HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
A Brief Overview of Latin American Dancing By Ivana Rodal Fernandez
Latin American dancing is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of dance styles originating from the cultures of Mexico, Central America, and the portions of South America and the Caribbean colonized by the Spanish and the Portuguese. Many of the traditional Latin American dances reflect mixtures of Indigenous, African, and Spanish influences that have spread throughout the region. Many of these dances are characterized by lively rhythms, colorful dressing, and passionate themes. Due to the general broadness of the term, Latin American dance can be broken down into various regional styles and ‘types’ of dance.
The New York Times 2023
In the wider region of Latin America, many A good example of the cultural blend in dance typical and popular dance styles include Salsa and is the Baile Folklorico Mexicano, or Mexican Folklor- Rumba (Cuba), Bachata and Merengue (Dominican ic Dance, which began in central Mexico during the Republic), Cumbia (Colombia), Tango (Argentina Pre-Hispanic era as a ritualistic and celebratory dance and Uruguay), Samba (Brazil), Flamenco (Spain and integral to religious and societal practice. These danc- Mexico), and many others; and they are all characes usually paid respects or homage to gods, celebrated terized by unique rhythm, themes, and a special, inagricultural cycles and milestones, and marked signif- dependent vibrancy to the movement. icant events such as wars, eclipses, or an especially good harvest. With the arrival of Spanish conquisTo say dancing is an integral part of Latin tadors in the early 16th century, Spanish beliefs and American culture is an understatement, as dancing traditions merged with indigenous practices. Dance, has been a medium for cultural expression for centhen, became a tool for religious conversion and cul- turies. It serves as a means to showcase the rich and tural assimilation, with traditional dances adapted to diverse heritage of each region, and is also a huge incorporate Roman-Catholic themes and rhythms. part of social gatherings and celebrations in Latin By the early 20th century, Folkloric dance styles had America, such as weddings, religious festivals, fibeen well-established, such as EL Jarabe Tapatío, El estas, local fairs, or parades; with dancing often at Huapango, or La Danza de Los Viejitos. The Mexi- the heart of these events. It is also tied to a sense can Revolution and the independence of Mexico from of national identity in Latin American countries, Spain brought a renewed interest in indigenous and seen as symbols of cultural pride of the country’s folkloric traditions. Artists, intellectuals, and govern- lineage. People come together to dance, share joy, ment officials saw the value of preserving and pro- and strengthen bonds, making dance a special and moting Mexican culture as a source of national iden- important center of our cultures. tity. In this Hispanic and Latine Heritage month, I encourage everyone to familiarize themselves with the different practices and traditions that make up our cultures, and to appreciate their beauty, utility, and what they provide for Hispanic and Latine individuals as a whole. Happy Hispanic and Latine Heritage Month!
Grupo Xcaret, 2022
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