Hundreds of dance troupes took to public squares in fifteen of Colombia´s departments Wednesday to
celebrate International Dance Day.
The Ministry of Culture backed performances of break
dance, salsa, tango and local folkloric rhytms in Bogotá, urging downtown office
workers to join in the fun and dance on the streets during their lunch hour.
Culture
Minister Paola Marcela Moreno, said that over 10,000 dancers performed in the
streets of Colombia´s main cities on Wednesday. “Once again we have demonstrated that we are a
world power in the fields of art and creativity” said the satisfied Ms Moreno. “A
country that faces conflict with culture and art”.
Colombia may
be famous for Shakira´s dazzling hip movements, but there are dozens of local dances with Amerindian, African and European roots, that are
regularly taught throughout the country´s schools, including the Mapale, the Guabina and the Joropo.
The ministry
also used international dance day to launch a series of nation-wide
consultations that will lead to the adoption of a “National Ten Year Plan for Dance”. The “plan” would support training for professional dancers and choreographers, the creation of new
dance projects and the integration of dance activities in schools.
“We´re
generating this plan because Colombia´s a country that dances” said cultural
administrator Diana Zuluaga “Dancing is good for the body and for the soul”.