23 July 2010
Venezuelan dance at Bolivar Hall pays tribute to African, Spanish and Indigenous roots

Fully decorated with Venezuelan flags all over the stage, Bolivar Hall of London was the centre of Venezuelan music, dance and folklore last night. Twenty-two talented dancers, led by the experienced Venezuelan dancer and choreographer Doni Fierro, took the stage and electrified the public who packed the venue to watch this brilliant demonstration of Venezuelan culture.

The dancers, who dressed in traditional and fine designed customs, began their performance with an African dance accompanied by drums and congas followed by the beats of Indigenous dances from the Amazonia, and continued with Spanish flamenco.

The point was to exemplify the original sounds and rhythms that have historically made up Venezuelan music. Hence the last part of the performance was dedicated to traditional Venezuelan popular music and dance, such as Moliendo Café, En Venezuela, Adios a la LLanera and Alma Llanera.

“This is a great example of Venezuelan culture. I wish we could see more of this at Bolivar Hall and other venues in London”, said Nicolas Paniagua, a Venezuelan who lives in London. This cultural fest was part of the celebrations of the 200th anniversary of the Venezuelan Independence. Press Unit of the Venezuelan Embassy in London