The typical dances of Puno they are an essential element of the culture of this Peruvian area. Dance is so important that it has been linked to other folkloric disciplines, such as crafts, painting and textiles.
The dances are also related to the festivities of the department of Puno. For example, the pujllay de Santiago and the khashua de Capachica are two traditional dances performed during carnivals.
Many of these dances convey emotions and feelings such as joy, love, passion and pain. Thus, dance is shown as a mode of expression and an artistic form of language.
Other dances are a way of transmitting traditions. In fact, some of these dances are of prehispanic origin.
Thanks to these artistic representations, we have been able to learn more about the culture and tradition of the various aboriginal groups that lived and still inhabit the territory of the department of Puno.
In Puno there are dozens of traditional dances. Some of these are of pre-Hispanic origin, while others were created during the colonial era, so they show the influence of Spanish culture.
Most of these dances are carried out within the framework of celebrations of the department, such as carnival, corn harvest, among others.
The 9 main typical dances of Puno
1- Pujllay de Santiago
The puljjay is danced in carnival, in the district of Santiago de Pupuja. This dance is of indigenous origin.
However, it also presents elements in which the influence of the Spaniards is observed. An example of this is the suit, which is formed by a tall cup shading and pleated pants.
2- Ichu Carnival
The Ichu Carnival is a dance of Inca origin, one of the aboriginal groups that had the greatest influence in Peru. The dancers are dressed in costumes that carry the colors of the rainbow.
The dance is accompanied by traditional music of the department, which is performed both by the dancers and by a group of musicians who do not participate in the dance.
3- Khashua de Capachica
These dances are performed during the Carnival in Puno and between 20 and 30 couples participate.
The dance consists of three parts. In the first part the women dance while they sing in Quechua and in Spanish.
As the women's song progresses, the men join in clapping, whistling and dancing.
In the second part both men and women are involved in a vigorous choreography, in which the protagonist is the resistance of the dancers. Finally, it closes with the third part, in which women sing again.
4- The flare
The flaming is a typical dance of Puno, which is also danced in other areas of Peru and Bolivia.
This dance takes place during the religious festivals that are celebrated in honor of the Virgen de la Candelaria on February 2. It represents the relationship between the muleteers and the llama, an animal that from time immemorial has provided shelter, food and transportation to the shepherds.
The adoption of this dance as a traditional dance of Puno is relatively recent, it was not until the end of the last century that it began to be practiced in the department.
However, the origin of the llamarada dates back to the colonial period, when Spanish traditions were mixed with aboriginal customs.
5- Wifala de Asillo
This is a dance that takes place mainly during carnivals. The dancers are young, both men and women, who are of marriageable age.
The participants start a kind of competition to test the skills of those who will be their partner.
Before the arrival of the Spaniards, this dance aimed to get a couple with whom they would share the rest of their lives. However, today it has lost this purpose and only runs in happy celebrations.
The dance consists of three phases. In the first phase, the resistance and dexterity of the dancers, who perform agile choreographic movements, are put to the test.
In the second phase, women evaluate the skills of men, which seek to demonstrate through dance that they are the strongest and most competent.
Finally, in the third phase pairs are formed and the intensity of the dance decreases. The music becomes slower and the dance ends.
6- Kullahuada
This dance is performed in honor of the Kullahuas, an aboriginal group that was known for its skills as spinners.
The dance is performed by both men and women, who are arranged in two rows. Each dancer wears a spinning wheel, which is used as a symbol of the spinners.
7- The diablada
The diablada is performed during the celebration of the Virgen de la Candelaria. In this dance the dancers represent different characters: the devil, the China Supay (which are female demons), the seven deadly sins, the archangel Michael and other angels.
Throughout the dance the demons and the sins face the angels. In the end, the archangel Michael confronts the devil and overcomes him. So the diablada concludes.
8- Sikures de Taquile
The dance of sikures is done to thank for the harvest obtained or to ask that the future harvest be propitious.
This dance is transformed into a way of honoring Pachamama, that is, Mother Earth.
This dance can be performed at different times of the year. For example, it can be executed in spring, when the first crops sprout.
The instrument that stands out is the sikus, which is a wind instrument that gives the dance its name. Other accompanying instruments are the wankaras, species of large drums.
9- Balseros de Wiñaymarca
The dance of the rafters is a dance that takes place in honor of Mama Qocha or Mama Qota, the deity to which Lake Titicaca is associated, which is one of the most important bodies of water in the area.
The dancers, organized in pairs, perform steps that seek to recreate the movement of the waters of the lake.
The steps of the dance are simple, soft, quiet and rhythmic, as if the dancers were on a raft crossing the Titicaca.
References
- Art, Folklore and Feasts in Puno. Retrieved on November 24, 2017, from viaja-peru.com
- Celebrating the Virgin of Candlemas in Puno. Retrieved on November 24, 2017, from peruforless.com
- Cusco Cultural Treasures, Dances and Music. Retrieved on November 24, 2017, from machutravelperu.com
- Dances of Puno. Retrieved on November 24, 2017, from go2peru.com
- Dancing in the Streets: Peru's Candelaria Festival. Retrieved on November 24, 2017, from intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com
- Retrieved on November 24, 2017, from wikipedia.org
- Folklore in Puno. Retrieved on November 24, 2017, from discover-peru.org
- La Diablada: Colurful Dance of La Candelaria Festival in Puno. Retrieved on November 24, 2017, from aracari.com
- Retrieved on November 24, 2017, from wikipedia.org