Page "Maya dance" Paragraph 17

Dance in Maya culture has also acted as a bridge between the ancient and post-Columbian eras.

Spanish missionaries and lords as late as the 18th century were trying to eliminate the practice of ancient dance ; however, natives maintained roots with their ancestors by practicing in secret.

Even after the relatively complete conversion to Catholicism after the Spanish influence arrived, Maya people still respect their ancient deities through ceremonial dance, which has persisted through the generations since the golden age of ancient Maya.