HISTORY OF LATIN AMERICAN DANCE

 

Whether it's the Salsa, Mambo, Cha Cha Cha, Macarena or Lambada, all of them have two common factors - rhythm and rhyme. Rhythm is defined by distinct beats and rhyme gets the whole lot grooving! We all have at some point danced, seen the dance or wished to dance in the sensuous Latin style. The frilly colorful dresses, haute pair of heels and gorgeous bodies have enamored endless spectators. Streamline bodies of male dancers have left enough number of women, just gaping at them. Such is the power of Latin dances, that it is the rhythm that the world dances to today!

The origin of Latin dances stems from the poor Europeans and negro slaves. As a recreational activity, these slaves would create music with the beat of the drums or with the mere tapping of feet. This form of music developed over the years, into Latin music for such dances. The negroes used to dance to these beats, to relax after a hard day's labor. Latin music later evolved as an amalgamation of jazz and Afro-American music.

Salsa
Salsa has its roots from the fusion of Cuban and Puerto Rican music and the jazz culture of New York. To look at its etymology, 'Salsa' literally means 'sauce'. Evidently, it derives its name from a strong flavored sauce. The dance form originates from the time when the slaves were given the liberty to dance to their own beats, on the streets. The congregation on the streets to perform these dances was called 'Santerias'. The music had complex drum beats called as 'toques'. The early stages of Salsa saw drummers mimicking the dancer's body, whereas in the modern day, it is the dancer dancing to the beats of the drummer.

Mambo
Mambo grew as a dance form of the Haitians in Cuba. Back home in Haiti, 'Mambo' means a voodoo priestess who perform the rituals of witch craft, through dancing. The music of Mambo is a blend of the Swing and Cuban music. It was Perez Prado, who introduced the dance in a night-club in Havana, in 1943. The Mambo craze did not last long however. Its biggest contribution to the Latin American dances is that it led to the origin of Cha Cha Cha.

Cha Cha Cha
Cha Cha Cha gained popularity in 1954, as an offshoot of Mambo. Previously, Cha Cha Cha was known as the 'Triple Mambo'. This dance form developed as dancers began dancing to the 'Rumba' with an extra beat. The dance derives its name from the beat, that the feet create, while performing the dance.

Macarena
The credit of Macarena goes to a Venezuelan dance teacher, who came up with the dance steps to engage her class in some activity. The famous song by 'Los del Rio' has been associated with it, since its inception.

 

HISTORY OF LATIN AMERICAN DANCE

 

The concept of Spanish dance immediately conjures up images of the strumming guitars, stomping feet and bright dresses of flamenco. While many people make this common connection between Spain and flamenco, a plethora of traditional dances from Spain's various regions weave into the lengthy history of Spanish dance. For example, not many people would ever expect to visit Spain and hear the music of bagpipes and tambourines floating through the air, yet it is the traditional music accompanying Spanish dance across northern Spain!

 

Paso doble: A quick one-step Spanish dance.

Flamenco: A passionate dance hailing from gypsies, flamenco is internationally famous. Learn more! Sevillana: Lively and joyous dance typical of Seville and reminiscent of flamenco that features four distinct parts.

 

Jota Aragonesa: This typical dance hails from the north of Spain, namely Aragón, and features a fast tempo as couples dance with their hands raised high above their heads playing castanets. Moorish influences are probable, as it is loosely attributed to a Moorish poet who was kicked out of Valencia during the 12th century.

Sardana: Several couples join hands and dance in a closed circle in this traditional dance from Catalonia.

Muñeira: Danced in twos or alone along to the music of bagpipes, this traditional "Miller's Dance" is typical throughout Galicia and Asturias.

Zambra: The zambra began as a Moorish dance, but with monarchs Fernando and Isabel's reconquista of Spain, the Moors were able to conserve the dance by adapting it to Spanish dance customs.

Bolero: One of the oldest and most traditional dances of the history of Spanish dance, the bolero is a quick Spanish dance boasting sudden pauses and sharp turns.

Fandango: At one point the most famous dance of Spain, the fandango is a lively, happy Spanish danced in two's.