The dances and typical dances of Durango are the product of the European heritage introduced to the country hundreds of years ago. Although the culture of Durango also has exclusive dances from its region, the vast majority have been adopted from Europe.
The enormous amount of customs, beliefs and elements brought by the first conquerors have taken root over the decades to the point of becoming part of the very essence of the area.
Several French, Czech and of course Spanish influences are noted, which are now part of the culture and folklore of the state.
You may also be interested in the traditions of Durango or its history.
Traditional dances and dances of Durango
It is frequent that in the middle of celebrations such as weddings, fifteen years or baptisms, this kind of dances are done, as well as in cultural events.
Schottische
Sometimes called shotis, it is a dance originating in Bohemia, Czech Republic, which during the 19th century quickly spread throughout Europe.
It was introduced to Mexico in 1850, although at that time it was only danced in large halls by the highest classes of society.
After some time, the other social classes adopted the dance and began to practice it in their homes and meeting places, however, they adopted a less refined style. It is a traditional dance from three other states: Nuevo León, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas.
Gang
It is a ballroom dance of French origin.
During the French occupation of Durango in the 1860s, several soldiers settled in the municipality of Tepehuanes, where they practiced this dance that was later copied by the local inhabitants.
Dance of palms
Also known as dance of the feathers, it is a dance of Spanish origin practiced in Durango for more than 400 years.
In its beginnings it had religious connotations, since it was made as a celebration for the rain or the good harvests of agriculture.
It is accompanied by very lively music that changes quickly with the intention of misleading the dancers, who must continue dancing and adapt to the rhythm.
An old saying about the music of the dance of the palms says "to the sound that is touched, the dancer has to dance."
Polka
Like the chotis, the polka originated in Bohemias and became popular in Europe in the 19th century.
Several years later it achieved notoriety in various regions of Mexico (including Durango) as a ballroom dance by the noble classes.
The wallow
El revolcadero is a curious case of protest through dance.
When the chotis and polka were introduced to Durango they could only be danced in elegant halls by the higher classes, denying those of lower social status to participate in the dances.
Seeing this, people from lower social classes decided to create their own dance to make fun of those who danced in halls, considering them quite ridiculous. In this way the wallow arose, which quickly spread throughout the region.
Despite the fact that polka and chotis were later practiced by all social classes, the wallow remained popular as a rebellious dance.
It is accompanied by fast music played by violins, basses, and saxophones. It is described as a joyful and rhythmic dance.
References
- They dance the Palms in Mexico (May 14, 2003). Retrieved on November 7, 2017, from El Siglo de Durango.
- Chotis (nd). Retrieved on November 7, 2017, from Tamaulipas.
- Evy Hernández (May 9, 2013). Dance El Revolcadero. Retrieved on November 7, 2017, from Club Ensayos.
- Jess Chilián (April 8, 2016). The polka, dance tradition of Durango. Retrieved on November 7, 2017, from Ruta MXO.
- Dance of the groups or rigodones (June 15, 2012). Retrieved on November 7, 2017, from Va de Bailes.
- Typical Dances (December 12, 2012). Retrieved on November 7, 2017, from Durango Monographs.