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Our Dances and their origins |
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Anaconda (traditional dance from the Amazon region)
Anaconda also known as Amazonian Fantasy. A dance wherein tribal men and women express their happiness, excitement, contentment, strength and work lifestyle. Amazonian women express their unique exotic grace and men their power. All expressing the natural freshness, sensuality and free spirit from the jungle.
Among the many celebrations that are held in this region and specially in Loreto, is the best known and most traditional event: 'Festival of San Juan' (St John’s Day) celebrated on 24th June.
It is at this important festival that people celebrate the purification of water and give thanks for the gifts of nature. A time for sharing feelings of brotherhood, unity and joy.
During the night of the 23rd June, men and women of the Amazon go to the rivers for a bath. It is widely believed that waters are blessed on that date, and everyone who baths will enjoy happiness and good health. A mass is also celebrated the next day.
Huaylarsh Moderno (traditional dance from Hauncayo - Peru) A carnival dance, which has become patrimony of Peru, it is also a tap dance, lively and energetic. The counterpoint exhibits men and women battling it out in a theatrical contest of skill, ability, energy and will. This dance comes from the Mantaro Valley of Huancayo, central Peru. Agricultural work and cattle raising are the main traditional and important activities of Andean people in rural and remote areas. Many dances have originated as a result of these activities, one of them Huaylarsh.
Marinera Norteña (traditional dance from the coast of Peru) There are various theories about the origins of this dance. One of them is that it was inspired by the mating of the Rooster and the Hen.
It may also be a dance of western influence as well as the influence of other Afro-Peruvian dances, older than the marinera, i.e. Zamacueca.
La marinera es agil, airosa, libre, alegre y espontanea, mostrando durante todo el baile un coloquio amoroso en el cual la dama coquetea con picardia, astucia e inteligencia expresando su afectividad, mientras el varon galantea acompaña, acecha y conquista a su pareja. Este mensaje se desarrolla durante la ejecucion del baile.
Alegria en la Selva (traditional dance from the Amazon region - Peru) This is from Peru’s Amazon region and was originally performed after jungle rituals wherein tribal men and women would celebrate their happiness by inbibing exotic drinks that produced rage, excitement and contentment.
The melody has a sting but the rhythm is contagious.
Turkuy (traditional dance from the imperial city of Cusco) Turkuy means bird in the Incan language, Quechua.
The Turkuy is a traditional carnival dance from the small tows in the upper reaches of the Urubamba valley in Peru. It celebrates the hunting of the condor (arranque del condor) and an Inca ritual which involves sacrificing the bird.
The dancers represent the Inca captains and the bird is represented by a satirically dressed dancer called ‘Rucu’.
The dance symbolises the triumph of a shepherd over a bird that is believed to be the predator of his livestock.
Carnival dance from Cajamarca
Carnival dances are performed throughout Peru. The carnival event in Cajamarca takes place in February, it is celebrated every year with live bands and dancers from different parts of Cajamarca. The city vibrates with Andean music, joy and colour in Northern style.
It is a collective dance, an opportunity for people of all ages to gather together and have a great time.
Saya Es una danza carnavalezca que se baila en las festividades de la Virgen de la Candelaria al sur del Peru -PUNO - el origen de esta danza proviene del nombre "Caporal" que eran personas del tiempo de la esclavitud en el siglo XV, que despues y atraves del tiempo se transformaron de lo satirico a lo gracioso. Se dice que del sonido de las cadenas de los esclavos de entonces, se originaron los ritmos y pasos de fuerza , y de mucha agilidad. La vestimenta refleja parte de la vivencia del tiempo en los bordados y colores.
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History of Baila Peru 