The Suri Sicuris, ostrich dance

The Suris Sicuris, the dance that imitates the movements of the ostrich, is another specialty of the Oruro carnival.

The Suris Sicuris

This dance has pre-Hispanic roots, inspired by Andean rituals and traditions surrounding ostrich hunting and its significance. The steps of the Suri Sicuri (or Suri Sikuri) imitate the movements of the Andean ostrich (suri), combining elegance and energy with agile movements, turns, and jumps, highlighting a rhythmic footwork and a "brushing" (draggling) step, all to the beat of panpipes and bass drums. The steps include crossings, firm footwork, and arm movements coordinated with the legs, representing wildlife and Andean identity, especially during the Carnival of Oruro.

The Dance

The Suris dance is a very particular dance specialty of the Carnival of Oruro, because it imitates the movements of the ostrich as it moves. Below, we will see some of its characteristics.

Bird Imitation:

The dance is based on replicating the way an ostrich walks, turns, and moves, resulting in light and elegant steps.

Footwork and Stepping:

A strong and pronounced footwork is used, often with a syncopated rhythm, alternating firm steps with softer movements.

Leg Movements:

These involve crossing the legs, bringing them back, and performing "little leg stick-out" movements (similar to the caporal, but adapted), marking the rhythm with the foot.

Arm Coordination:

The arms move in coordination with the legs, often crossing over the leg being stick-out, adding grace and fluidity.

Sweeping Step:

A movement where the feet glide or "sweep" the floor, adding a touch of lightness.

Musical Elements:

It is danced to the sound of Andean instruments such as the siku (panpipes) and the bass drum, which mark a lively and festive rhythm.

Attire

The dancers wear outfits adorned with ostrich feathers and decorated hats, emphasizing the bird theme. The most striking feature is the circular headdresses made of rhea feathers, along with colorful costumes and sometimes a breastplate (qhawa).

Music

It still retains its traditional Andean essence. The melody is played with sikus (panpipes) and percussion, creating an elegant rhythm that imitates the ostrich's movements, although over time the songs have also been performed by ensembles using more modern instruments.

Symbolism

It represents strength, fertility, good fortune, and the cultural connection to the Andean environment.

History and Origin:

The Suri Sicuri is an Andean folk dance that represents the hunting of the ostrich (suri) in the highlands, combining the imitation of its movements with music played on sikús (panpipes). It has pre-Hispanic roots, although the modern, stylized version was popularized at the Carnival of Oruro in 1974, blending elements of dances such as the chunchu and the sicuri, symbolizing good fortune and a connection with Andean nature.

Pre-Hispanic Roots:

The dance is inspired by ancestral rituals of the Aymara and Quechua communities, especially in Bolivia and Peru, for hunting the suri (Andean rhea). The feather headdress (penacho) was used to enhance the hunter's appearance and frighten the bird, facilitating its capture.

Components:

It combines the "Suri" (the ostrich) and the "Sicuri" (music and dance with sikus, panpipes), uniting a hunting dance with wind instrument music.

Evolution and Controversy:

While it has ancient origins, the version seen today, especially in the Carnival of Oruro (Bolivia), was created and stylized by choreographer Ernesto Velasco in 1974, fusing indigenous dances such as the chunchu sicuri.

The Suris Today

It is danced in important Andean festivities such as the Carnival of Oruro, the Gran Poder festival in La Paz, and other celebrations in Bolivia, Peru, Chile, and Argentina, keeping the Andean cultural heritage alive.

How to Practice the Steps (Simplified):

Taming:

Step firmly with one foot, then the other, as if marking the rhythm with a "one, two, three, four".

Crosses and Steps:

Cross one foot in front of the other, then step one leg out to the side or backward, accompanying with the opposite arm.

Add the "Pum-Pum":

Integrate tapping sounds with the firm steps (pum-pum) into the count.

Incorporate Arms:

Step one foot out and move the opposite arm, creating a fluid diagonal.

The Bounce:

Add small jumps or bounces at the end of the step sequences to give them more energy.