Guaguancó

The dance involves a flirtatious "chase" between a male and female dancer, with the male attempting a symbolic pelvic thrust called the vacunao, and the female using body movements to evade or accept it.

  • subgenre of cuban rumba
  • lively percussion of conga drums (especially quinto), claves, and vocals
  • Vacunao
  • call-and-response singing
  • Expressive dance. Originating in Afro-Cuban communities.

🥁 Structure of a Classic Guaguancó:

  1. Diana – vocal intro
  2. Verso (décima) – the main sung verse
  3. Montuno – call-and-response chorus section

Guaguancó blends African rhythms with Cuban culture and has influenced salsa and other Latin music styles.