Mi Perú-MN performs at the annual Peruvian fundraising event held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Mendota Heights, whose donations support a church in Chimbote, Peru. Ca. 2018 or 2019. Photo used with the permission of Mi Perú-Minnesota.

Valicha dancers show reverence to the Inca emperor as he enters onto the stage. From a performance by Mi Perú-Minnesota at the International School of Minnesota's annual International Day, held in Eden Prairie. Photo by Stan Waldhauser, 2024. Used with the permission of Stan Waldhauser.

The elegant essence of the marinera dance is portrayed here by members of Mi Perú-Minnesota during the annual International Day performance at the International School of Minnesota in Eden Prairie. Photo by Stan Waldhauser, 2024. Used with the permission of Stan Waldhauser.

Rosario Parodi Bretey shows the joy of dancing valicha, a dance from the city of Cusco, Peru. Photograph by Kaia Myers, ca. 2018 or 2019. Used with the permission of Mi Perú-Minnesota.

Lucia Carlson shows off attire for a marinera dance: a pleated skirt, gold earrings and a hair brooch, a Peruvian flag-colored belt, and a flower hair piece. Ca. 2018 or 2019. Photograph by Kaia Myers. Used with the permission of Mi Perú-Minnesota.

Mi Perú-MN dances for the Minnesota community at their Peruvian Independence Day Celebration event, held at the Recreation Outdoor Center in St. Louis Park, ca. 2018 or 2019. Used with the permission of Mi Perú-Minnesota.

Colorful outfits with long skirts enhance the energetic and joyful movements of festejo, an Afro-Peruvian dance from the southern coast of Peru. Photo (ca. 2023) used with the permission of Mi Perú-Minnesota.

Huaylarsh dance attire with intricate designs of embroidered flowers and birds. This festive harvesting dance is a patrimony of the Andes region of Peru. Photo by Sarah Leon Waddell, 2022. Used with the permission of Sarah Leon Waddell Photography.

Marinera dancers after their presentation at the International Institute of Minnesota’s Festival of Nations 2019, held at Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul. Photo used with the permission of Mi Perú-Minnesota.

Tondero, an expressive dance that resembles a bird love ritual, features movements that follow the rhythms of the cajón box drum. Photo by Sarah Leon Waddell, 2022. Used with the permission of Sarah Leon Waddell Photography.