Bonny Melendez

'Passing of the Pañuelo', which features my mother (Maria) and youngest sister (Amanda) embracing each other through the traditional Peruvian dance, Marinera. Although the dance is typically performed between a man and a woman in courting, this mother-daughter interpretation has become deeply personal and meaningful. As I watched them practice together, bonding over the instruments, songs, and technique, I felt a sense of inspiration. This is more than just a dance; it's an act of love and a passing of values. The exchange of the Pañuelo symbolizes the energy that flows between them, representing the cause and effect of giving and receiving of maternal knowledge and wisdom. 'Passing of the Pañuelo' serves as a reminder of the powerful connection between maternal love and the expression of joy.