Sep 6, 2008

Noches Criollas

Tonight we went to La Noche Criolla at the club just down the street from us. There was la musica criolla, which is a musical result mixture of Spanish, Quechua, and African influences. You hear it on the Peruvian coast most often. It's beautiful, emotional, moving music. It makes you want to dance, even if you're not a dancer. Eva Ayllon is a very popular Peruvian singer and musician, who specializes in la musica criolla.

We also saw an example of the fabulously romantic Marinera dance, in the style from Piura. Piura is a Peruvian city on the west coast, up near the Ecuadorian border. The Marinera is a beautiful dance, no matter where it is done, but there are various styles. The Marinera trademark is the handkerchief, twirling and flying through the air, clasped between two fingers of the dancing couple. No matter where the influence is from, typically the Marinera is danced with La Dama and El Caballero (the lady and the gentleman). La Dama is usually barefoot, with long and lacy flowing skirts. El Caballero usually wears a broad-brimmed sombrero, white clothing with a colorful cumberbund, portrayed as a horseman. In fact, in Trujillo, the caballero is often dancing while horseback. The Peruvian Paso horse is often used in this dance. Hankies flying, partners never touching but never more than a breath away, the Marinera is a seduction set to music. The Piuran Marinera does not use the horse, lucky for us, and was danced to a slow and romantic Spanish ballad. Something not to be missed.

8 comments:

Unknown said...

Oh, Kathleen. What a fun evening you must have had. I am a big fan of this type of music and could listen to it all day. I'd love to hear a CD by Eva Ayllon. Wonder if I can find one on Amazon!

The dancers are beautiful too. So graceful. The style reminds me of flamenco, which was one of the highlights for me when on holiday in Spain several years ago.

Pondside said...

Beautiful!!! Thank you for that treat. It made me want to hop on a plane and go right back to Peru. We saw something similar in Chile - just as energetic.
I hope the English lessons are going well for your husband......hay que praticar!!!

mountainear said...

Loved la musica criolla - my feet were tapping. It made me want to be there.

Cait O'Connor said...

I will listen to these tomorrow, it is the middle of the night now! Thanks for sharing.

Margaret Cloud said...

Thank you for sharing the music and dancing with us.

marymaryquitecontrary said...

Beautiful! I think that I was a Peruvian in one of my lives. I also love Fado so perhaps in another I was Portuguese. Then there is greek dancing and music..... how many lives have I had?
It must have been a great evening.

Rani said...

WHat a nice way for me to enjoy my first cup of coffee! Opened your blog and got a cultural treat from down south! Beautiful music, beautiful dancing!!

Good luck to O with his English lessons. I've heard that it's a pain in the arse to learn. We're rooting for him!

Dearest Cupcake said...

Hi! I am in Ayacucho again for the next few months, but will be in Lima in early November with a friend. Where was the Noche Criolla? Can you recommend a good place for us to go?