SAN SIMÓN NEW ENGLAND
SAN SIMÓN NEW ENGLAND
Bolivian dance
Boston, Massachusetts
San Simón New England is part of a cultural fraternity, University Caporales de San Simón Cochabamba, that represents Bolivian dance, music, art, and culture, with branches all over the world. San Simón New England brings traditional caporal dance to new audiences as part of this prestigious and internationally recognized organization.
Caporal, or caporales, is a traditional Andean dance that comes from the Yungas region of Bolivia, a borderland between the semitropical and highland regions. This high-energy dance has taken on a deep religious meaning and is offered to the Virgin of Socavón, the patron saint of miners, in return for her blessings. It is originally based on the character of the caporal, a Spanish military guard or overseer of enslaved African-Bolivians, usually of mixed race himself, and typically dressed in heeled boots bearing large bells known as cascabeles, and carrying a hat. A female caporal dress consists of a sequined mini-dress, fancy high-heeled shoes, and a round top hat pinned to her hair. Men and women usually dance separately, with the men performing high jumps and stomping fiercely, which makes the bells jingle rhythmically. This dance acknowledges the experience of enslaved Africans in Bolivia, and honors Afro-Bolivian identity and cultural expressions.
Dance traditions are a major focus of cultural continuity for Bolivian immigrants in the New England region. Here, community gatherings featuring competitions between vividly costumed cultural fraternities, followed by a rollicking parade with music reverberating from speakers stacked in the backs of pick-up trucks, have become a well-known feature of the cultural landscape, and a huge attraction Bolivians and non-Bolivians alike. San Simón New England is no exception, and they have performed at festivals, parades, and competitions all over the world.
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