Dance of the Black Slaves attracts tens of thousands

[Judi Lynn]

Dance of the Black Slaves attracts tens of thousands
Mon, 20 Jun 2011 2:53p.m.

Thirty thousand Aymara dancers lined the capital streets of La Paz, Bolivia, over the weekend to perform the Dance of the Black Slaves at the annual Lord of the Great Power Festival.

Bedecked with ornate jewellery, embroidered shawls and traditional hats, the dancers stepped to the music as their colourful dresses swayed around them.

Wearing shiny white costumes and masks, the men represent the African slaves who, according to folklore, worked in Bolivian silver mines before they escaped.

While the brightness of the men's costumes symbolizes the beads of sweat from hard work, the rhythm of the traditional matraca percussion instrument symbolizes the sound of slaves' chains.

More:
http://www.3news.co.nz/Dance-of-the-Black-Slaves-attracts-tens-of-thousands/tabid/417/articleID/215755/Default.aspx?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+co%2FHCaY+%283News-+Latest+News%29

Here is a video which may be the dance, I hope:
Morenada - Llajtaymanta & Kory Waynas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWmy4-yg4to