How to dance mexican style
How to Dance Salsa Like a Mexican
Salsa dancers on a street in Cuba| © Lesinka372/Shutterstock
Lauren Cocking
Northern England Writer28 February 2017
Salsa is a quintessentially Mexican dance, despite having murky origins in other Latin countries like Cuba and Puerto Rico and a rich musical background. Even so, it remains a massively popular style in many bars and clubs across Mexico, so you’ll need to know a bit about it before you arrive if you want to avoid feeling like a fresh-off-the-boat newbie. Here’s a brief rundown on the tips and tricks to help you salsa like a Mexican.
Before you arrive in Mexico, it’s worth investing some time to pick up the basic steps that are used across most salsa variations. A six-step movement over eight beats of music – either from side-to-side or backwards and forwards – will serve you well in whatever salsa dance scenario you manage to get yourself into when visiting Mexico.
Having said that it’s worth considering that there are many types of salsa that vary wildly – some being far more difficult for beginners than others. Cuban salsa has a faster, more complex feel and can look daunting at first, whereas in New York salsa the dancers are almost always facing one another, rather than circling around like in other Latin American styles. There are far more variations than those two though, so keep in mind that it’s a very complex dance and difficult to master!
A popular salsa spot in Trinidad, Cuba | © Yoeztudioz/WikiCommons
Once you’ve got the basic step pattern down, it’s important to only apply that movement to the bottom half of your body. Salsa is all about the hips, but it shouldn’t be all about the shoulders! A great trick to help remember this by is imagining the movement of a salsa step as similar to climbing the stairs, or moving your body weight from the ball of one foot to another.
The weight change from foot to foot gives that swinging-hips look without relying on the waist and torso to create it. Making sure you understand how to shift your weight correctly will massively help in your quest to look like a salsa professional, but what about when you’re dancing with a partner?
Once you’ve nailed the basics, you can dance salsa anywhere! | © Elvert Barnes/Flickr
If you’re taking the lead, you need to place your right hand on your partner’s shoulder blade and clasp your left hand with their hand. If you’re following, you’ll want to have your left hand placed firmly on their shoulder, and hold their other hand. However, the ‘open’ position of salsa dancing dictates that you simply hold hands, releasing only to carry out twists, turns and spins. The pattern of spins might not make sense at first, but just try and at least stay on beat and you’ll be fine!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uA1ocqMbeTg
Overall, dancing salsa is all about letting yourself get swept up in the music, following both the rhythm as well as your partner (if you’re a woman dancing with a man, that is).
If the worst comes to the worst, and you just can’t figure out the footwork then don’t despair because not all Mexicans know how to dance salsa anyway. So, dancing salsa like a Mexican doesn’t necessarily imply dancing well at all! Instead, let the music carry you as you stumble your way through the steps, because as with most things, dancing salsa doesn’t all come down to perfect execution but rather the experience of daring to do it in the first place.
Salsa dancing is all about having fun | © Elvert Barnes/Flickr
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Traditional and folkloric dances are hugely popular in Mexico | Courtesy of @ Richard Ellis / Alamy
Lauren Cocking
Northern England Writer17 March 2021
Traditional Mexican dances merge the country’s indigenous, African and European influences. The Spanish were unsuccessful in trying to suppress indigenous dance during colonial times; instead, Spanish culture became part of the routines. Styles such as folklorico and jarabe have become a celebrated part of Mexico‘s national identity, with dedicated troupes, such as the Ballet Folklorico, performing them.
The Jarabe Tapatío is the best known of all Mexico’s traditional dances | Courtesy of © White Barn Inn And Spa / Alamy
We’re kicking off with what is easily the most internationally well known, and arguably the most patriotic, of all of Mexico’s traditional dances – the Jarabe Tapatío.
Typically referred to as the Mexican Hat Dance in English – at one point the steps revolve around a sombrero placed on the floor – Mexico’s national dance is intricately linked with its pride as a nation. One aspect that possibly aids the enduring popularity of this courtship dance (aside from ballerina Anna Pavlova’s en pointe version) is the distinctly Mexican clothing; the male dancer wears a charro suit and the female dancer a china poblana dress.
