Manifestations of Pop Culture in Latin America: Music and Dance of Peru

Dance is fundamental in the life of a Peruvian. There are many traditional types of dance that are still performed in Peru today. The “Marinera” is a dance that is performed differently in the northern region and in the highlands. It has been described as a dance dedicated to courtship and love. Another dance is called the “Tondero.” This dance has been estimated to have been originated in the Northern Coastal district of Peru. It has been described to represent the quest of the rooster to the chicken. In this type of dance, women wear a dress called an “anaco” which is a top that looks like a blouse over a wide skirt. The men wear a thin hay hat with a striped or white shirt and white or black pants. A more sensual type of dance is called the “Festejo” which has more of an upbeat pace. Another joyful and colorful dance is called the “Huayno” which originated in the Inca Empire, survived the Spanish colonization, and is still popular today. The most typical dance on the Peruvian coast is the “Alcatraz” dance. This dance dates back to the beginning of the 20th century from when the black slaves brought African rhythms to Peru. During the dance, the dancers hold a lit candle and try to ignite a piece of paper that is tied to the couples at the back of their waists. It is a loving encounter. Lastly, the most popular dance of the southern region of Huancayo, is the “Huaylash of Carnival” which is always danced at carnivals and parties. It is a traditional dance of the Huanca culture.

Popular music in Peru has changed drastically over the years due to globalization. Although traditional music is still prevalent, North American Rock music has been influencing Peruvian musicians since the 1950’s. Entertainers such as Elvis shifted the attention to Rock n’ Roll music, which Peruvians made their own by incorporating their distinct guitar style. While still fairly underground, the genre lost momentum in the sixties and seventies due to a military dictatorship that banned such concerts. However it became more dominant in the eighties and nineties, which saw the birth of bands such as Auto Control and Líbido, the latter being hailed as the most successful Peruvian band ever. Today Rock music remains a favorite among adolescents in particular – with Latin America MTV being a highly successful channel – and has even had international commercial recognition.

Check out http://todorock.pe for much more!

In Peru, the prevalence of traditional Afro-Peruvian music is great. Although the younger generations of Peruvians are listening to more modern rock and pop music, there is still a great appreciation for their roots. During the 1950s, Afro-Peruvian music started to be recorded, that of which originated from black slaves in Peru. The main instrument used in this type of music is the cajón. The cajón is a drum-like instrument that looks like a box in which the artist sits on and strikes with his hands. Like previously mentioned, two of the most well-known forms of Peruvian music are “Landó” and “Festejo”. “Festejo” is one of the most popular styles of Afro-Peruvian music and its lyrics usually consist of stories from slavery and also happy topics. In present times, Afro-Peruvian music is becoming even more popular and can be heard in clubs along with other popular sounds such as Bachata and Salsa. This style of music is even gaining international success and will continue to be popular in its home of Peru.

Peruvian music and dance is composed from such vibrant culture made up of people of all shapes and colors. As the history of Peru’s emergence has somewhat been forgotten in books and documents, it is the music and dance of this country that really keep this history alive. In fact, the transition from traditional culture to modern popular culture in Peru was never a factor in the preservation of the traditional dances and folklore. Throughout the years, modern generations have kept history alive through the establishment of performing art companies and schools, such as the music and dance ensemble Peru Negro. Founded in 1969, this group has traveled the world dancing to the music of Peru’s rich African heritage. Through folkloric song and dance, Peru Negro performs to recreate the history of their ancestors, who came to Peru as slaves in the 18^th century. Today, this group remains as one of the most popular folkloric performers in all Peru. But, even though numerous performing art groups have emerged from Peru through the years, there have been many other groups that have been established in the United States. The Peruvian Dance Company, PERUDANCE, was started in 2002 by young Peruvian dancers in San Francisco and is known as one of the best Peruvian dance companies in Northern California. They perform a variety of dances from different regions of Peru, such as the Andes, Amazonia, and the Coastal region. Through music and dance of their homeland, these young performers participate in numerous showcases all over the nation, representing not only their state, but su querido Peru.

As many Peruvians would agree, it is truly amazing to have such performing arts groups, such as Peru Negro and The Peruvian Dance Company, who continue to enlighten the world with their energetic performances and educate the younger generations about the culture that will always remain true in their hearts.