A free evening of traditional Peruvian dance is coming to North Beach as the city kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month with a professional performance at Normandy Fountain Plaza.

Miami Beach OnStage! will present ¡Baila! Miami Beach on Thursday, Sept. 17, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the plaza, 7802 Rue Vendome. The event features Sumaj Tusuy, a Miami-founded Peruvian dance company whose name means "Beautiful Dance" in Quechua, the indigenous language of the Andes.

Admission is free.

The City of Miami Beach announced the event on Aug. 21, describing it as a Hispanic Heritage Month kick-off open to residents and visitors alike.

Sumaj Tusuy was established in Miami more than 20 years ago, according to the company's website. Its repertoire spans Peru's diverse regions: Tondero from the northern Piura coast, Carnaval de Ayacucho from the highlands, Festejo from Lima and Ica, Huaylarsh Moderno from the Mantaro Valley, and Danza de la Selva from the Amazon. The company has performed internationally in Costa Rica, Mexico and Peru, as well as in Chicago, Pittsburgh and communities across Florida.

The performance is part of Miami Beach OnStage!, the city's program that stages live performances and temporary art installations in parks and public spaces throughout Miami Beach.

National Hispanic Heritage Month runs from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. The city's Hispanic Affairs Committee is also planning an awards ceremony in October to honor local contributors, though a specific date has not been announced.

Coming up:

• Thursday, Sept. 17, 7–9 p.m.: ¡Baila! Miami Beach featuring Sumaj Tusuy, Normandy Fountain Plaza, 7802 Rue Vendome. Free.
• October: Hispanic Heritage Month Awards ceremony, date not yet announced.