Baila Peru consists of eleven talented and passionate dancers:
Stephanie Robayo
 I was born in Hackney, East London and raised in
Brixton, South London. My mother is from Peru and my father is from
Colombia.
I feel blessed coming from such a pure, rich and warmth
background. These influences have made me the individual I am today.
From an early age I recall running around my grandparents
house and listening to 'Huaynos', traditional
Peruvian music from the Andes. As I was brought up
with my grandparents, I very much felt the Peruvian culture in all my
surroundings. I was interested with this
connection and throughout my teenage years I explored my Peruvian roots
independently by visiting Peru, meeting people and was overwhelmed by one
factor, the music.
Peruvian Music blew my mind, from its upbeat Festejo sounds
to its traditional slow but meaningful rhythms like Huaynos. I was amazed with
the variety of music and dances.
I joined Baila Peru 3 years ago and it has changed
me into a powerful, strong Latin American. Whilst being a member of
Baila Peru I have gained knowledge about a wide range of dances from the Amazon such as 'Tigres'. One of my favourite dances is Festejo.
I enjoy rehearsal time as it helps me develop my skills and
movements as a dancer and has also made me a wiser and a mature independent person.
Baila Peru enhanced my ability in a drastic manner giving me an opportunity to
develop choreography ideas in dances such as 'Saya' and hands-on experience in
designing flyers and being involved in other public relations activities.
Baila Peru has brought me closer to my culture and has
allowed me to visit great places and meet all types of people. 2008 is
just the beginning for Baila Peru and the 'world is our oyster'.
[Stephanie, August 2008]
Ricardo Butron
 I
was born in Callao, Peru and came to London at the age 4. I have been
raised in South London, my influences vary and these are reflected on
my flamboyant character.
Peruvian dance is an Art, an Art, which I have passion for. It
represents my individuality and background heritage. Having studied
Surface Design as a degree and Performing Arts in High School, I have
been very much involved in the Art of Dance. To me Art is an
amalgamation of dancing, music, performing arts and painting. I feel
this is what makes me a unique dancer as I demonstrate my entity in
every performance.
Baila Peru has given me the opportunity to express my creative ability
to an extent where I continually strive to progress and develop to
become an exceptional dancer. I have been a member of Baila Peru for 3
years and have been dancing for more than 10 years. My influences vary
from Hip Hop dance, Salsa, Merengue and I am particularly fond of
African/Caribbean style of dancing.
I am passionate about Peruvian dance because it gives me an insight
into who I am and allows me to represent the beauty of my country
through its dances. I use rehearsal time as a great chance to exercise
and improve stamina whilst developing and sharing new steps,
choreography; innovative techniques and good memorable moments with my
colleagues.
My favourite dances are Festejo and Sayas as these represent my
personality, for the loud rhythmic beats, vibrant and joyous style. I
admire my mother and grandmother for their virtues, dignity and loving
kindness. I have learned the true significance 'that hard work pays
off' and Baila Peru has helped shape me into the individual that I am
today.
This year I hope to gain new insights and keep evolving as a dancer
with new choreography and outstanding performances. Baila Peru will not
only conquer the UK scene but is now an international act, so watch
this space!!!
[Ricardo, June 2008]
Talise Quispe
 My
dad is from Ollantaytambo in Cusco, the heart of Peru and my mother is
from southern Brasil. I grew up half of my life in Urubamba valley and
half in Europe. I have been dancing for many years, dances such as
Valicha, which is also my favourite dance as its expression is sweet
and represents my region in Peru.
I enjoy Peruvian dance because I can express my pride in my culture in
a fun and beautiful way, I love traditional peruvian music such as
William Luna and interpretations of folk music by Ocobamba. I even
enjoy Bolivian music such as Kjarkas and Kalamarka who both show great
passions and tradition of the Andes in every song.
I admire all Peruvians who represent their country and culture with
pride and who want to keep up the traditions of our ancestors.
Many Peruvians come alone to Europe, such as myself, but Baila Peru is
my new family and we all share the same passion, excitement, warmth and
beauty of our culture.
[Talise, June 2008]
Alexandra Fabian
Godfried Asante
Jessica Luong
 My first dance performance was at the age of 7, my classmate
and I performed a Huayno (Andean dance) for our primary school in Lima,
on Peru's Independence Day. Ever since, I had never forgotten the joy,
freedom and the awakening of passion towards my culture. My parents
come from the Andes of Peru, Cajamarca and Huaraz, I have been blessed
with them and my primary school teacher, who encouraged me to dance
on-stage for the very first time.
I am proud of my roots and feel very humble by the wisdom and endurance
I have come across in Andean people. I admire the Andean way of
living, values and attitudes, particularly in very remote villages. I
found most people of this region, modest, honest, remarkably direct and
beautiful, like the very mountains around them.
Peruvian dances are expressions of our communities and surroundings,
reflecting their lifestyle, rituals, beliefs, harvest celebrations,
customs and relationship with nature. I also consider Peruvian dances
expressions of evolving generations. There is a variety of rhythms and
styles. It is difficult to say which Peruvian dance I prefer the most
- it depends on the actual moment and who I am dancing with. Some
precious moments include: dancing with local people in carnivals and
parades around Peru and dancing in Berlin's Carnival of Cultures.
Baila Peru gives me the opportunity to share and inspire others with
our dances and work closely with people at grass-root level. Working
with experienced and creative people from different ages and
backgrounds makes Baila Peru distinctive. Recognising and giving the
opportunity to those talented and committed to our vision is important
to us, whether or not they have had professional experience.
London provides me with the opportunity to meet fascinating people from
other cultures and embrace their food, music, dance, wisdom, etc.
Sharing commonalities with other cultures makes London very special. I
have listened to music from rural Tibet and South Kurdistan and I found
these quite similar to Huaynos, sang with extraordinary breath of
feelings, deeply and naturally beautiful.
[Jessica, August 2008]
Paola Paricahua
Raul Butron
Ruben Choque
Susana Stanford
Stephanie Robayo
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