Today, Friday, is a work day here in Cuzco. Nevertheless, a multitude of people gathered int eh Plaza de Armas to watch a spectacular parade of dances for the 44th anniversary of the pre-kindergarten program known as Pronoeis.
Made up of little children between 3 and 5 years old the children organized by individual Ponoeis, schools, danced around the Main Square, the Haukaypata, while their parents and families watched. Each Pronoei prepared a dance from among those considered typical of the city of Cuzco. The children learned the particular choreography designed for them to the sound of live music.
Needless to say, the children with their smiles and fears captivated all in attendance with their graceful movement and their small, multicolored costumes.
In front of them dances a costumed teacher, as if she were a large, brilliant hen followed by her chicks. Each of the groups carries a sign on which is written the group’s name.
The names are often fun, since they represent the smallest children just beginning to learn. They are names like Los Pollitos, The Chicks, or Villa Primavera, Spring Town. Others of them show the place from which the children come.
Through their participation in the parade,this generation of children learn to dance and parade as part of Cuzco’s culture.
