The Peru SST unit jumped, wiggled, twisted and sweated their way through a spirited workshop on traditional dances of Peru. Their instructors were Pedro Farias and his partner, Lisette Alcántara, enthusiastic and talented dancers who have performed with many professional groups.
The women learn a new dance.
Using videos, music and patient step-by-step instruction, Pedro introduced students to dances from several regions of Peru. Pedro provided the historical background and context about each, including the meaning behind the dancers, the costumes worn and the major physical movements required.
The men show their enthusiasm for dancing.
Pedro and Lisette demonstrated each dance’s moves, with all manner of vigorous jumps and rapid body contortions. The students eagerly took to the dance floor to try them out. It was a warm, summer day in Lima, and soon everyone was rosy-cheeked and sweaty. There was lots of laughter as students did their best to match the whirling moves of Pedro and Lisette.
Malaina relaxes after learning three new dances.
A long-time friend of the program, Pedro had an infectious enthusiasm that kept the students dancing for two full hours. By the end, the students had picked up some of the moves, and had a deeper appreciation of the skill, grace and athleticism of Peruvian dancers.
Pedro Farias and his partner, Lisette Alcántara, offered a workshop on Peruvian dances.Students learn about Peruvian dances.Students learn about Peruvian dances.Opening exercises.Opening exercises.Opening exercises.Learning dance moves.Learning dance moves.Learning dance moves.Picking up the pace.Picking up the pace.Learning new moves.Learning new moves.Thomas and Jonathan keep pace.Dean and Caleb keep pace.Picking up the pace.Gretchen learns new dances.Natalie enjoys the lesson.April and Natalie follow Lisette Alcántara’s dance moves.Aimee and Maria enjoy the lesson.The men learn the moves.Derek, Jackson, Dean and Thomas concentrate on the dance moves.Derek, Neal and Dean maintain their focus.Thomas and Jonathan.Pedro Farias instructs the men.Aimee, Maria and Natalie reach high.Natalie concentrates on the dance.Natalie concentrates on the dance.Natalie concentrates on the dance.A class of students fully engaged.Gina, Maliana and April.Jackson, Neal and Jonathan take a break.Resting between dances.Maria, Malaina and Aimee rest between dances.The dancing resumes.Caleb, Jake, Thomas, Dean, Neal, Jackson and Derek.The men fully engage in the dance.The men fully engage in the dance.Learning a new dance.Learning a new dance.Jackson.Derek.Jonathan and Neal.Jake and Caleb.Dean.The women learn a new dance.Gina learns a new dance.Gina learns a new dance.April enjoys the class.Maria enjoys the class.Jackson enjoys the class.Natalie pauses before the next dance.Lisette Alcántara teaches the women some new dance moves.The men show their enthusiasm for dancing.Jake, Caleb, Jonathan, Dean and Thomas enjoy the dancing.Thomas.Caleb.Pedro Farias concludes the dance lesson.Aimee enjoys the class.Malaina relaxes after learning three new dances.
