The Jump of Deer Man At Inti Raymi (Walter Coraza Morveli)
In the Peruvian Andes music and dancing are very important since they come as part of any festivity or fiesta we have. During the year we have a large number of fiestas that include the big ones such as Inti Raymi, Warachicuy, Cruzvelakuy, the assumption of cargos (sponsorships), birthdays, and more.
In these events you will fin bands of musicians called caperos who give life to the clebrations with their different melodies. The form of dancing that is used is particular since we always find the foot stomping in rhythm of our huayno. It is like a competition among couples and those who stand out are put in the middle to continue dancing until the music ends.
In the choreography of our traditional dances, those dancing make a circle or round to be able to carry out the steps to the rhythm of the music. When there is a children’s party they also dance in a round, holding hands without any distinction of gender or race.
The same thing takes place in our yunsadas, our carnival celebrations around a tree with gifts. People dance around the tree in a circle in order to take a shot at chopping it down.
Why do people make a circle or round when they dance? One of the answers would be that when we dance and share no one is excluded. Everyone has to be seen in order to share dialogue, food, and drinks.
Another answer comes from the friendship that is had one to another. Even though people are in a bad mood, sad, happy, or have problems, after they are pulled into the round of dancing they forget everything. What they now carry in their heart is being among family and friends. In many ways it alleviates many of the problems or sorrows we might have.
As a result, dancing is very important for us in our community. It lets us socialize more with other peoples without any discrimination. To participate in our celebrations is something our ancestors have left us and we do it with love.