La Conquista (the Conquest) is a traditional Mexican dance that, as the name suggests, narrates the story of the Spanish conquest. Masked dancers play all the key historical players, from the conquistador Hernán Cortés and La Malinche, a Nahua woman who acted as his interpreter and adviser, to the Aztec ruler Moctezuma. The dance depicts the death of the latter at the hands of the former. It’s particularly popular in the western states of Michoacán and Jalisco, and although it’s not an indigenous dance, the tragic story it depicts is vital in terms of Mexican history, including the story of those who were here before the European arrival.
Popular in the state of Michoacán is the Danza de los Viejitos (Dance of the Little Old Men). Technically, this dance was created and popularised in the 20th century, but its roots and rhythm are rooted firmly in traditional folk dance. The four old men in question represent earth, air, fire and water. This dance is notable for the wooden shoes worn by the dancers, which certainly make each step they take that much more impactful. Traditional instruments and indigenous clothing are also featured in the dance, which often finds itself compared to a similar dance known as Huehuenches or Huehues.
Another of Mexico’s ritualistic dances is the Danza del Venado | Courtesy of © Brian Overcast / Alamy
Another of Mexico’s ritualistic dances is the Danza del Venado (Deer Dance), which depicts the story of a deer hunt and is typically performed in springtime. Originating in the Yaqui regions of Sonora and Sinaloa, renditions of this practically unchanged dance are now performed across the country and even in parts of the USA.
The great thing about the dance is that it’s instantly identifiable, as the dancers wear real or imitation antlers with red ribbon accents on their heads.
Los Voladores de Papantla is a Unesco-listed symbol of Intangible Cultural Heritage | Courtesy © Richard Ellis / Alamy
Another iconic dance is Los Voladores de Papantla, considered by Unesco a symbol of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Prepare to be terrified, however, because the event begins with all five participants scaling a 30m (98ft) pole, from which four of them then proceed to drop – one lucky member remains at the top playing a flute and drum. Attached only by a rope, they gently twirl and spin, and then gracefully make their way to the ground.
Concheros (Shells) is predominantly an indigenous dance | Courtesy of © imageBROKER / Alamy
Featuring dancers dressed in indigenous costume, including headdresses and body paint, Concheros (Shells) is predominantly an indigenous dance. Although there’s some European influence here in the form of armadillo shell lutes, the other instruments that accompany it, such as the drums and flutes, are more authentic.
You might hear Concheros referred to as the Chichimecas or Aztecas, and there is also a version called the Mexicas, which seeks to get back to the indigenous roots of the dance.
The Danza de los Diablos is often performed on the Day of the Dead | Courtesy of © Simone Hogan / Alamy
A dance that is key to understanding Mexico’s often sidelined African heritage is the Guerrero/Oaxaca-based Danza de los Diablos. Originally developed during the colonial period, during which the Spanish brought enslaved Africans to the coasts of Mexico, the dance features characteristics unique to the region. All the participants wear similar masks and dress, with the exception of the dancer interpreting the role of the main devil, who has more elegant attire. The dance is often performed on the Day of the Dead, and its movements are said to symbolise the breaking away of the Africans from the Spanish slave owners.
This dance is particularly popular and is performed all over the north of the country, particularly in Zacatecas.
Matlachines is especially known for the colourful outfits the dancers wear, including chicken feather headdresses, usually dyed to match the colours of the Mexican flag, and, as with the Danza de los Viejitos, wood-soled shoes that help emphasise the sound of each step. Although Tlaxcala sometimes lays claim to Matlachines, it’s generally accepted that the dance originated in Aguascalientes.
One of the few entirely non-indigenous dances included in this guide is the so-called Moros y Cristianos (Moors and Christians) dance. First introduced by monks, the dance is now typically included as part of a larger festival that includes other elements such as mock battles. The festivals represent the capturing of Spanish towns and cities by the Moors and the reconquering by the local Christian population, and are mainly held in Valencia in southern Spain. All participants, whether they are playing Moors or Christians, wear capes and masks depicting their allegiances.
The Chinelos dance pokes fun at the Spanish settlers | Courtesy of © Yaacov Dagan / Alamy
Now considered a symbol of the state of Morelos, although it was originally practised during carnival celebrations in the south of Mexico City and the State of Mexico, this dance pokes fun at the Spanish.
The dancers disguise themselves (the word chinelos is thought to have come from the Nahuatl for “disguised”) and take on the roles of the Spanish, imitating their elaborate dress, as well as their fair colouring. The mask-wearing and role-reversal permitted at carnivals allowed for the mockery of Europeans, even in colonial times.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel – and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way.
