The Scissors Dance with a pact with the unknown

The Scissors Dance, a traditional Peruvian Andean dance, is often associated with a pact with the unknown due to legends and beliefs about supernatural powers. The dancers, or "danzak," perform acrobatics and endurance tests that seem to challenge human limits, which has led to the belief that they have made a pact with spiritual forces, often linked to the devil or mountain spirits. The Pact and the Legend: Uncertain Origin: The Scissors Dance has pre-Incan roots and developed during the colonial era, fusing Andean elements with Christian influences. Tests of Endurance: The dancers perform feats such as eating glass, piercing their bodies with needles, walking on fire, and other tests considered impossible for an ordinary person. Belief in Pacts: Because of these tests, it is believed that the dancers have made a pact with the devil or mountain spirits to obtain these powers. Supaypa Wawa: Some call them "supaypa wawa," which means "children of the devil," because of this association with the supernatural. Syncretism: The dance also reflects a syncretism between Andean beliefs and Christianity, with the dance being accepted in some Christian celebrations, although sometimes with restrictions. Persecution: In the past, the dance was persecuted by Christian authorities, who viewed it as a manifestation of black magic. Cultural and Spiritual Significance: Cultural Expression: The Scissors Dance is a cultural expression and ritual that reflects the Andean worldview, the connection with nature, and cultural resilience. Competition: The dance is performed in competitions where dancers challenge each other, displaying their skill and endurance. Cultural Heritage: The Scissors Dance has been recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, recognizing its profound cultural and spiritual significance. In short, the Scissor Dance is a complex dance with deep historical and cultural roots, whose association with a pact with the unknown arises from the beliefs and legends surrounding the impressive skills of the dancers.