I am originally from Lima, the capital city of Peru. Lima is located on the Pacific coast and is known for its warm, cloudy and humid climate. It is the centre for various dance styles, particularly Peruvian folk dances like Marinera Norteña and Festejo.
Traditional Peruvian dances embody our stories. They are living archives of history, resilience and joy. Whenever I hear its music, it makes me feel motivated to acknowledge these elements through dance.
One of the most well-known dance styles in Lima is Festejo. Festejo is an artistic expression that honours Afro-Peruvian communities and their cultural legacy. It encompasses a happy, energetic and deeply percussive rhythm that is mainly done by the cajón peruano or peruvian box drums.
Festejo creates a connection between the heart, body and history. Its songs tell stories of everyday life, celebrations, adventures, love and challenges. Dancing it today is a way of keeping the Afro-Peruvian culture alive.
The combination of creativity, agility and dynamism are what makes the Festejo’s choreography successful. Dancers move constantly, often on the tips of their feet, lightly jumping from place to place. It feels playful yet powerful because it is full of motion, expression and improvisation.
That freedom is what makes it one of my favourite dances. I learned it from my mother and at a local dance school, and it has always felt like a space where I can express myself without limits.
When dancing it, I am brought back to my childhood. I remember high school performances, Sunday family barbecues and Independence Day celebrations. Even in parties with friends, there was always a part dedicated to Festejo.
The shared joy of dancing Festejo is one of the most memorable things. Not everyone knows how to dance it, but it can be taught easily, and teaching others becomes a significant part of the experience. Due to its happy rhythm, it welcomes interaction and connection while dancing.
Here in the UK, dancing Festejo is a constant reminder of my roots, of where I grew up and where I am now. It instantly fills me with pride in my nationality and eases the nostalgia of being far from home. Every beat of the cajón, every jump, every step feels like I am back in Peru. Dancing lets me return to my home without actually travelling.