The kullawada, a Bolivian dance

The Kullawada is a Bolivian dance that represents the ancient Aymara spinners and weavers.

Its style is elegant and joyful, characterized by movements that emulate the craft of spinning.

The Dance

The dancers perform graceful and charming movements, carrying a spindle, a traditional tool used by the ancient Aymara spinners.

Basic Steps

Footstep (March):

The basic step is a rhythmic march in eight counts, using the soles of the feet. Lateral Movement: Three steps to the right and then three to the left are taken, accompanied by a rhythmic shoulder movement.

Arm Movement:

The dancers carry a kapu (traditional spindle), moving it as if they were spinning while dancing.

Turns:

Quick two-beat turns are executed to both sides, maintaining the elegance of the figure.

Characters and Choreography

Waphuri:

He is the main character and leader of the troupe. With the cry of "WAPHUR!", he indicates the changes in steps and figures in the choreography. With his movements he imitates spinning with a spindle, with repetitive shoulder movements and steps in blocks of men and women, being a showy and ostentatious character who sets the rhythm in the troupe.

Formation:

It is danced in separate blocks of men and women. It is also considered a courtship and love dance.

Choreography:

Characterized by agile steps and movements that simulate the act of spinning, with turns and changes of direction.

Music:

Originally with wind instruments (quenas, zampoñas), today it is usually accompanied by brass bands and other modern instruments.

Clothing

The clothing of both men and women is bright and colorful. The main element is the spinning wheel, which is manipulated to the rhythm and movement of the music.

Men:

Embroidered trousers, sash, vest, mask, and hat embroidered with pearls.

Women:

Skirt, embroidered blouse, jeweled bodice, decorated flat hat, and the ever-present spindle.

Characteristics of the Cullaguada

The Cullaguada (or Kullawada) is an Andean folk dance of pre-Hispanic origin, linked to the Aymara tradition of spinners and weavers. It is very important in Bolivia and Peru, especially in the Altiplano and during the Carnival of Oruro, where it represents the textile craft and has evolved to incorporate themes of love and cultural resistance. It is notable for its colorful costumes and the use of wool spindles.

Origins and History

Pre-Hispanic Era:

It is believed that the dance has its roots in the Inca Empire, being a ceremonial representation of the art of spinning and weaving, fundamental economic and social activities in Andean culture.

Influence of the Textile Workshops:

In Bolivia, the dance is linked to the colonial textile workshops near La Paz, where Indigenous people (mostly Aymara) were forced to work in textile production, and the dance became a form of resistance and cultural expression.

Meaning of the Name:

It derives from the Aymara word "kullaka" (sister) or "kullawa," and may refer to the spinners, according to Bolivian sources, or to the community of Collagua.

Evolution:

It went from being a ceremonial dance to incorporating romanticism, forbidden love, and, more recently (since the 1970s), it has become a symbol of activism and cultural resistance, with the emergence of the "Whapuri Galán" as an iconic figure.

The Kullaguada Today

This dance is a vibrant expression of Andean identity and is a central feature of the Gran Poder festivities in La Paz; it is also present in the Oruro Carnival.