Matanzas
The following dances have their origin in Matanzas:
- Rumba
- Yambú
- Guaguancó
- Danzón
- Abakuá
-
Arara
Cuban Dances Originating in Matanzas
Matanzas is a cultural hub in Cuba and the birthplace or stronghold of several traditional Cuban dance forms, particularly those with Afro-Cuban roots.
Rumba (Yambú and Guaguancó)
- Origin: Late 19th century, developed in urban areas and docks of Matanzas and Havana.
- Styles:
- Yambú – Slow, elegant, often danced by older individuals.
- Guaguancó – More dynamic and flirtatious, features a symbolic "vacunao" (pelvic movement).
- Roots: African, particularly Yoruba and Bantu traditions.
Summary Table
| Dance |
Origin |
Influence |
Type |
| Rumba (Yambú, Guaguancó) |
Afro-Cuban |
Bantu/Yoruba |
Secular street dance |
| Columbia |
Congo |
Afro-Cuban |
Male solo dance (rural) |
| Danzón |
European |
Cuban mix |
Ballroom style |
| Abakuá Ritual Dances |
Afro-Cuban |
(Cross River |
Ritual/secret society dances |
Cuban rumba is an Afro-Cuban music and dance genre characterized by complex rhythms, call-and-response vocals, and expressive, often flirtatious movements, rooted in African and Spanish traditions.
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- Oldest of all, Late 1800s
- Clave blanco (Son clave used in yambu)
- Originated in urban areas of Matanzas and Havana
- Not related to religion
- A form of collective culture
Lees meer >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.
Lees meer >The following dances have their origin in Matanzas:
Cuban Dances Originating in Havana
Havana, the cultural heartbeat of Cuba, played a central role in the creation and evolution of several iconic Cuban dances. Some were born directly in the capital, while others were transformed there into the forms we know today.
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