Ecuador Subculture

   The influence of the Ecuadorian subculture growing up has brought many points of view to attention. More significantly, the Culture of the traditions, dances, and food preparation. There are many various types of traditional dancing styles. Ecuador has three central physical regions: the Costa (coastal region), the Sierra (highland region), and the Oriente (eastern part). Of course, depending on the area, the Culture may be different. As well as the values, the region I grew up in is Sierra. 

  I was a part of a dance group that has participated in many events since I was 5. We give people a show where everyone will appreciate it. Dancers would have specific outfits. Types of skirts and shirts will be full of many colors and designs, like flowers embroidered into the clothes the girls wear, and the boys will wear masks and shabby leather pants. The dances created were a form of our Culture—the influence of the leaders of the dance groups who were family members at the time. As I remember, before joining the group dance, Since my aunts were the teachers, they usually brought me with them. I would usually watch from far away. Sometimes I would beg them to let me practice in the group and learn the steps, but they would always let my proposal down. Which will usually upset me since I would feel let out.

And so I decided to look for new interests. I wanted to learn how to swim, so my mother then provided for me to put me in squirming classes. Then because of those swimming lessons, I had to stop going with my aunts. One day, my aunt saw my dedication to my swimming lessons, and she offered to teach me basic lessons at home. Her proposal took me by surprise. After that day, I would come home every night, and my aunts would introduce me step by step; to all the lessons they gave me; I had to learn how to do choreography. Besides, I had heard that another dance instructor would have a group of kids. In that group, we would usually participate in our or other community events like parades. For example the picture below is a picture of me sitting on top of the car a few hours before an event which we were assisting at the time.And so, that’s why I wanted to join the  group to gain more experience with the hopes of joining my aunt’s group.

This has an enormous impact, bringing much attention to practicing in the dance group. When we dance, we not only practice the steps and the timing. Before the dance started, we had accessories to decorate the choreography like clay pots, reed baskets that carry fruit, campfires, and showing when gathering crops. We use things to tell a story or a moment our ancestors forged. For example, we will demonstrate how the women were dedicated to growing crops, taking care of them, and collecting them where they were ready, and the men hunted. Finally, the people would prepare a feast and celebrate by dancing, sharing laughs, and food near the cam fair. It is like telling a village story but more modern. Many colors and tools help the audience, and we acknowledge our ancestors past this tradition. It is a great way to demonstrate how our community was before. Our dances are very traditional.

Moreover, the dances which we grew up watching and practicing. They have developed, but the original dances are unique and always included in our events. Initially, being guided by the love of dance and its Culture. The emptiness of being unaware of the history of origin and its cultural beliefs. In school, we were taught that the Incas had conquered our land. The Incas had brought many influences introducing new languages, religions, traditions, and ways of living. Like my grandmother knows a few sentences in an ancient language that connects to the decadence of the Incas. She learned this old language to communicate with her great-grandmother. As there were many languages, there were various dances, and each had a unique meaning. Much historical information will answer many concerns about being part of this subculture. Especially answering things I follow, respect, and discover the true sense. The historical research will determine if this contributes more strongly toward that belief or if the beliefs contradict my values.