HOUSTON – Living in Houston, we are introduced to many cultures and celebrations, including how one expresses their identity through various art forms.
The Houston Aztec Dance & Drum, or Calmecac Tonantzin Yolilitzyotl, is one of the many diverse groups using their creative freedom to showcase their cultural roots. It was founded by Abuela M’api Rainflowa in 2014 with her three children, who are from an 8th-generation Texan family and a 4th-generation family born and raised in Houston.
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Rainflowa’s family was behind the movement to recognize Indigenous People’s Day in the City of Houston in 2020. She and her group offer free classes at local area parks and recreation centers in partnership with the City of Houston Parks And Rec Department.
Rainflowa and Houston Aztec Dance & Drum will be featured in an episode of “The Express Way with Dulé Hill.” The PBS docuseries explores America’s diverse artists and how they use creative expression to break down barriers. Watch the episode next Tuesday, May 7 at 8 p.m. on PBS platforms. Or join them at their viewing party at Buffalo Bayou for free.
Watch Rainflowa’s full interview and a Houston Aztec Dance & Drum performance rooted in indigenous history in the video below.
You can connect with Rainflowa → here.
For more information about the series, click → here.