How do the Mexican tecuanes use dance to represent animals?

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In the context of Mexican dance, the tecuanes—a term meaning "tigers"—are a group of clown dancers found in the state of Guerrero.1

These performers use dance to represent animals by impersonating them within the framework of dance-dramas held during religious fiestas. Rather than being simple entertainers, these dancers act as social satirists, using their animal portrayals to engage with the themes and narratives of the ceremonies in which they participate.1