You are invited to an Afro-Peruvian Music, Dance and Cajon Workshops

Chicago has given me the opportunity to experience art in so many different ways.  One of them has been becoming a member of  a Peruvian folk dance group led by a very talented artist and dance teacher. His name is Ruben Pachas. I first met him at a dance workshop and was very impressed by the quality of his work. His classes are fun, energetic, and enriching.  He knows how to deconstruct dance steps and makes them easy to learn. I want to share this experience with you and invite you to a couple of Afro Peruvian Music and Dance Workshops that he will be offering. These workshops cover the history of the arrival of African culture to Peru, musical samples of three traditional Afro-Peruvian instruments, sample popular dances, and full-class participation in a percussion session and dance routine. The goal is to actively involve the participants in learning Afro-Peruvian instruments, rhythms, and dances. Below are the details for this event:

LOCATION:

BA Studio

AFRO-PERUVIAN DANCE WORKSHOP

Feb 25th  2012

3pm -4pm

Cost:  $20 ($25 without RSVP)

Please RSVP via Facebook as attending
Or via chicagourbanite@hotmail.com (Subject: “Workshop”)

Join Ruben Pachas for a hands-on workshop on the diversity of Afro-Peruvian folk dance. He will focus  on the Festejo, a music and dance form developed in the plantation fields during the 18th century. The word Festejo, comes from the Spanish word festejar (to celebrate) .  True to its name, the music and dance of the Afro-Peruvian genre is joyous and vibrant but its traditional lyrics usually narrate the hardships of enslaved life. Participation will be encouraged. The class will last about one  hour and you will learn other Afro-Peruvian dances such as Zamacueca, Lando, Marinera & Vals.

AFRO-PERUVIAN CAJON WORKSHOP

Feb 25th  2012

4pm-5pm

Join us for another special workshop with Ruben Pachas and discover the Cajon (Box) drum. This class is an introduction to the Cajon drum & Afro-Peruvian rhythms – Festejo, Zamacueca, Lando, Marinera & Vals.

Students will learn how to play basic patterns and explore different rhythms and stroke combinations on the cajon drum.

ALL LEVELS WELCOME

(Beginners always welcome/Advanced students learn new techniques and refresh your Cajon skills)

CAJON DRUMS

(We recommend that you bring your own)

The Cajon drum (pronounced cahon)is the Spanish word for “box”. The idea of using a simple wooden box as a drum is believed to have originated in colonial Peru where Africans displaced from their homeland substituted cod shipping crates for their native drums. As a result, Afro-Peruvian music is a unique blend of Spanish, Andean, and African traditions. Today, this versatile drum is steadily gaining popularity and recognition and can be heard in many different styles of music worldwide.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

RUBEN PACHAS has a solid background in artistic performance and as a dance teacher with a strong emphasis in field research and dance techniques. He is a graduate of  the prestigious Escuela Nacional Superior de Folklore  Jose Maria Arguedas and has an extensive experience as a professional Folk dance teacher. He is the Founder and Director of Peruvian Folk Dance Center, a Chicago dance group whose mission is to promote Peruvian culture through the teaching and performance of Peruvian folk dances.  

Here is video with a sample of Afro-Peruvian dances performed by the Afro-Peruvian musical ensemble Peru Negro: