by Answerbag Staff on February 14th, 2010

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What is Latin American dance?

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  • by Tom Ryan on February 14th, 2010

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    Professionally Researched. (What's this?)

    Different countries in Latin America, such as Argentina and the Dominican Republic, are home to different styles of dance. The spirit of the dances and the instruments used vary among different dances.

    Tango

    The tango became famous as a dance in 20th century Argentina, and its distinctive music came later. The dance is romantic and sensual, and it lends itself to personal interpretation.

    Calypso

    Calypso is typically accompanied by the Caribbean sound of steel drums, reflecting its cultural origins. This dance began in Trinidad as a part of the nation's annual carnival, which falls before the Christian holy period of Lent.

    Salsa

    Though it developed in 1970s New York City, salsa is characterized as a Latin American dance form. It takes its roots from the city's Hispanic community and 1940s Latin dance music while adding characteristics of jazz, electronica and electric guitar.

    Zapateado

    Mexican mariachi music, a popular style, inspired two styles of dance. One is the zapateado, in which dancers accompany the traditionally percussion-less mariachi band by stomping out rhythms with their heels.

    Mexican Hat Dance

    Another mariachi dance is the Mexican hat dance---Jarabe tapatio---in which a man performs the floor-stomping dance to earn a woman's affections.

    Source:

    University of Pittsburgh Center for Latin American Studies: Music and Dance of Latin America

    Worcester Polytechnic Institute: Latin American Music and Dance

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