That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Epic Trips, Mini Trips and Sailing Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travellers and friends who want to explore the world together.Epic Trips are deeply immersive 8 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and enough down time to really relax and soak it all in. Our Mini Trips are small and mighty - they squeeze all the excitement and authenticity of our longer Epic Trips into a manageable 3-5 day window. Our Sailing Trips invite you to spend a week experiencing the best of the sea and land in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm – and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet.
That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.▷ Traditional Mexican Dances 🥇 en.versiontravel.com
In the culture of Mexico we find exciting dances with a long history. While some are very lively, others are slower. Likewise, there may be various influences in them, although some are local. In this article, we will tell you the name and tell you about the most important. In addition, we will show you images and videos.
Below you have an index with all the items we are going to cover in this article.
Content
- 1 Tapatio syrup
- 2 Old
- 3 Huapango
- 4 La Bamba
- 5 Yukatkekan Jaran
- 6 deeds dance
- 7 shells
- 8 Northern Polka 9000 9 omarabet
- 11 brittle
Tapatio syrup
Tapatio syrup is National dance from Mexico. It originated in the 19th century in Jalisco and combines several regional dances.
The word tapatío refers to the zapateado performed by men.
When it comes to dancing, a man surrounds a woman to woo her. She stomps and waves her skirt. Both wear typical village costumes: the man is dressed in a charro suit, and the woman in poblana porcelain.
If you want to know more about the typical dress of the country, we recommend that you visit this article: Typical Mexican costumes by region.
This regional dance is so typical that it is usually danced at a Quinceañera party where a young woman celebrates that she is 15 years old and therefore has passed into adulthood.
Old
This folk dance is quite amazing for people who don't know it, as their dancers are dressed like elders.
He is represented in Michoacán and was born in the city of Haracuaro.
In the beginning, this dance, dating from pre-Spanish , was performed as part of a ritual in honor of an old god or god of fire. The costume they wear consists of a wooden mask, a walking stick, wooden-soled shoes, trousers, a white shirt, and a Mexican shawl or jorongo ,
He mexican shawl or jorongo This is a typical men's garment from Mexico, traditionally used to protect against cold and rain. It looks like a poncho and is usually quite colorful.
The main characters are four men who imitate old people through their falls and the way they walk. They are led by a couple known as Veripiti and Maringuía . They are also ugly teasing dance of four old men , In Michoacán, children are taught from an early age.
Huapango
Huapango is practiced in various states, including Hidalgo, Puebla, San Luis Potosi and Veracruz.
Therefore, in each territory we find different variants, although they have certain common characteristics.
This Mexican dance is usually performed on a wooden stage. Usually the man wears white trousers and a hat, while the woman wears a rather wide white skirt. Music is performed by three people who play the violin and buster and huapanguera (two types of guitar).
La Bamba
Bamba is one of the mixed dance the most representative of the state of Veracruz. It mixes the seguidillas and fandangos of Spain with the zapateados and guajiras originating in Cuba.
This dance is represented by one couple, and the color that prevails in both people is white. Between them they form a loop with the movement of their steps, as we can see in this video:
Yucatecan Jarana
The Yucatecan Jarana is typical of the Yucatan Peninsula. One aspect that draws the most attention is that the dancers wear objects on their heads while representing the dance.
This style began between the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries when the Spaniards who were in the area danced.
Over time, the Mexicans adapted it to their style. He dances like a couple and walks dressed in white.
Deer dance
This pre-Hispanic dance is practiced in state Sonora . It has three symbols: the deer (an animal revered by the natives), pascola and the coyote. The dance represents deer hunting, so the person who plays this role must be quite nimble.
The instruments that interpret the music of the deer dance are percussion, in addition to the reed flute.
shells
Conjeros developed after the arrival of the settlers in the territory, so although it is an indigenous dance, it incorporates Spanish elements such as some religious themes.
This dance has two forms. One is called hours and honors femininity, night, mother earth and the jaguar. The other reveres masculinity, the day, solar energy and the eagle. One of the elements that make up the costumes are feathers.
Northern Polka
This popular dance is the mestizo, as its origin is German. The natives watched the upper classes of the settlers dance it and they ended up adapting it to their style.
This is practiced mainly in the northern states, among which we find Baja California, Coahuilla, Chihuahua, Nuevo Leon, Sonora and Tamaulipas.
