LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — A local Ecuadorian dancing group is working to preserve their cultural heritage through weekly gatherings and community showcases at the Winchester Dondero Cultural Center in Clark County.
The group, called Ayllu Tushuq, meets every week to dance and create arts and crafts that showcase their Ecuadorian culture. The organization recently held an exhibition featuring artifacts brought directly from Ecuador.
MORE: Ecuadorian dance group celebrates culture with new exhibit in Clark County
Cultural preservation through community
Project Ecuador aims to help Ecuadorians living in Las Vegas maintain connections to their homeland while building community in their new city.
“Whenever you leave your home country, you can feel a type of way. You can miss where you’re from without actually wanting to go back there,” said reporter Karla Salinas.
The group welcomes anyone interested in learning about Ecuadorian culture, regardless of their background. Members said the only requirement for joining is a desire to learn and participate.
Weekly gatherings feature traditional dance
The dancing component of Project Ecuador involves partnerships between men and women performing traditional Ecuadorian dances. Group members are not professional dancers but gather weekly to practice and share their cultural traditions with the Las Vegas community.
Irma Varela, project supervisor for the Winchester Dondero Cultural Center, helps coordinate cultural showcases like Project Ecuador’s exhibition. Varela was recently honored at Las Vegas’ Latino Honor Awards for her work preserving culture in the community.
The cultural center continues to host exhibitions and events that highlight the diverse Latino communities in Las Vegas.
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