Folk dance and costumes

We survived the jungle, saw amazing stuff, to be shared in another post.  My camera has had a pretty big lens scratch for awhile, and it is frequently disappointing, especially of outdoor shots.  So I'll wait for Steve's to be downloaded to share.

We attended a tourist folk dance performance highlighting the costumes, music and dance of Peru, especially of the Cusco district.  It was really well done.  A room in the back of the auditorium contained mannequins dressed in the costumes -- so much easier than surreptitiously, guiltily sneaking photos of folks in the city, and more possible than catching the dancers.  So here's a bit of it.

The band -- notice the one left-handed guy.  Go lefties!  They were really good.

 

The flamenco couple were fantastic, although I do wonder how Cusceno this is.  We ended up seeing them perform at a teleton/fundraiser the next day.  Didn't know bodies could move that fast. Amazing.

Part of what I love about folk dancing is its "anyone can do it" nature.  Just stomping, bouncing, twirling.  Not intimidating at all.  And fun. 

While were were waiting in line, the chicas in front of Steve struck up a conversation with him.  They were high school kids visiting from a small town a day and half's drive from Cusco, and were intrigued by him, wanting individual photos with him, and encouraging him to sit with them for the performance, so we did.  My photo sucks here, but they were very interesting.  We talked for about an hour about life, aspirations, interests, etc. 

There were also boys in the high school group, also interested in talking stuff US related (play gameboy? favorite foods, sports, pop music, etc), but what especially intrigued me was that these boys, sitting in front of us, were fully engaged with the 90 minute performance, and were mostly recording it.

Now, native costumes from the room in the back of the auditorium.  I could have included all twelve, but spared you.  : )

Cool fluffy guy.  Didn't see him dance.

Saw these chaps, this dress style frequently in the major square, and hers in the weaving exhibition.

Typical hats, and costumes, often seen with a hand out requesting a coin for a photo op.

The boy mannequins all looked worried, sad, intense.

The ladies resembled inflatable dolls.  I especially loved this hat, though.