The Dance of the Scissors (Danza de las Tijeras): Tradition and Meaning immediately captivates any spectator with its hypnotic metallic sound and gravity-defying acrobatic movements. Can you imagine witnessing a dance where performers execute impossible pirouettes while clashing two pieces of metal as if they were extensions of their own body? This ancestral Andean cultural manifestation, declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, represents much more than a spectacle: it is a form of cultural resistance, a dialogue with the divine, and a demonstration of unparalleled physical skill. Discover the mysterious world of the “danzantes de tijeras” (scissors dancers), who according to tradition, obtain their extraordinary abilities through pacts with supernatural entities. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this fascinating artistic expression that you can only authentically find in the Peruvian Andes.
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What Is the Origin of the Dance of the Scissors?
The origin of the Dance of the Scissors dates back to the 16th century, during the period of indigenous resistance against Spanish colonization and the imposition of Catholicism in the Andean region of Peru. This cultural manifestation specifically emerged in the territories that today comprise the departments of Ayacucho, Huancavelica, and Apurímac, as an expression of spiritual and cultural rebellion against forced evangelization.
Historians and anthropologists agree that this dance is intimately linked to the movement known as “Taki Onqoy” (disease of the song), an indigenous ideological and religious rebellion that promoted the return to traditional Andean beliefs and the rejection of Catholic imposition. In this context, the first scissors dancers were considered representatives of ancestral deities like the Apus (spirits of the mountains) and the Pachamama (Mother Earth).
The historical evolution of this dance reflects the cultural syncretism that characterizes many Andean manifestations. Despite its origin as a symbol of resistance, it gradually incorporated elements of the dominant culture, as can be seen in some aspects of the attire. However, it maintained its ritual essence and its connection with the forces of nature, so important in the Andean worldview.
Various colonial chronicles refer to these dancers, describing them as individuals with supernatural powers and extraordinary abilities. These early descriptions already mentioned the use of metallic instruments that produced rhythmic sounds, precursors to the current “tijeras” (scissors) that give the dance its name.
Why Is It Called the Dance of the Scissors?
The Dance of the Scissors gets this particular name due to the characteristic instrument used by the dancers during their performance. Unlike what many might imagine, these are not conventional cutting scissors but two independent metallic pieces that, together, resemble the shape of scissors. These pieces, traditionally made of tempered steel or, in some cases, silver, measure approximately 25 centimeters each and have a thickness that allows them to resonate when struck against each other.
The instrument, known in Quechua as “haqtacha” or “chakwas,” consists of two separate metallic plates that the dancer holds in their right hand and clatters rhythmically throughout the dance. Manipulating these pieces requires great skill, as the dancer must coordinate the sound produced with body movements and the rhythm of the accompanying music, thus creating a complex symphony of metallic sounds.
The importance of these “tijeras” goes beyond the merely instrumental; they hold a deep symbolic meaning in the Andean worldview. According to traditional beliefs, the metallic sound they produce serves as a means of communication with nature deities, primarily the Apus or spirits of the mountains. Each dancer establishes a special relationship with their scissors, considering them sacred objects that cannot be manipulated by other people.
The name also reflects the historical connection with tools brought by the Spanish during colonization. Some anthropologists suggest that the adoption of this metallic element represents the appropriation and reinterpretation of foreign cultural elements, transforming them into symbols of resistance and Andean cultural identity.
When Is the Day of the Dance of the Scissors Celebrated?
The National Day of the Dance of the Scissors is officially celebrated every November 25 in Peru, a date established by National Directorial Resolution No. 1208/INC of the National Institute of Culture (now the Ministry of Culture) in 2005. This commemorative date seeks to recognize and promote one of the most emblematic cultural expressions of Peruvian intangible heritage, also declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation in the same year.
The choice of November for this celebration is not coincidental, as it coincides with the start of the rainy season in the Andean region, a period traditionally linked to ceremonies of gratitude to the Pachamama (Mother Earth) for the fertility of the fields. Historically, the Dance of the Scissors was performed precisely as part of these agricultural rituals and as a way to invoke good omens for the coming harvests.
During this commemorative day, various events and competitions (“atipanakuy”) are held in different localities across the country, the most important taking place in Ayacucho, Huancavelica, and Lima. Thousands of spectators, both local and tourists, have the opportunity to witness the impressive demonstrations of physical and spiritual skill by the dancers.
It’s worth noting that, while there is this official day of celebration, the Dance of the Scissors can be seen throughout the year in different contexts:
- At patron saint festivals in Andean towns, mainly between May and December.
- During celebrations of the traditional agricultural calendar.
- At cultural events in large cities like Lima, Ayacucho, and Huancavelica.
- On special dates like the Cultural Heritage celebration.
For travelers interested in witnessing authentic performances of this dance, it is advisable to coordinate your visit with a local festival in the regions of Ayacucho or Huancavelica, where the tradition remains more faithful to its ancestral roots.
How Is the Dance of the Scissors Performed?
The performance of the Dance of the Scissors constitutes a spectacle of extraordinary technical and artistic complexity, structured in specific sequences or “tonadas” that follow an established ritual order. A complete traditional performance can last several hours or even days, divided into different segments that test the dancers’ various skills.
The typical development of this dance follows a format known as “atipanakuy” (competition or challenge), where two or more dancers face each other to demonstrate who possesses greater physical skill, endurance, and spiritual connection. This competition is divided into specific sequences:
- Alba or Entrance: Begins at dawn with slow and ceremonial movements serving as warm-up and presentation.
