FUNDRAISING Bolivian Folkloric Dance Workshop - Tinku & Caporales
About this Event
BOLIVIA at EDINBURGH CARNIVAL
Fundraising Bolivian Dance Workshops: Tinku & Caporales
Dance, Culture, Energy & Community Gathering
Discover the rhythm, energy and passion of two powerful Bolivian dances: Tinku and Caporales.
Join us for a special fundraising afternoon dedicated to Bolivian culture, dance and community. This event is an opportunity to learn, connect and understand the meaning behind two of Bolivia’s most energetic and symbolic traditional dances.
Bolivia, located in the heart of South America, is home to one of the world’s most spectacular cultural celebrations: the Oruro Carnival, Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, celebrated in devotion to the Virgen de la Candelaria, also known as the Virgen del Socavón. This carnival brings together music, dance, faith, craftsmanship and community pride.
Behind every dance, there are artisans, musicians, dancers and families who work throughout the year to keep these traditions alive. The colourful handmade costumes, powerful music and expressive movements are not only part of Bolivia’s cultural identity but also an important source of livelihood for many communities.
This event is about more than learning steps. It is about sharing the meaning, history and cultural pride behind these beautiful dances.
Tinku Dance Workshop
From Potosí, Bolivia - Land of *Charango
Teachers: Benjamin Mendoza and Paola Vega
Time: 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Tinku is a powerful Andean dance inspired by ancestral ritual encounters between Indigenous communities in the Bolivian highlands. The word “Tinku” means “meeting” or “encounter”.
This dance is deeply connected to community festivities and rituals traditionally held before the planting season. Through music, movement and symbolic encounter, Tinku represents a way of connecting with Pachamama — Mother Earth — to ask for fertility, abundance and protection for the year ahead, so the land may produce crops and fruits to nourish the community.
With strong steps, energy and rhythm, Tinku expresses strength, unity, resistance, gratitude and the deep relationship between people, land and tradition.
In this workshop, you will learn the basic movements, rhythm, posture and cultural meaning behind this expressive Bolivian dance.
Caporales Dance Workshop
From Los Yungas, La Paz, Bolivia
Teachers: Lyli Arteaga & Alex Urban
Time: 4:45 PM – 6:15 PM
Caporales is one of Bolivia’s most iconic and electrifying folkloric dances. Inspired by Afro-Bolivian roots and Andean cultural expression, Caporales combines strength, elegance, rhythm and pride.
The dance is known for its powerful footwork, energetic jumps and spectacular costumes. Traditionally, male dancers perform strong, almost acrobatic movements, while female dancers bring elegance, rhythm, sensuality and grace to the choreography.
In this workshop, you will learn core Caporales steps, posture, coordination and group choreography in a fun and welcoming environment.
6:30 - 8:00 Bolivia Party
What to Expect
- Introduction to the history and cultural meaning of Tinku and Caporales
- Warm-up and step-by-step dance instruction
- Basic movements, posture, rhythm and coordination
- Group choreography and dance practice
- Music, energy and community spirit
- Social dance party and gathering after the workshops
- Dance animations with Albi Mendoza
No previous dance experience is required. Everyone is welcome!
What to Bring
Please wear comfortable clothes and trainers.
We also recommend bringing:
- A bottle of water
- A towel
- Your energy, rhythm and enthusiasm
Tickets
£12 per workshop
£20 for both workshops
Both ticket options include access to the dance party.
Supporting the Cause
All funds raised will go towards supporting the travel expenses of the invited Bolivian dance groups from London.
Your support helps us keep Bolivian culture alive, visible and dancing here in the UK.
Come to learn, dance, connect and celebrate Bolivia with us.
Then come to cheer us up at the Edinburgh Carnival on the Sunday 19th, 1-6 pm in Princess St.
We look forward to seeing you!
*Tinku comes from Norte Potosí, a region of Bolivia deeply connected to Andean traditions, music and community life. This region is also strongly associated with the charango, a small Andean string instrument, usually with 10 strings, similar in size to a ukulele. The charango is believed to have developed during colonial times, inspired by European string instruments brought to the Andes, especially around Potosí, once one of the most important silver-mining cities in the world.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/G5gyV-jWMKw
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 5.00 to GBP 20.00
