Lovato 1

Alicia Lovato
Dance Presentation Outline
Professor: Dannell Hathaway
Dance and Culture 1010 R, 5:00-7:50
April 20, 2017

Men and Women

1. The Dance Movements
Both men and womens body twists and rarely remains straight. This
dance consists of side steps and moving in a circular motion. Men
follow the paths of other men and women follow paths of other women.
Generally moving along horizontal plane. Group members move in
unison quick small foot movements. The arms tend to continuously
flow but the movement is tight and precise in the feet (Castro).
5. Clothing
Men wear hats, shirts, and shawl. Where the women wear shirts, skirts,
and shawl. Both are supposed to move the shawl while dancing the
steps in a circular motion to embrace to all that is given to thee. Hats
are rarely given to the females. The outfits for both men and women
must have bright and vibrant colors (Castro).

4. Dance Space is in Courtyards.

Today the San Juanito is a part of the repertoire of various traditional

festivals and social gatherings across the country. During lively
festivals, dancers showcase their best moves and dance forming circles
and small trains of people (Castro). Among the best indigenous groups
of Otavalo who investigate, perform, and share the San Juanito at a
national and international level are Chari Jayac and anda
Maachi. The latter has been recognized by the National Congress of
Ecuador for its brilliant musical career. Both groups have brought high
praise to Ecuador and have made the San
Juanito famous. (www.balletandinoecuador.org)

Music and Sound

8. Singing or Chanting
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Singing. Is how the people who perform and play the instruments for
the dance San Juntio, pass on their message to the audience (Castro).

6. Melancholic Melodies.

The music is a 4 beat rhythm that is easy to move to. According to

musicologist it is a unique combination which denotes the feeling of
the Ecuadorian indigenous native (Castro).
7. Instruments Used
The instruments that are needed is the Rondador (a small panpipe)
the Pinguillo (a flute), the Bandolin (a type of chordophone) , a
Dulzaina ( a intrument similar to an oboe),and a guitar as well as
drums. One other key instrument is the Zamponas (another panpipe).
As well as electronic instruments, which give it a modern style
(Casttro).
Culture & Meaning
2. The meaning of San Juanito

Is it is a joyous dance. This dance shows passion and thanks for the
important things. San Juanito is translated to Saint John. Said for St
John the Baptist. This dance takes place in June 24th on the day to
remember and celebrate John the Baptist. It is said he was the saint
that was known for forgiving ones sins (Castro).
3. Values, and Cultural Norms

For the indigenous native of Ecuador, dancing the San Juanito expresses a communal
message of unity, feeling, identity, and relationship with Mother Earth (Pacha mama. For
the mestizo, dancing San Juanito conveys a message of joyful
enthusiasm and national identity. People feel that it is a strong
representation of their country by embracing everything you have to
live for in life with a sense of pride and joy (Castro).
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Works Cited
https://prezi.com/mlpydnkl1ksy/ecuador-san-juanito/?webgl=0

https://sites.google.com/site/utfolklorelatino/Home/repertoire/Ecuador