- The 5 characteristic dances of Nuevo León
- 1- The polka
- 2- The chotis
- 3- The mazurka
- 4- The waltz
- 5- The redova
- References
The typical dances and dances of Nuevo León arise from the influence that European immigration had on the colonization of this area of Mexico. Nuevo León is one of the 32 states that make up the country and is located in the northeast region.
The first indigenous tribes were nomadic and few in number in this part of the country. It was with the arrival of European settlers that the first formal settlements were established.
Thanks to them, European rhythms from different regions were adopted. In turn, these were adapted to characteristics related to the racial and ethnic background of the area, resulting in dances of a festive nature and marked rhythm.
These dances of the conquest became modes of expression that make up the historical heritage of the Mexican community.
The dances that arose from this cultural fusion between the European and the autochthonous have been considered distinctive of the state of Nuevo León and the north of the country.
You may also be interested in the traditions of Nuevo León or its cultural characteristics.
The 5 characteristic dances of Nuevo León
1- The polka
The polka dance was brought by the Austro-Hungarians who arrived in the French invasion of 1847.
To this dance, originally from Czechoslovakia, many structural variations were applied.
In this way, it can be defined as regional from Nuevo León and different from other polkas adapted in other states of the country.
The movements of this polka are characterized by toe and heel steps, sharp turns and rapid interlocking of the feet.
2- The chotis
The chotis is based on an ancient Scottish dance. It is a four-beat dance that has different variations depending on the dancing culture: the English jumped and the Germans glided more smoothly.
It is a dance performed in pairs, facing each other and holding hands and forearms at the same time.
In the case of the dance adopted in Nuevo León, the movements are smooth, elegant and with elaborate but simple sequences.
3- The mazurka
Of Polish origin, it is an elegant dance that became popular in the society of the XIX century, since it was danced in the great halls.
It is performed in pairs and is a dance with a refined and lively character. In addition to being practiced by the aristocracy, this dance was widely adopted by the middle and lower class, becoming part of the folklore of this state.
4- The waltz
The waltz, originally from Austria, became a popular dance. It is danced in pairs. The man takes the woman by the hand and hugs her.
In this way they begin to go around harmoniously with the times of the music, while other couples do the same.
It was accepted by the high socio-economic level of Nuevo León and was practiced at family gatherings.
5- The redova
The redova is a dance that arises from the combination of the waltz and mazurka dances, but is executed with movements that are more vigorous.
It is also danced in pairs, and higher speed stomps and turns are performed.
References
- Pareyón, G. (2007). Encyclopedic Dictionary of Music in Mexico. University panameric.
- New Lion. (sf). Obtained from Danzas Mexicanas: danzasmexicanas.com
- Solis, T. (1994). Music of New Mexico: Hispanic Traditions.
- Martín, DEB (1991). A Mexican family of dances of the conquest. Gazeta de Antropología, 8.
- García, IV (2016). The potential of music in the (re) vitalizing and linguistic and cultural strengthening practices of the Mexican indigenous peoples. Cuicuilco. Journal of Anthropological Sciences, 23 (66), 75.