Ecuadorian Dance Group Sisay Pacha

SISAY PACHA:
FLOWERING TIME🌼TIEMPO DE FLORECIMIENTO

In 2022, a group of Pan American International High School students gathered together to organize themselves to perform traditional Ecuadorian dances for theirschool community and the extended New York City community. They choreographed their own dances inspired by their culture. They met every school day to practice a series of choreographies, using the knowledge they brought from their country, Ecuador. The students prepared a traditional dance, with traditional dresses, through which they celebrated their indigenous roots. For the last 2 years, they were invited to perform among the groups selected for the Matthew Westerby Dance Co.Youth Dance Platform in Manhattan. They were also invited to perform in several events of the Arts and Literacy After School program, performing for over 300 children and families. Each year, a new generation of dancers join the group. The Sisay Pacha Ecuadorian Dance group is a great source of pride for their members as well as the Pan American International High School Community.

Photos from the MWC Youth Dance Platform 2025 by photographer/videographer Becca Vision.

SISAY PACHA 2024-25

Each year, new members join Sisay Pacha, the PAIHS Ecuadorian Dance Group. By learning and creating dances that reflect their cultural heritage, the members of Sisay Pacha celebrate and represent their origins. This year, Sisay Pacha even has members who are not Ecuadorian. By doing what they love, they invite others to love what they do! The beautiful costumes, the music and the dance movements are a living lesson in culture, art and the beauty of indigenous cultures. Sisay Pacha is Quichua for "Blossoming Time," and the members of this beautiful dance group have blossomed into young artists who are dedicated fully to the art of traditional Ecuadorian dance.

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SISAY PACHA

In September 2024, our Ecuadorian Dance Group's name became SISAY PACHA, which means "flowering time." In this video: the first performance of school year 2023-24 at Pan American International High School.

SISAY PACHA During the Matthew Westerby Company Youth Dance Platform on 5/4/24

Jhostin, Jose, Diego

Marjorie and Mom

Leydi helps her friends.

Guys taking a break...

Marjorie P. and her family preparing.

Queyli and Michelle

Marjorie and Mom

Anahi gets her make up.

Tying the sash.

Shirley's Hair is perfect.

Girls pose.

Strong men.

The performance at The Hudson Guild Theater was a success. MWC will provide professional videos and images soon!

Malverne High School

4-15-2024

Sisay Pacha was invited to participate in the Malverne High School International Night by Ms. Katie, former PAIHS teacher. They had a lot of fun and performed for Malverne students and staff in Long Island, NY.

Getting ready with Ms. Katie

Fun and cool

Going around

Laughing

Alex

Just more fun

Nervous but ready

Listening

These are some photos taken during the Hispanic Celebration at the Queens Family Court, where Sisay Pacha performed for the court staff and guests in November 2023.

The New Group

Sisay Pacha was invited to perform at the Queens Family Court during the Hispanic Heritage Celebration in November 2023.

Rehearsing before performing at the Queens Family Court

They rehearsed outside the court right before the performance.

Our beautiful dancers

Dressed in traditional costume, our dancers make us proud. As they dance, their beauty shines bright!

3/2023

Great News! We have been invited to participate in The MWC Youth Dance Platform on Saturday April 22nd at the Hudson Guild Theatre.

■ A pre-performance community workshop will be held with MWC Company members before the show starting at 2pm.

■ Performance is at 3pm.

■ Tickets for families & friends will be on-sale in March; each group will receive one complimentary ticket for the show.

Congratulations to all our young dancers for their hard work and commitment to promoting their culture and roots!

11/23/22

ORGULLO INDÍGENA

Group: INSPIRACIÓN ANDINA

Dancers: Blanca Bermeo, Deysi Guaman, Maritza Toapanta, Jesenia Chale, Marjorie Paredes, Ibeth Guacho, Nancy Guaman, Anahi Tacuri, Milton Mizquero, Edgar Guaman

Text and presentation of group by: Mayra Arcentales

"Good morning, Principal and distinguished teachers. Some students who like traditional Ecuadorian dance have prepared something inspired by our culture. We have met every school day for the last two weeks to practice this dance, using the knowledge we bring from our country, Ecuador. Some of us are more experienced while others are just learning. Above all, we want to share and present this dance so that the school community knows a little more about our culture. The students have prepared a traditional dance from our country, with traditional dresses, through which we celebrate our indigenous roots. We hope you like it!"

Photo by Ms. Cabrera

Traditional costume from Ecuador

Photo by Ms. Cabrera

Dacing for our school

Getting Ready to dance

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12/23/22 International High School for Health Sciences

The Inspiración Andina Ecuadorian Dance Group was invited to perform at the International High School for Health Sciences Talent Show on 12/23/2022. They were recieved with great enthusiasm by their fellow international students and performed a new dance they created especially for this occassion.

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1/18/23 Lighthouse Collaborative Visit at PAIHS

Inspiración Andina presented during the Lighthouse collaborative visit, when education leaders, teachers, CBOs and other guests interested in exceptional educational practices visited our school, chosen as one of 2 best high schools in NYC.