Danzón Salon – Dance

Danzón is Cuba's national dance, premiered in Matanzas in 1879 by Miguel Faílde. An elegant, unhurried couple's dance that grew out of the danza, it blends European salon structure with Afro-Cuban rhythm, built on the syncopated cinquillo.

Danzón

  • Significance: Considered Cuba’s national dance.
  • Premiered: 1879 in Matanzas by Miguel Faílde.
  • Style: Elegant ballroom dance, derived from European contradance.
  • Blend: European structure + Afro-Cuban rhythms.
  • Structure: abacada

Instruments

Originally performed by orquesta típica:

Later, charangas took over: flute, violins, piano, bass, and timbales.

Rhythm:

  • Built on a cinquillo rhythm (a syncopated five-note pattern).
  • The dance has a slow, elegant tempo, often in 2/4 or 4/4 time.

How was it danced?

According to EcuRed, the danzón was first officially performed on 1 January 1879 at the Club de Matanzas. It was much slower than the danza: couples danced separately and rested between the trios, "a blessing in our climate". According to Wikipedia, dancers stop during the recurring introduction, the paseo, to chat, and then start again. Critics found the danzón scandalous: couples danced close together, and classes and races mixed on the dance floor.

🎶 Notable Figures

  • Miguel Faílde – "father of danzón," composed the first known danzón: "Las Alturas de Simpson".
  • Antonio María Romeu – legendary charanga leader who modernized danzón.
  • Israel "Cachao" López – bassist and composer, helped develop danzón-mambo, bridging into Afro-Cuban jazz.

Modern Relevance

  • Danzón is still performed today in Cuba and Mexico (especially Veracruz, Mexico City and Oaxaca).
  • It holds ceremonial and nostalgic value and is performed at traditional events.
  • Some contemporary orchestras and dancers keep the danzón tradition alive with festivals and social dances.

📝 Sources