Baila Peru consists of members talented and passionate about Peruvian dance:
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]
Jessica Luong
 My first dance performance was at the age of 7, I performed with a classmate an Andean dance, Huayno, for our primary school.
I am proud of my roots and admire the wisdom and endurance
I have come across in people, particularly those from very remote villages.
Peruvian dances are expressions of communities and their environment,
reflecting lifestyles, rituals, beliefs, harvest celebrations,
customs and close relationship with nature.
I also consider Peruvian dances
expressions of evolving generations, rich in rhythms and
styles. Some
precious moments include dancing with local people in carnivals, parades around Peru and Berlin's Carnival of Cultures.
Baila Peru gives me the opportunity to share and work closely with people at all levels. It is a joy working
with experienced and creative people from different ages and
backgrounds.
Celebrating commonalities and differences with other cultures makes London very special.
[Jessica, July 2010]
Raul Butron
Ruben Choque
Susana Stanford
Godfried Asante
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Baila Peru 
