The Story Behind Dance of the Bells and Drums
Dance of the Bells and Drums at the Zócalo (Danza de las Campanas y los Tambores en la Plaza del Zócalo) began with a single afternoon in Mexico City. In Rita's own words:
"This painting was inspired by the unexpected and impressive solitude of the dancers in the Zócalo in Mexico D.F. I was transfixed by their seriousness and the purposefulness of their dance."
A Plaza Full of Voices
The Zócalo is the central plaza of Mexico City, where people from all over the country come to voice their petitions. That day, hundreds of political protests were happening at once in the square in front of the cathedral, the shouting echoing loudly off the buildings and concrete.
A Circle of Calm
"In the midst of this chaos, off to the side, was this small group of Indigenous people peacefully dancing to the sound of a single constant drum beat. They wore bells attached to their boots. On this gray day, I was mesmerized by their beauty, solemn spirituality and the piercing echoing sound of their drums and bells."
That contrast is the heart of the painting: stillness and purpose inside the noise, and a tradition carried on quietly while the city shouts around it. Rita's bold palette knife strokes give the dancers their movement, and the rhythm of the drum seems to run through the whole canvas.
About the Painting
The original is an oil on canvas measuring 38" x 49.75". Like many of Rita's works, it is painted on a large scale so the dancers meet you almost face to face.
See Dance of the Bells and Drums and order a fine art print, or explore more of Rita's work in the Dance of Life series and the full collection.
Interested in a large original work of your own? Learn about commissions, murals and private lessons with Rita.
