Dancing with Heritage: A Mesmerizing Collaboration with Cynthia Paniagua
In the heart of a vibrant photoshoot session for our upcoming 2024 jewelry line, we had the privilege of collaborating with the exceptionally talented Cynthia Paniagua. A dancer, choreographer, and educator, Cynthia brings to life the rich tapestry of her Peruvian and Nuyorican heritage through her art. This blog post delves into the enchanting experience of having Cynthia dance alongside our jewelry, capturing the essence of tradition, identity, and the power of artistic collaboration.
Cynthias' website: https://www.cynthiapaniagua.com/
Cynthia's journey in dance has been a profound exploration of her roots. Raised in New York City, she pursued a B.A. in Dance at Hunter College and an M.A. in Performance Studies at NYU Tisch School of the Arts. Her insatiable desire to connect with her ancestral truth led her to win a Fulbright Scholarship, propelling her to study traditional dance in Peru. This marked the beginning of an incredible odyssey as she traversed the Peruvian coast, Andes, and Amazon, studying and living with masters of Peruvian dance. This transformative experience was documented in the acclaimed "Soy Andina," a documentary that premiered at Lincoln Center and garnered several film festival awards.
Cynthia's dance, deeply rooted in her Peruvian heritage, beautifully complemented our jewelry line. Each movement was a testament to the cultural richness and the spiritual significance of her Andean roots. As she gracefully twirled, every piece of jewelry seemed to tell a story—a story of tradition, resilience, and the beauty of multicultural identity.
The collaboration between Cynthia's dance and our jewelry was nothing short of magical. The rhythmic beats of traditional Peruvian music echoed in harmony with the elegant designs she adorned. The jewelry became more than adornments; they became an extension of Cynthia's expressive movements, creating a visual symphony that celebrated both tradition and modernity.
Cynthia's work extends beyond dance; it is a powerful advocacy for decolonizing the dance stage. With her upcoming venture, Kaypacha Dance, she aims to express the legacy of her ancestors through dance, shedding light on the cultural realities of indigenous identity within the Latin community. Through this collaboration, we join her in amplifying indigenous voices and celebrating the diverse narratives that make up our shared cultural heritage.
Dancing with Cynthia Paniagua was not just a collaboration; it was a celebration of heritage, tradition, and the power of artistic expression. We are honored to have shared this creative space with Cynthia and look forward to continuing our journey of embracing cultural diversity through the artistry of dance and jewelry. Stay tuned for more exciting collaborations that weave together the threads of tradition and modernity.
Her most recent work is Dance Your Ancestors™️ program. Embarking on a 4-month online exploration, participants delve deep into the captivating world of Afro-Peruvian dance, immersing themselves in the soul-stirring beats of Festejo. But the magic doesn't end there. Imagine a 10-day dance intensive in Peru, a vibrant land echoing with the footsteps of ancestors. Here, under the guidance of cultural ambassadors, historical landmarks become classrooms, and local communities transform into stages of giving back.
Dance Your Ancestors™️ isn't merely a dance program; it's a celebration of identity, a tribute to the spirits of the past, and a step towards a more enriched future. It’s an opportunity to dance not just with your feet, but with your heart, to the ancient rhythms that bind us all. Join this empowering journey, and let’s dance our way back to the essence of who we are!
Thank you to Caty Salgado, designer & creator at LanaLlama for the beautiful Andean Inspired Dress.
Photography by CVR