Dancing

As part of a cultural celebration, hundreds of students presented dances that represented different regions of Bolivia. Tribal customs remain an important part of Bolivia, and have endured throughout their history of conquering and being conquered. The above couple is dressed for a typical dance of Cochabamba, the city in which I live.

Las Tobas

Las Tobas, a folk dance passed down from Amazonian natives, is representative of hunting practices in the rainforests of eastern Bolivia. The bright colors and feathers are indicative of its tropical origin. I’m not sure why they’re wearing pink felt, but maybe it’s the influence of the 80’s.

Saya Morena

Saya Morena, the “Brown Dance,” was passed down from African slaves imported to help harvest coffee beans. The all-white dress and bowler style hat are standard for the saya morena (morena, or brown, describes the skin color of the dancers, not the clothing). The dance also includes the caporal, or slave master, whose dance costume is much more elaborate, signifying higher social status. My camera died before I could get a picture of a caporal.

Tinku

In the Potosí region of Bolivia, an Incan tradition called the Tinku was used to resolve conflict. A predecessor to inner-city dance fighting between Sharks and Jets, this ritualized performance sometimes resulted in injury or even death. These two dancers below are dressed to present a tamer, less-life threatening version.

Although it wasn’t as historically important, I nonetheless turned some heads at a local church dance. Bolivian dancing seems to be tailor-fit for white boys like me. The feet move plenty while the hips maintain their natural rigid position. I’ve been doing that dance since I was five years old. After mastering the typical Bolivian style (mastering I say!), the DJ decided to play some 40′s big band and 80’s classics. My swinging and moonwalking were unparalleled in the small chapel. I am not ashamed that I have to shake it with 50 year-old Bolivians to be considered a good dancer.

Susanita and I Get Down

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