South America is home to some of the oldest known societies, with pre-Columbian civilizations dating back to earlier than 15,000 BCE.
Aymara and Quechua cultures are among the indigenous peoples that still dwell in the Andes Mountains, which cover parts of Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, and Chile. In Bolivia, fifty percent of the population is of indigenous ancestry.
Bolivia’s rich dance repertoire consists of pre-Columbian dances performed in rural areas during religious and secular community celebrations, as well as European influenced mestizo dances, which originated after the Spanish conquest.
Mestizo dances are common in urban centers where they are performed at popular festivals and celebrations of Catholic patron saints. During these community celebrations, group solidarity is strengthened, while shared values and cultural identities are reaffirmed.
We were fortunate enough to enjoy a pleasant dinner and dance, organized by the Association of Diplomatic Ladies in La Paz, Bolivia, was the stage for a beautiful and colorful presentation, coordinated by the Ballet Folklorico Potosi.
[From local newspaper]
Obtener fondos, socializar algunos problemas y llegar a más centros de atención de los más necesitados forman parte de la agenda diaria de la Asociación de Damas Diplomáticas y Organismos Internacionales.
La actividad más importante del año es el baile de gala, evento en el que las damas buscan recaudar la mayor cantidad de fondos, con el apoyo de empresas y personas que contribuyen a la realización de este noble fin.
Este año, la gala se realizará el sábado 29 del presente, en los salones del Radisson Plaza Hotel.
La presidenta de la organización, Keiko Watanabe, y las damas de su directiva invitan a los corazones generosos a contribuir con esta labor social.
3rdculturechildren 
“In Bolivia, fifty percent of the population is of indigenous ancestry.” – I never knew!
It is interesting to see pictures and read about the Mestizo dances. In my music history and world culture classes, we learned how performances typically coincided with festivals and celebrations of religious figures and involved community feasts, sometimes at particular times of day.
Thanks for sharing!
LikeLike
I’m glad you enjoyed reading, Catherine! Always a pleasure to bring something new… and it’s great to feel appreciated – the Bolivian culture is rich, colorful, beautiful… I still need to explore more… will keep posting about my findings… The Mestizo dances are full of history, love, pain, colors, experiences… Thanks for stopping by and checking the blogpost out! Take care, R. 😮
LikeLike
My pleasure! 😀
LikeLike
Wow – now that is what I call a real cultural heritage!
LikeLike
Glad you liked it… 😮
LikeLike