The typical dances and dances of the Andean region of Colombia arise from the cultural exchange between indigenous, black and Spanish traditions.
The bambuco, the guabina, the aisle, the sanjuanero and the whirlwind are identified as the most popular dances.
In the Colombian Andes there is a diverse variety of festivals and celebrations in which dance plays the central role from where the festive ritual takes place.
The Andean region is located in the center of Colombia and is divided into three mountain ranges called Central, Occidental and Oriental. Its name is deduced from its location within the Andes Mountains.
In the Andean region there are the main Colombian cities and cultural regions as rich as La Paisa, Santandereana, Cundiboyacense, Vallecaucana, Opita and Pastuso.
Dances and main dances
The Bambuco
It is the most popular dance in Colombia, being considered the most representative. Its roots come from the black culture, as it was danced by the slaves who lived in the Cauca region in the 18th century.
Despite being considered a typical dance of the Andean region, it was so popular that it spread throughout all Colombian departments, even adding some variations.
This dance is performed in pairs and is also called as the expression of peasant romance. The movements, both male and female, simulate a courtship and the game between acceptance and rejection.
La Guabina
It is a dance similar to the bambuco. Its theme is also linked to love and courtship in which the male dancer must make his gestures to achieve the grace of the lady.
It is danced in pairs but making exchanges with others and dancing in a row. The most deeply rooted places of this dance are Santander, Boyacá, Huila and Tolima.
The hall
It was born in the 19th century and is a derivation of the waltz. It became popular in the region as it could not be absent in the parties and meetings of the colonial era.
It is usually danced in three segments: an introduction, the development, and a closing in which the entire performance is repeated again.
Sanjuanero
This dance is the most characteristic of Tolima and Huila. It is danced in the celebrations of San Juan, San Pedro and San Pablo. It is a variation of bambuco with influence from the Joropo and the Tambora Tolimense.
In the execution the movements are recharged with hopping feet, great movements of the skirts for the women and maneuvers with the hats for the men.
The whirlwind
It belongs to the departments of Boyacá, Santander and Cundinamarca. It is performed in patronal dances, peasant weddings and in almost all festivities, especially in Cundinamarca.
It is also linked to peasant songs and religious and secular couplets. The names of the songs that accompany the dance of the whirlwind reveal a colonial peasant slang that is still in force (sumercé, queré, vidé, ansia).
References
1. Ocampo, J. (2006). Colombian folklore, customs and traditions. Bogotá: Plaza & Janes. Retrieved on October 21, 2017 from: books.google.es
2. Duque, C. (2005). Territories and imaginaries between urban places. Identity and region processes in cities of the Colombian Andes. Bogotá: University of Caldas. Retrieved on October 21, 2017 from: books.google.es
3. Koorn, D. (1977) Folk music of the Colombian Andes. Washintong: Washington University. Retrieved on October 21, 2017 from: books.google.es
4. Borsdorf, A; Stadel, C. (2015). The Andes. A Geographical Portrail. Switzerland: Austral. Retrieved on October 21, 2017 from: books.google.es
5. Seven customs of Colombia. Retrieved on October 21, 2017 from: viajesla.com.co
6. Jaramillo, J. (sf). Peasants of the Andes. Bogotá: National University of Colombia. Retrieved on October 21, 2017 from: magazines.unal.edu.co