Danzon
National dance of Cuba, evolved from danza.
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.
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.
🎶 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 and Yucatán).
- 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.
The following dances have their origin in Matanzas:
