By Jazmín Santiviago – Every April 29, International Dance Day is celebrated. This date was proposed in 1982 by the International Dance Committee and was officially proclaimed by UNESCO. This date was chosen because it is the birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre, regarded as the creator of “Modern Dance”.
Students from the “Dance Bachelor’s Program” at the Instituto Superior de Bellas Artes, or Superior Institute of Fine Arts in English, celebrate this day with various activities. One of the most important is the grand Jerokypa Guazú, which means “Great Dance” in Guaraní. This event takes place at Mercado 4, located near the institution, and aims to share dance with the community. This famous market has changed the life of Asunceno’s over time.
During the Jerokypa Guazú, students perform traditional Paraguayan dances, accompanied by the Municipal Folkloric Band, which provides live music. Workers from the market, shoppers, and anyone who wants to join are invited. The idea is to celebrate together, to the rhythm of our roots.
This year, children from the third grade of the Escuelita Casa Amparo al Niño del Mercado N.º 4 also participated, with performances prepared alongside a teacher who is also an alumnus of the Institute.
This grand celebration was an idea of the early students in the program and has since become a beautiful tradition to celebrate dance with joy, in community, and in the streets.
Traditional dances are very popular in Paraguay and among Paraguayan people living abroad. Dance is part of their cultural identity. In 2024, Jukyresa Jeroky represented Paraguay at the New York City Hispanic Parade. Three months ago, a Paraguayan Dance troupe also participated in the FITUR. Last year, a traditional dance group was also created for elderly people.
You can look for more information about the Superior Institute of Fine Arts on their website, in Spanish.
