Cultural
history gathered in daily living during 58 years, walking
through chaquiñanes (short-cuts), reading the
bark of trees, smelling wild flowers, sleeping in the
arms of the páramo, eating toasted corn, oca
and drinking chahuarmishque (sweet water), collecting
textures and colors, sharing the sun, the rain and the
wind.
17
Years of exposing our Culture
The traditions of various ecuadorian
communities are represented in stage.
The National Folkloric Ballet Jacchigua
was born in the hand of Mr. José Vicente Mantilla,
in the Theater Bolívar. During the debut, no
one could believe what they were seeing, the questions
flooded: Where is the director from?, the choreographer?.
From Pilligsillí. Pilligsillí? In what
european country is Pilligsillí?
The audience could not recognize the
national cultural manifestations. Sagaruro, Cacha, the
dancers from Maca Grande, Saint John festivities from
Poaló, the festivity of Inti-Raimi (Sun God),
the festivity of Saint Peter and Saint Paul.. This is
the moment when the decision is made that this not going
to be just another dance group in the country. It was
created in the passion for art and with the fundamental
objective of stimulating culture.
The National Folkloric Ballet Jacchigua is of poor and
rich, tall and small, plump and thin, mestizo, black
and indian, it is the image and face of Ecuador.
Jacchigua became a permanent show and
a tourist cultural attraction in the National Theater
Sucre under the auspices of Mr. Eduardo Proaño
of Metropolitan Touring. “At last my dream has
become reality; Ecuador has a ballet like other important
cities in the world”. This quote came from a visionary
man and dreamer of Ecuador, when he first saw Rafael
Camino´s work and the latter one did not fully
understood the magnitude of Mr. Proaño´s
words. During this last 17 years an exceptional audience
has admired the passages of this ensemble filled with
necklaces, earrings, hats, ponchos, shawls, skirts,
baskets, offerings, etc., exposed in each of the choreographies,
in which dancers and musicians of Jacchigua are transported
to a magic world of national culture with experiences
and ancestral traditions enriched with ethnic elements,
exposed for the remembrance of life.
Rafael Camino
recaptures the ecuadorian national identity from his
own experiences.
In Quito, World Cultural Patrimony,
as of 16 years a project is consolidated, one of Permanent
Cultural Investment, allowing to maintain and to recuperate
the memory of a multi culture nation, full of contrasts
and unique colors embraced by snow covered volcanoes,
transmitting the joy of life with values and sensitivity,
claiming it as its own.
Rafael Camino Collantes, inspired in
communities such as his native, Pilligsillí,
Maca Chico, La Compañía and Poaló,
decided to project a reality: the wisdom of the people
and it’s festivities, characters, dance, music,
costumes, textures and rituals. Based in his own experiences
which allowed him to open his eyes to the magnificence
of the Cotopaxi, to live next to the land, the coldness,
the gorges, rest next to the pampas grass and straw.
He grew up as a sensitive human being next to the warmth
of Mama Miche, Taita (father) Nepatalí, Cunchi,
Loma, Rosa María, Taita Pacho, Manuel Duque,
José and Loenidas Velásquez, Clementina,
María, José, Laura, Libia, Manuel and
Miche chiquita (the little one).
He lived with the longos (mestizos), sabouring quinua,
lima beans, oca, wild cherries (capulí), cactus
pear, loading the water vessels, cleaning the water
canals, running, laughing, looking and conversing with
each one of the elders that would tell him their memories.
Afterwards, he would understand the social folklore,
literature, medicine, poetry, linguistics of a unique
people in the world, so small and beautiful that relishes
in its cosmic richness with beaches, churches, landscapes
and with a biodiversity without comparison for amazement
of own and foreigners.
Rafael Camino, creator of this cultural
reality, from the very beginning retrieves colors, textures,
shapes and designs of his own for each one of the characters
bathed with sensitivity.
Watching Jacchigua spectators will find a living museum
of priostes, (festivity arrangers) and accompanying
persons dressed as we are in our festivities. A goal
is accomplished by having transmitted the festivities
as part of life of the mestizos, indians, afro-ecuadorians.
It is necessary to represent a family identity that
is handed from generation to generation with respect
and values from the first encounter to death, asking
for blessings from the taitas (fathers) and the mamas,
saluting the neighbor and the compadre (godfather).
This was much needed in Quito and in Ecuador, so that
we would not lose our pride and identity.
The experiences
of the cultural process lived by Jacchigua have been
shared internationally.
Jacchigua is the representative
of the folk culture of Ecuador.
Jacchigua is a marvel of folk
culture in the world.
Jacchigua is the recipient of
the prize “Arriba Ecuador” given by
the UNP (the
National Union of Journalists).
Jacchigua is the recipient of
the “Best folkloric dance in the Continent”
given by CIAD ( )
Jacchigua, second prize for
the American continent, ITB Germany (2005, Tourism
Trade Fair).
Jacchigua, first prize, national
dances, Quitsa-To, 2004.
Jacchigua, recipient of local
awards, national and trade recognition.
Jacchigua Foundation achieves
an international agreement to professionalize its
members, pilot project for several Andean countries.
Jacchigua has performed in several
national events, as well as international events such
as the Miss Universe, Quito-2004, CNN, OAS (Organization
of American States). Illustrious visitors: Duchess of
Alba, Princess Elena, Luciano Benetton.
Rafael Camino has been invited to symposiums, conferences
and as jury of international festivals, inaugural events
in Quito, World Cultural Patrimony.
Daily work has
permitted this dance group to be valued, in different
stages in the world.
Jacchigua does give cultural
service since its creation; it is the cultural attraction
of Ecuador to the world.
Jacchigua respects the cultural
work of others.
Jacchigua is the reflection
of the folk culture of Ecuador, gathered from the
coexistence with the people, a life time task of
Rafael Camino: Producer, Director and Choreographer
of the Jacchigua Foundation. Trade Mark, for each
and every one of the activities of this cultural
group.
The sensitivity, knowledge and
the representation of the characters next to the
textures and colors shown in each aspect of the
98 choreographies, allow the spectator to absorb
the values with identity, consolidated with the
superb quality of interpretation of the dancers.
Jacchingua is original and its
style shows a technique of its own, hence, becoming
a school, creativity is the core; important part
of this process.
Jacchigua, enforces formative
discipline to its members, allowing the joining
of future members and dancers of folkloric dance
in Ecuador.
Jacchigua has created a style
in Ecuador, Latin-American, the American continent
and the world and as a result of this equation,
becomes the reference of Folkloric Projection of
Dance. The objective being the accumulation of folkloric
history, put together so that the spectator can
enjoy, cry and ultimately feeling free to create
memories according to the collective memory of a
diverse nation.
Jacchigua keeps a professional
support team to enrich the process of growth, assistants,
instructors, designers, artisans and musicians.
In Jacchigua are Rafael, his
children and grandchildren to keep this project
of cultural investment.
Jacchigua is conformed by 365
dancers and their families that believed in their
country and enjoy showing what we are. The dancers
put into the scenario national elements that bring
out the dignity and identity of Ecuador.
