this resource to the state. The dances in each region of Oaxaca differ tremendously due to the large amount of indigenous people that were isolated from one another due to the terrain. I have had the opportunity to travel throughout many of the Western and Southern states of Mexico to study folkloric dances. For this presentation, I will focus on the dances, stories, and costumes from the Mexican states of Jalisco, Michoacán and Oaxaca. This information should be documented to preserve the knowledge, to provide access of the information to a wider range of people, and show the amount of diversity within the Mexican country and for historical costume purposes.