The Scissors Dance: Peru’s Tradition of Skill and Spirit

For centuries, a sound resembling clashing bells has resonated across the Peruvian Andes, as dancers perform tasks that seem to defy the laws of physics, trying to be the most talented. Peru, one of the world’s most culturally diverse countries, displays its versatility through its unique traditional dances.

One important dance is the Danza de las Tijeras, often known as the Scissors Dance. Its captivating movements, sound, and fascinating history will captivate you from the start. However, this dance is more than a performance; it offers a profound message about history, spirituality, and cultural identity. Stay with us as we unravel every nuance of this fascinating dance. Let’s plunge in!

The Origins

The Scissors Dance is a vibrant tradition from the Quechua and Ayacucho regions of the southern Peruvian Andes. It likely has roots that go back to the Spanish conquest where it played a role in indigenous rituals celebrating nature and the bond between people and their gods. 

While we may not know the exact details of its origin, you can find some legends surrounding this dance. Throughout the years, some traditional indigenous dances, including this one, faced difficulties as colonial authorities sought to suppress them because of their pre-Hispanic origins. 

A primitive version of the Scissors Dance.

In the 1500s, Spanish conquerors and the Catholic Church misinterpreted these dances as paganism, leading to the persecution of the dancers. However, it is important to understand the influence of these cultural expressions and how they have endured over time.


The Quechua term “supaypa guagua,” meaning “children of the devil” reflects how some people viewed these dancers in the past. Some thought their unique skills came from a pact with the devil, which led to unfair treatment.

However, the dance has found a new home in Christian celebrations, although with some restrictions, such as not wearing costumes in churches. This situation shows how indigenous beliefs have changed and mixed with intruders’ norms, and demonstrates the strength and creativity of these cultural traditions.

An old picture of dancers, including a dancer kid.

The dance has evolved throughout time, shifting from a way to communicate with ancient gods to a joyful celebration. It now celebrates Catholic festivals, like Christmas and Easter, brought by the Spanish.

Even with these changes, the Scissors Dance still retains many of its original spiritual aspects.  Although it continues to honor its mystical and supernatural roots, this beautiful tradition showcases the strength and creativity of Peru’s indigenous culture.

The Music

The dancers are joined by an excellent small musical band, typically consisting of a harpist and a violinist, although other instruments can be added. They cooperate to create music that is important to the performance, enhancing the rhythm and sensation of the dance. The violin plays an appealing tune that varies between melancholy and joyful, while the harp keeps a steady pace that complements the gentle clinking of the scissors.

This traditional music, called huayno, is a wonderful part of the Andean region’s culture. Its unique sound brings to mind the stunning landscapes of the highlands. The mix of this lovely music and the dance creates a captivating experience that truly reflects the spirit of Andean culture.

The Dance and Performers

The Scissors Dance is a lively and thrilling performance that showcases the performers’ skill and flexibility. In this fascinating performance, two male dancers known as “danzaq” or “danzantes” move elegantly achieving amazing acrobatic tricks to the happy rhythm of traditional Andean music. 

The term “Scissors Dance” refers to the dancers’ usage of two iron rods, or scissors, which they click together in a joyous rhythm while dancing. This presentation is an excellent representation of culture and ability! The scissors play an important role in the dance since they are an ancient spiritual tool.

Some reckless and impressive movements in the Scissors’s dance.

Each dancer enthusiastically holds a pair of blades, one in each hand, and clicks them together in time with the music and movements. The sound of the blades generates an appealing beat, which improves the performance.

Many people believe it has a special meaning, evoking the peaceful sounds of rain or the incredible roar of thunder. People believe that the scissors’ clanging wards off evil spirits and evoke protective powers. The act itself was extremely significant for indigenous peoples since it confirmed their link to the spiritual world while also showing their control over natural forces.

Danzantes Clothing

The danzantes wear vibrant costumes that truly capture the festive and spiritual spirit of the dance. These outfits are often adorned with sequins, mirrors, and other shiny materials, representing their connection to the sun and Andean gods. The bright colors and detailed designs are designed to amaze the audience and show the beauty and power of nature.

Additionally, headpieces from their outfits may include badges from the dancer’s family or locality. This clothing is an essential part of their tradition and is not only decorative. It has profound cultural and symbolic meanings that bind them to their culture and ancestors.

Dance Movements 

The dance is a competitive showcase between two performers, where each dancer strives to surpass the other by executing increasingly challenging and acrobatic moves, such as:

  • Somersaults
  • Cartwheels
  • Backflips
  • Handstands
  • Balancing acts

These movements are carried out with remarkable coordination and accuracy. The dancers expertly handle the scissors, clicking them in time with the music as they spin, jump, and flip. Keeping endurance alongside learning complex choreography is the hardest part. 

The altitude of the Andean highlands adds a layer of difficulty, as the thin air makes breathing more challenging; however, the dancers must perform without displaying signs of fatigue. This element of the performance is vital, as it is believed that the “danzantes”  are evaluated not only by the audience but also by spiritual forces.

Spiritual Meaning & Syncretism

The Scissors Dance is not only a captivating performance but also holds great spiritual importance for Andean communities. This dance symbolizes the balance of life, showing the connection between light and darkness, good and evil, and the material and spiritual worlds. 

Through their impressive movements, the dancers showcase their skills in both the physical and spiritual aspects of life. For many people, participating in the dance is a way to honor their ancestors and celebrate their cultural heritage. Dancers often prepare for this special performance through fasting and meditation, making sure they are ready to connect deeply with the spirit world. 

They act as bridges between the human experience and the divine, using their art to express gratitude and seek blessings from the spiritual forces that influence their lives. The fact that there is still religious syncretism is one of the most fascinating parts of this. For instance, the folklore of the dance including a character known as the “devil,” is a European addition.

These dancers are currently referred to as “supaypa wasin tusuq”, or “dancers of the devil’s house, and it is commonly believed that they struck bargains with evil spirits to gain their extraordinary skills. Although this belief is not shared by most practitioners, it is still widely believed and lends an air of mystery to the dance.

Legacy

These days, the Scissors Dance is a lively part of religious festivities, festivals, and competitions throughout the Andes, particularly in Ayacucho, Huancavelica, and Apurímac. It is regarded as a distinctive symbol of Peruvian cultural identity that is well-known both domestically and internationally.

In 2010, UNESCO formally recognized the Scissors Dance as part of  Intangible Cultural Heritage. This insight emphasizes how important it is to maintain Andean customs. As a result of this recognition, more people can see and appreciate the beauty of Peru’s rich cultural heritage.

We encourage you to see by yourself this dance in Peru.

A Scissors Dance performance is an unforgettable experience, providing an excellent glimpse into the Andean people’s spiritual and cultural traditions, highlighting their power, inventiveness, and deep connection to nature. 

As proof that this dance is significant for Peruvians, The Peruvian Government stated on November 16th the Dance of the Scissors Day. You can see this dance in religious festivities around Peru, such as the Virgen del Carmen festival in  Cusco, or Corpus Christi in Ayacucho. 


Peruvian Scissors Dance is a lively and compelling show of Peru’s rich cultural heritage. With origins in ancient spiritual traditions, the dance has grown into a celebration of Andean identity and tenacity. If you visit our country, seeing the Scissors Dance provides a glimpse into the mysterious realm of the highlands, where past and present collide in a magnificent display of color, music, and movement.

If you’re planning a trip to Peru, you can count on Viagens Machu Picchu. You can learn with us more about the places where you can see this dance and many other attractions in the ancient Inca land. Contact us to start living your dreams in Peru!

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