The dances and typical dances of Chihuahua, in Mexico, are the result of the adoption of mainly Polish European choreographies.
They arrived in Mexico after the conquest and in the 17th and 18th centuries they were exclusive to the oligarchic sectors of society. In the mid-19th century, they became popular until they became part of the culture of most of the population.
The northern part of Mexico, where the state of Chihuahua is located, adopted waltzes and polkas and gave them a particular style.
Among the main dances, in addition to the polka and waltzes, are the redovas, chotises and mazurcas.
You may also be interested in the traditions of Chihuahua or its tourist attractions.
Main dances and typical dances of Chihuahua
The polka
The polka comes from Poland and is a dance that came to the state of Chihuahua during the colonial era.
It is common to see women at festivals or parties wearing a large, red and white mascot cloth dress, with a lot of flare, pump-shaped sleeves and a high neckline with a lace bib and bow tie.
They also wear a wide ribbon at the waist that fits with a bow, black shoes or northern boots.
The men generally dance in a plaid shirt with bandanna, jeans, boots and a northern hat.
Among the most famous revolutionary polkas and corridos are: Adelita, Marieta, Juana Gallo, Rielera, Revolcada and Jesuita.
La Mazurca
Originally the Mazurka was a ballroom dance of the royal court and the Polish nobility and in the same way it reached the culture of the state of Chihuahua, although over time the popular class adopted it completely.
It is danced in pairs and it is a dance with a lively character and great gallantry.
The Vals
This dance arrived in Mexico between 1810 and 1815 and was quickly adopted by the population of Chihuahua.
With independence in 1821, cultural expressions with great German and Viennese influence arrived on the continent and were adopted within the traditions of the region.
His cadence achieved numerous followers who soon adopted his rhythm to make new compositions.
La Redova
La Redova is of Czech origin. It is a popular dance that was very popular during the second half of the 19th century. It can be described as a combination of waltz and mazurka.
The costumes are very similar to that of the polka. The women's dresses are made of colored fabrics, plain or plaid; men wear cotton fabric trousers and sometimes denim suits.
The Chotís
The chotís is a dance originating in Scotland and was very popular in England and Germany; the English danced it by jumping and the Germans gliding as if they were on a raft.
Later it was adopted in the central zone of Spain and when it reached the north of Mexico, to the Chihuahua region, it was adopted with great enthusiasm, to later be quite forgotten.
Its main characteristic is the accent on the last beat of the measure.
References
- Gunkel, AH (2004). The Polka Alternative: Polka as Counterhegemonic Ethnic Practice. Popular Music & Society, 27 (4), 407-427.
- Fergusson, E. (1988). Dancing Gods: Indian Ceremonials of New Mexico and Arizona. UNM Press.
- Thomas, AG (1989). Bailes Y Fandangos: Traditional Folk Dances of New Mexico.
- Weckmann, L., & Verlinden, C. (1984). The medieval heritage of Mexico (Vol. 2). Mexico: The College of Mexico.
- Bonfiglioli, C., & Bonfiglioli, C. (1995). Pharisees and Matachines in the Sierra Tarahumara: between the Passion of Christ, the comic-sexual transgression and the dances of Conquest.