The hat dance is a type of Mexican dance that tells the story of a young man flirting with a woman with whom he is in love. The Mexican name for this type of dance is the "jarabe tapatia" and it is the most well-known known of Mexican dances. Many regions have their own variations of this dance. Although it is not necessary, many of these variations involve the use of a hat, such as a sombrero, as a prop.
The dance of the ancients is the dance associated with the Mexican state of Michoacan. The Mexican name for this is "baile de los viejos." Costumes for this dance often include hats with side brims and masks to disguise the dancers as old men. It is often seen as a humorous dance but may have its roots in ancient ritual.
Nuevo Leon is a state of Mexico located in the northeastern region. The dances of this region often emphasize a strong beat and have been influenced by the polka. These dances are often lively and include foot stomping, yelling and vibrantly colored costumes.
In animal dances, dancers mimic the spirit of a certain animal in their movements. Animals that have been the subject of these dances include the iguana and the deer. This type of dance is often performed and has its origins in the region of Guerrero.
Mexican dance costumes often use vibrant colors or white clothing with vivid embroidery. Women's costumes are made from large amounts of fabric so their skirts flow while they move. They often wear colorful blouses. In certain regions, men wear a "charro" suit, which is also often worn by mariachi musicians. It includes a large hat, a coat with silver buttons and long pants with silver buttons going down the side of the pant legs.