WHAT ARE THE MESTIZO DANCES OF JALISCO? - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The mestizo dances of Jalisco, Mexico, are the typical dances that developed after the Spanish conquest process, mixing characteristics of both cultures.

At this stage, the indigenous culture of the state and European culture are combined, which gradually influences folklore.

In Jalisco, not only the European influence is observed, it also has nuances of African dance. African blacks had their seat throughout America, during the time of colonization, since they were taken as slaves by the colonizers.

These dances are performed at religious festivals and cultural events and generally vary slightly between the states where they are performed.

You may also be interested in the dances of Jalisco.

Characteristics of the mestizo dances of Jalisco

Among the mestizo dances of Jalisco are the sones and syrups; the first of a danceable character with instruments that play 6/8 notes, while the second combines danceable sounds with couplets and with more energetic dance characteristics.

The mestizo dances have variations that are influenced by the type of instrument used: psalteries, guitars, vihuelas, drums, flutes or cornets.

A characteristic that can be observed in the mestizo dances of Jalisco is the African influence in the use that they give to the body while they dance, the movements they execute.

The circles when turning in their feet and angles of the arms with the hips and the rest of the body, during the African dance, are recognized in the Mexican dances, in the half turns or complete turns of the couples.

Another evidence of the African influence is observed in the woman's posture when resting her hand on her hips.

In a similar way, the woman does it in the syrup, or with the so-called old skirt, in which the woman with the position of the arms forms angles on each side of the body.

Mestizo dances

Among the most important dances in the state of Jalisco where the mixture of cultures is evidenced, the following can be mentioned:

The Tapatio Syrup

By many considered the national dance of Mexico, it is a traditional dance typical of the state of Jalisco.

This dance is danced in pairs and stages love; the man with his manly movements woos the lady until his acceptance. It ends with the woman approaching the man after having danced around the hat that is on the floor.

The Jarabe from Guadalajara dates back to the time of the Spanish conquest, where according to some authors, it takes the movements and styles of the gypsy syrup.

The son of the Black

This dance has great controversy in its origin. It is considered according to some authors that it had its origin in Jalisco, while many others point towards the city of Tepic.

Throughout history this dance has undergone various changes because it is one of the most popular.

Each region has been modifying lyrics and even adding chords and instruments, which has made it difficult to attribute these changes to a specific era or author.

The first version of the son de La Negra originated in the early nineteenth century, its lyrics and chords have varied until today it represents Mexico. The latter thanks to the arrangements given by the mariachis.

It should be mentioned that many of the adaptations that the indigenous people made to imported dances led to censorship by the church, considering that the movements they used were not "honest" or caused people to blush.

References

1. Sanchez, M. (2014). Mexican Sones and Syrups. Taken from es.slideshare.net.
2. Stanford Ballet Folklorico - Stanford University. Taken from web.stanford.edu/
3. Chamorro, J. Old Mariachi, Jarabe and Son: Shared Symbols and Musical Tradition in Jalisco identities. Taken from sc.jalisco.gob.mx
4. Dance Compilation Laboratory. El Son de la Negra. Taken from sites.google.com.
5. Mexican Dances. Jalisco. Taken from dancesmexicanas.com.