- Pampa: Includes sequences of jumps and acrobatic movements of medium difficulty.
- Alto Ensayo: Features more elaborate choreographies with greater speed and precision.
- Zapateo (Footwork): Sequence characterized by complex rhythmic patterns performed with the feet.
- Prueba de Valor (Test of Courage): The most impactful phase, where dancers perform extreme tests to demonstrate their physical endurance, such as piercing their body with needles, eating live animals, walking on broken glass, or lying on cacti.
Throughout the performance, the dancer maintains a constant rhythm with their scissors, clashing them in time with the music played by the accompanying musical ensemble, traditionally consisting of harp and violin. The metallic sound of the scissors integrates perfectly with these instruments, creating a unique and characteristic sound.
The body movements combine acrobatic elements with traditional steps, including:
- Forward and backward somersaults
- Contortions and inverted positions
- Spins on their own axis at high speed
- Full turns in the air
- Controlled falls and instant recoveries
The technique requires years of physical and mental training, generally beginning in childhood. Experienced dancers can perform over 200 different steps, each with a specific symbolic meaning within the tradition.
The Dancers and Their Role in Tradition
The scissors dancers, known in Quechua as “Danzaq” or “Tusuq,” hold a unique place in Andean tradition, being considered much more than simple artists or dancers. These figures are seen as intermediaries between the human and spiritual worlds, possessors of supernatural abilities that allow them to execute extraordinary physical feats while maintaining a deep connection with the forces of nature.
According to traditional beliefs, a true scissors dancer obtains their powers through a mystical pact with supernatural entities, especially with the Wamani (spirits of the mountains). This pact is usually sealed in sacred places like high-altitude lakes, caves, or waterfalls. From this moment, the dancer not only acquires exceptional physical abilities but also knowledge of traditional medicine, weather prediction, and other ancestral wisdom.
A dancer’s training generally begins in childhood, between 7 and 10 years old, under the tutelage of an experienced master. This learning includes:
- Rigorous physical training to develop strength, flexibility, and balance
- Mastery of the scissors manipulation techniques
- Learning traditional choreographic sequences
- Oral transmission of mystical and symbolic knowledge
- Instruction on respect for ritual elements and taboos
Traditionally, only men could become scissors dancers, although in recent decades women dancers have also emerged who are fighting to keep this tradition alive, facing cultural resistance but progressively gaining recognition.
In the Andean social structure, dancers enjoy great respect and prestige. During festivities, they assume the symbolic representation of their communities, and their performance is interpreted as an omen regarding the collective well-being. A good performance portends prosperity for the entire community, while a defeat can be considered a bad omen.
Throughout their life, a dancer develops their own style and artistic personality, adopting ceremonial names such as “Qori Sisicha” (Golden Ant), “Halcón” (Falcon), or “Centella” (Spark/Lightning), which reflect admired qualities within the Andean worldview and identify them during ritual competitions.
What Is the Typical Attire in the Dance of the Scissors Like?
The typical attire in the Dance of the Scissors is one of the most elaborate and symbolic costumes within Peruvian cultural manifestations. Each element of this clothing has a specific meaning within the Andean worldview, representing the fusion between pre-Hispanic and colonial elements that characterize this tradition.
The dancer’s complete attire includes the following distinctive components:
- Montera: A semicircular hat decorated with mirrors, multicolored ribbons, flowers, and metallic elements. The mirrors serve the symbolic function of reflecting sunlight, establishing a connection with celestial deities. In some regional variations, the montera can be up to 40 centimeters high, increasing the dancer’s stage presence.
- Mask or Antifaz: In some regions, dancers use an antifaz (mask) that covers the upper half of the face, representing their attributed mysterious and supernatural character. This piece is often decorated with symbolic motifs such as snakes or geometric figures.
- Pechera and Espaldera: Embroidered pieces that cover the chest and back, profusely decorated with sequins, metallic threads, and motifs representing elements of nature like flowers, animals, or celestial bodies. These embroideries can weigh several kilograms and require months of artisanal work.
- Shirt: Generally in bright colors like red, green, or blue, with wide sleeves that facilitate acrobatic movements.
- Waq’ollo: A large and colorful scarf covering part of the back, decorated with tassels and fringes.
- Belt or Chumpi: A wide sash that encircles the waist, often embroidered with symbolic motifs identifying the dancer’s regional origin.
- Pants: Baggy type up to the knees, made of velvet or corduroy, generally in dark colors like black or navy blue, with embroidered side applications.
- Socks: Long and in striking colors, frequently with geometric patterns.
- Shoes: Specially designed to facilitate acrobatic movements and footwork (“zapateo”), with soles that provide good grip on the ground.
- The Scissors: The most emblematic element, which the dancer carries in their right hand throughout the performance. These metallic pieces are often personalized with engravings that identify their owner.
The predominant colors in the attire vary depending on the dancer’s regional origin. For example, those from Ayacucho often prefer red and black tones, while those from Huancavelica lean towards blues and greens. This chromatic differentiation allows immediate identification of the artist’s origin during competitions.
The complete attire can weigh between 15 and 20 kilograms (approximately 33 to 44 pounds), which adds difficulty to the already demanding acrobatics performed by the dancers. Despite this weight, the performers must maintain agility and precision in all their movements, thus demonstrating their exceptional physical and spiritual preparation.