At the University of Arizona, you might hear the sound of heels striking the floor, colorful skirts twirling, and laughter echoing through a rehearsal room. 

This is Grupo Folklórico Miztontli, a student dance group dedicated to celebrating Mexican culture through movement, rhythm, and tradition.

Founded by students with a passion for folklórico, Miztontli takes its name from the Nahuatl word meaning “little cat,” symbolizing agility, energy, and spirit.

The group brings together dancers from diverse backgrounds who share a common mission: to preserve Mexican heritage on campus and in the community.

Sophomore Victoria Lopez is one of the newest members of the group. 

“I’d been watching folklorical groups all my life, and I’ve loved, I loved watching them. I thought it was the most incredible thing ever,” Lopez said.

“And I thought the costumes, the vestuario was so pretty. I saw Lydia dressed up in vestuario at the club fair. I was like, oh my gosh, like, this is my chance,” she added.

For many students, practices are more than just a workout. They’re hours spent perfecting precise footwork, called zapateado. Artistic Director Jessica Ortega teaches the history behind every movement.

“I say that Mexico has a luxury to have history, not just in the form of art, in the form of dance. A lot of the stories, a lot of what history from Mexico is able to be captured in dance. It’s an honor to be able to share Mexico’s culture,” Ortega said.

Each region of Mexico tells a story through dance — from the white dresses of Veracruz to the bold rhythms of Sinaloa, she said. And when the group performs, those stories come alive for the Tucson community.

“Honestly, the moment I step on stage, I forget about everything, and I just have so much fun,” said Isabela Manuel, who has been with the group since 2023 and has been dancing for more than four years. 

“You get to feel that companionship with others, and not just your fellow dancers, but also the public. Sometimes they do the gritos with you. It makes us feel more excited, and then it becomes more like a party, which is what it’s meant to feel like,” she said.

But Miztontli is more than just a cultural club, Ortega said. It’s a family.

“I try to make sure that all the dancers know that they’re loved, and now that I’m able to teach it, I like to share the passion, and hopefully the kids or the students also feel the same way and carry a little bit of it with them, and it’s a good memory that they can take on,” she said.

The group recently performed at Tucson Meet Yourself and celebrates with local schools to pass on traditions to the next generation.

Through every stomp, spin, and smile, Grupo Folklórico Miztontli carries the heart of Mexico, right here on campus.

Arizona Sonoran News is a news service of the University of Arizona School of Journalism.