Peruvian Cultural Show
Peruvian dances are primarily of native origin. There are also dances that are related to agricultural work, hunting and war.
Lima, Peru January 15, 2017
Peru has a rich cultural history that stretches back thousands of years and with that comes traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. Peruvian dances are primarily of native origin. There are also dances that are related to agricultural work, hunting and war. From the Moche to the Incas and then the arrival of the Spanish, Peru is an interesting and unique amalgamation of cultures and this is directly reflected in the traditional dances. Here is our guide to unique Peruvian dances.
The most internationally known dance in Peru is the :
La Marinera is Peru’s national dance. It is an elegant dance representing courtship and love, enacted by two dancers.
Huayno is a traditional Andean dance that is popular in the Peruvian highlands and Andes.
Supaypa wasin tusuq or Scissors Dance originated in the south Andes of Peru. The dancers take turns dancing in sync which is followed by solo moments where one dancer takes center stage, performing moves with a scissor.
Danzantes de Levanto is a typical dance from the Amazonas Region. Levanto is a small town that is about 10 km from Chachapoyas, whose “dancers” form a colorful group of thirteen cholos, very well trained, who are guided by a “pifador” who plays both the antara and a small drum at the same time. They are called tinya. They wear a white shirt with wide and long sleeves, a black vest adorned with red ribbons, black pants and a crown of showy peacock feathers is worn. Their presence is a must in all the great celebrations of the region.
El Vals Criollo (Vals Peruano) is a subgenre and musical adaptation of the original European waltz, originated in Peru or also called a genre of Afro-Peruvian Creole music.
The Diablada is one of the most well-known dances at the colorful festivals leading up to Holy Week. It translates as the Devil’s Dance. The dance has roots in the Altiplano of Peru, Bolivia and Chile and in 2003 was named a part of Cultural Heritage of Peru. While the Diablada is not exclusive to La Virgen de La Candelaria, it is one of the most popular because of the ornate costumes and the bright masks worn by dancers representing the devil or forces of evil. There are various versions of the dance’s origin, but essentially, the theme of the dance is the constant struggle between good and evil, with St. Michael the Archangel representing good and the devils representing evil.
The Festejo is a word derived from the Spanish “fiesta,” is a form of celebratory Afro-Peruvian music. The festejo dance is lively and witty, featuring gyrating hips and intricate footwork known as zapateado.
Tondero is very similar to La Marinera with both dancers flirting and courting each other. The dance uses a handkerchief as a prop and it is usually accompanied by a guitar.
