Eighteen-year-old Maria Fernanda Vargas, a senior at Wood River High School, teaches the traditional Peruvian dance “Marinera Nortena” to elementary students as part of her senior project. Through her efforts, Vargas aims to share her heritage and promote cultural appreciation, culminating in a showcase at a local restaurant. Her project reflects her dedication to education and community involvement.
Maria Fernanda Vargas, an 18-year-old senior at Wood River High School, is passionately sharing her cultural heritage by teaching traditional Peruvian dance to local elementary students. Her senior project centers around the “Marinera Nortena,” a challenging dance steeped in Peru’s history, once celebrated during the Inca Empire and its predecessors. Vargas has dedicated numerous hours weekly to instructing students at Alturas Elementary, asserting that mastering this dance equips them with the skills to perform any dance in Peru.
Having previously taught in Peru, Vargas expressed her aspiration to pass on her cultural knowledge. For her first teaching experience in the United States, she conducts weekly classes, which begin with stretches before progressing to instructional steps in rhythm with music. The culmination of her project was showcased at The Mint/La Cabañita Restaurant, reflecting a significant moment amidst public discourse about cultural dynamics and immigration.
Rodolfo Armenta, the restaurant owner, commended Vargas’s efforts in promoting Hispanic cultural events, emphasizing the importance of community support during challenging times. Vargas aims to inspire mutual aid within the community through her teachings, reinforcing cultural appreciation. Originally from Lima, she balances her commitment to dance instruction with commuting to attend high school, demonstrating her dedication to her education and cultural heritage. She believes her students have engaged well with the dance despite the short teaching duration.
The article highlights the impact of cultural exchange through dance education. The “Marinera Nortena” is not only a traditional dance of Peru but also represents a historical connection to the country’s rich heritage. By teaching this dance, Vargas embodies a cultural bridge, enhancing understanding and appreciation in her new community. In the context of rising societal challenges concerning immigration and multicultural dynamics, such initiatives play a crucial role in fostering inclusivity.
Maria Fernanda Vargas’s endeavor to teach the “Marinera Nortena” exemplifies the power of cultural education. By engaging young students in a dance that holds significance in Peruvian history, she encourages the appreciation of diversity and shared experiences. Vargas’s project not only highlights her personal dedication but also symbolizes the importance of cultural exchange in building supportive communities.
Original Source: eyeonsunvalley.com
