In celebration of Peruvian Independence Day, Pachamama presents a program of traditional Peruvian music and dance to promote cultural interchange and mutual understanding among Peruvians, Peruvian Americans and the community at large.

Tuntuna: A dance from Perú, located in the southeast Departamento of Puno and its origin comes from the miners settlements in Azoguini and Layccaqota. It reflects the fussion of customs and traditions of the Spanish. blacks and natives of the area. It is a popular dance during the festivities of the Virgen de la Candelaria and the carnivals in Puno. Performers: PPA children; Instructor: Peter Apaza.

Chorus: PPA children will interpret traditional “valses songs” from Perú, under the direction of their Instructor: Rosa María Lazón.

Cajón: Is the king percussion instrument of the coast of Perú and it is consider “a cultural patrimony of Perú”. The PPA children, from the beginners and intermediate classes, will play some basic traditional rhythms of the Afro-Peruvian and Creole music of the coast of Perú. Instructor: Héctor Morales.

Marinera Norteña: A dance, by couples, from the north of Perú and very popular in the Departamento de La Liberta. Dancers: PPA children, Walter (a 7 years old) and Jennifer Villa. Instructor: Rosa Carhuallanqui.

Chorus: PPA children will interpret traditional “huaynos” (songs from the highlands of Perú) some of them in Kechwa, the Incas’ language. Instructor: Rosa María Lazón.

Marinera Norteña: Is one of the most representative dances of Perú with the influence of the African, Creole and Andean traditions. It is a dance full of joy and flirtation of the north coast (La Libertad, Lambayeque, Piura) and the dancers, by couples with white handkerchiefs in their right hands (the woman barefooted and the man with a straw hat), will interpret the Marinera, demonstrating their ability and skills, accompanied by a band of musicians. Instructor: Rosa Carhuallanqui.

Advanced Cajón: In addition to play the traditional Afro-Peruvian rhythms in cajón , the advanced students will show how to play together, the cajita, quijada, the bell and other instruments. Instructor: Héctor Morales.

Chorus: PPA children will interpret traditional songs from the coast, highlands and forest of Perú. Instructor: Rosa María Lazón.

Carnavalito: A very joyful dance of the Departamento de Puno, on the southeast plateau of Perú, where the Lake Titicaca is located. It is danced during the carnivals, in particular by groups of youngsters on the streets of the cities, accompanied by musicians and festive songs. Instructor: Peter Apaza.