Museum Home Page Yaqui Dances Dances are an important part of Yaqui arts and tradition, and have helped them to maintain a strong sense of identity. These ancient dances and songs have been known and taught for generations, being passed down through trained individuals. Two of the main types of dances are the pascola and deer dances.
Dances occur on a range of occasions, both religious and secular.
Sometimes the public and non-Yaquis are allowed to watch the dances. However, the people must observe and respect the Yaquis' wishes that no photos be taken and that no drawings or recordings be made. These public performances are usually shortened to a half-hour. The pascol a dancer learns the dances by studying as an apprentice under another pascola . The pascola is inspired to dance because he has seen a vision in a dream.