Pineapple flower
Pineapple flower is a dance that originated in San Juan Bautista Tuxtepec, Oaxaca.
This is very recent, from the 20th century. At 19In 58, Governor Alfonso Pérez Gasga ordered that the author Samuel Mondragón develop an aboriginal choreography for a piece of music with that title.
The responsible person was Polina Solis. Since then, this dance has only been performed by women who wear huipil or a sleeveless shirt in bright colors and two long braids with colored stripes. In addition, they carry a pineapple on their shoulder.
Scrabble
Raspa is a representative dance of eastern Mexico that originates in Veracruz. It is a mestizo dance because it mixes elements of the natives with the forms of the settlers. Because of its light structure, children are usually taught in school.
brittle
Quebradita is also known as rocking horse .
In his music we hear the rhythm of the Mexican cumbia. This is a fusion of two different musical styles: techno and folklore. In it, the man hugs the woman around the waist and puts his right leg between the two legs of the girl. The couple spins and makes small jumps or streams.
One practice that is practiced is Tombe in which the man forces the woman to lean back straight. The brightest modality is acrobatic.
Top image Brendan,
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Finally, we have selected the previous and next article of the block “ Prepare your trip ” so you can continue reading: Indian traditions. African slavery played a much smaller role in the development of dance in Mexico than in the Caribbean.
One of the most difficult dance events in Mexico was the honoring of the country's patron saint, Our Lady of Guadalupe. This holiday is celebrated on December 12th. Every year, thousands of native Mexicans dance in her honor in front of the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. Particularly notable for such performers are the Chichimec dancers called concheros. Some of them play an instrument similar to a guitar, which is made from the shell of an armadillo, while dancing.
Thousands of religious dance groups throughout Mexico regularly perform dance performances during Catholic holidays and holidays. Their elaborate, time-consuming costumes are adorned with rhinestones, feathers, shells, ribbons and embroidery.
Mexican dance Jarabe Tapatio
The Jarabe Tapatio, Mexico's national dance (also called Jarabe Nacional), originated in the early 20th century as a form of self-expression and cultural identity among the mestizo population of Mexico. The musical ensemble that accompanies this dance is called the mariachi and, in fact, is also one of the well-known symbols of Mexico. (From 1930 years, a typical mariachi ensemble consisted of two trumpets, three or more violins, several instruments from the guitar family, and sometimes a harp).
This Mexican popular pastime reflects a romanticized past and rural lifestyle. The roots of both the Jarabe Tapatio and the mariachi can be traced back to the Jalisco people who live near Guadalajara.
The image of a Jalisco woman in a long, flowery skirt has become a trademark of Mexican dance. Now around the world, Jarabe Tapatio has become known as the "Mexican Hat Dance".
Mexican dances Ballet Folklorico
To appreciate all the richness and diversity of the cultural traditions of Mexico, which were formed as a result of the fusion of the country's indigenous heritage and Spanish influences, it is worth at least once to see Mexican folk dances. The inhabitants of this country, thanks to the folklore ensemble "Ballet Folklorico", are used to having the opportunity to see the beauty of ancient dances even today. Also in the country, the traditions of folk dances are transmitted literally from generation to generation.
In 1952, the young dancer and choreographer Amalia Hernández founded the Ballet Folklórico de México in Mexico City, a folklore ballet company that was clearly influenced by the grandiose Ballets Russes. Ballet Folklórico de México productions featured elaborate costumes, sets, and lighting.
Like American dancer Katherine Dunham, who created Caribbean dance in 1930, Hernandez created a hybrid form of dance performance that combined indigenous Mexican mestizo dances with modern dance techniques. The precedent for this style of dance was actually set by other national dance ensembles, such as the Russian Moiseev Troupe (created in 1937 Moiseev Igor Alexandrovich). A similar process was also taking place in the Philippines at that time, thanks to the Philippine Bayanihan company (established in 1957).
The transformation of traditional dance into a semi-modern style contributed to the preservation of Mexican traditions. The popularity of the mixed genre became apparent when, in 1962, the Ballet Folklórico won an international national folk dance competition. Amalia Hernandez's artistic principles began to be copied by hundreds of folklore troupes in Mexico, other parts of Latin America and the United States.
Mexicans have adopted social dances from various countries for centuries, reworking them to suit their style.
