Ecuador consists of three regions – mountains, coast, and rain forest – with distinct climates, topography, and cultures. The South American country’s music and dance traditions are also diverse, mixing ancient indigenous, Spanish, and West African traditions with modern day technology.
Get a taste of it all during the Ecuadorian Spring Recital at Queens Museum on Sunday, May 31, at 2 pm.
Presented by the Ecuadorian American Cultural Center, the program features performances by Ayazamana Dance Group, Ñukanchik Sapi Children’s Traditional Dance Program, and Amawta Roots.
Here’s a short primer on the talent.
Ayazamana consists of about 30 members who perform more than 15 choreographies. The troupe strives to present traditional rhythms from all three regions.
Ñukanchik Sapi is a youth ensemble for those between the ages of five and 14.
Amwata is a musical group that strives to promote various Ecuadorian musical genres.
Queens Museum, which is located in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, has a pay-as-you-wish policy. The suggested admission donation is $8 for seniors and $6 for seniors and students.
Free parking lots are on both sides of the museum.
Images: Rob MacKay (top); Ayazamana (middle); Queens Museum (bottom)