Godfried Asante
I have been a member of Baila Peru for over three years. The aim of the dance group is to promote Peruvian culture, which I love. The dances represent the three regions of Peru, at times depicting African influences, even mimicking wild animals from the Peruvian rainforest. As I am of African origin, I appreciate and value the dances greatly.
Viva el Peru ! [Godfried, October 2010]
Gisela HernandezI joined Baila Peru three years ago. For the
last three years, I had the pleasure to represent my country, Peru, with
costumes from the Andes with my young son in carnival festivals.
After two years, I became a member of the dance group and I had the opportunity to perform Amazonian dances at various events.
Baila Peru plays an important role here in the UK and that is of
representing our country through dances. As dancers we do our best in
every performance and contribute to raising the profile of Peruvian
culture and make an impact. [Gisela, October 2010]
Stephanie Robayo
I feel blessed coming from such a pure, rich and warm
background. These influences have made me the individual that 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 by 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. I was overwhelmed by the music.
Peruvian music blew my mind, from its upbeat Festejo sounds
to its traditional and meaningful rhythms like Huaynos. I was amazed with
the variety of music and dances.
I joined Baila Peru five 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. One of my favourite dances is Festejo.
I enjoy rehearsing as it helps me develop my skills and
movements as a dancer and also allows me to grow into a wiser and mature individual.
Baila Peru enhanced my ability in a drastic manner giving me an opportunity to
develop choreography and ideas in dances such as 'Saya' and hands-on experience in
designing flyers and being involved in other public relations activities. I am also learning to collaborate with others like in the recent Carnaval del Pueblo parade.
Baila Peru has brought me closer to my culture and has
allowed me to visit great places. I gain a lot from travelling around the UK and Europe; exploring other cultures and working as a team.
[Stephanie, October 2010]
Ricardo Butron
Peruvian
dance is an Art, an Art, which I have passion for. It represents my
individuality and background heritage. 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.
I am currently a member of Baila Peru,
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 for five years. My influences vary from Hip Hop dance,
Salsa, Merengue and I am particularly fond of African/Caribbean styles 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 share good memorable moments with my
colleagues.
My favourite dances are Festejo,
Anaconda and Sayas as these represent my personality, for the loud
rhythmic beats, vibrant and joyous style. Through being a member of
Baila Peru I have had the opportunity to travel around Europe and perform.
I hope to gain new insights and keep evolving as a dancer with new choreography and outstanding performances.
[Ricardo, October 2010]
Jessica Luong
Peruvian dances are expressions of communities and their environment,
reflecting lifestyles, rituals, beliefs, harvest celebrations, history, identity and close relationship with nature.
I also consider Peruvian dances expressions of evolving generations, rich in rhythms, styles and character; all representing the cultural diversity of Peru.
Some
precious moments, for me, include dancing with local people in traditional parties, carnivals and parades around Peru. I admire their sense of community, spiritual strength, wisdom and respect for nature; particularly from people in rural communities.
Baila Peru gives me the opportunity to share, collaborate and work closely with people at all levels. It is a joy as well as a challenge working
with experienced and creative people from different ages and
backgrounds. One is constantly learning...
[Jessica, October 2010]
Susana Stanford
Raul Butron
Ruben Choque
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