Hola Amigos! Here we have two special audio for you to listen to while browsing the section. Feel free to choose any audio of your liking! We are providing you with two different audio to accompany you on your journey. One audio will make you dance to the rhythm of Mexican music while reading and the other audio is where your guide, Adlyn will tag along and read with you!
History of Mexican Dance
Hola everyone! In one’s country, what is the favourite part you love the most? Well, of course, the dance and music part! Lively music and the dazzling display of bright, eye-catching colours make Mexican folk dance a symbol of a good time that is recognized internationally. The dance of a region generally reflects historical-cultural influences, and Mexico is no exception.
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Besides, do you also know that Mexican dance combines indigenous, European, and African elements? Its origins can be traced back to a time when Mayan and Aztec gods were appeased by dance. The Concheros, also known as Aztecas or Mexicas, is the earliest dance in the country's history. It dates back to the 16th century Spanish invasion of the Aztecs and is still widely known today.
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Here let us lead the way to your first Danza step!
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Dance Attire (Traje de baile)
Mexican dance clothing is a unique style that is special to each of Mexico's 32 states. Men usually dress in black and wear a sombrero with a bright red tie. Women, on the other hand, are frequently dressed in long, colourful skirts and gowns.
Dance Style (Estilo de baile)
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Mexican dance has evolved in many ways throughout the years as a result of external and internal cultural influences and because of that, there are three dance genres that have stayed constant throughout the culture's history. Today, these three styles are commonly seen at parties.
Danza De Los Viejitos
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First of all, Danza is the most famous dance style in Mexico. What is Danza? Well, Danza is a local ritualistic dancing style that is performed during religious gatherings. It is used to bring people together in the community and to celebrate life. There are several types of danza and here we want to focus on ‘Danza De Los Viejitos’! The Danza de los Viejitos is a popular dance in Michoacán and also known as Dance of the Little Old Men. Although this dance was developed and popularised throughout the twentieth century, its foundations and rhythm are strongly anchored in traditional folk dancing. Do you know that earth, air, fire, and water are represented by the four elderly men in question. The dancers also use wooden shoes, which add to the force of each stride. Traditional instruments and indigenous dress are also used in the dance, which is often linked to Huehuenches or Huehues, a similar dance.
Besides, what is exciting is when all the dancers are colourfully dressed as senior citizen males wearing brilliant hats embellished with ribbon, a pink smiling mask, and typical campesino attire. The men begin slumped over and aching in anguish as they walk slowly with their canes before transforming into vigorous, nimble dancing and pounding their feet. Violins and guitar music accompany the viejitos, which are supposed to interpret folkloric qualities and excite the crowd. The viejitos occasionally revert to their "elderly" form, coughing and falling over during the dance. Interesting fact is that this act is supposed to date back to pre-Hispanic times, when it was performed to honour the 'Old God' by the Purépecha indigenous people from Michoacán; later, during Spanish colonisation, it was "modernised" and turned into a parody of old Spanish men.
Tlacololeros
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Tlacololeros? What a unique name is it? Tlacololeros is an agricultural dance from Guerrero, where agriculture is extremely important. The stomping symbolises the flattening of the soil, and the rhythmic dance indicates making the area ready for cultivation. The dancers' costumes frequently include masks, tunics, and whips. This dance originated in the Mexican town of Chichihaulco, which is located in the state of Guerrero. It is performed in September during the town's patron saint, St. Michael's festival. An interesting fact here is that the dance depicts Tlacololero, a farmer who does different feats in order to safeguard the land. Killing a jaguar and a tiger are among these accomplishments. It is done in order to ensure a plentiful harvest. It was first performed in honour of Tlaloc, the Aztec rain god.
History of Mexican Music
Next, when talking about music, it has become a norm in our life as everyone enjoys listening to music. Somehow, music helps us to relax and feel better. But, have you ever listened to Mexico’s music? Well, if you haven’t, then you should!
Do you know the history behind Mexican music? Well, here are the things! Many various musical forms and influences may be found in Mexico's musical heritage, including music from the Aztec indigenous culture, music from Spain and Africa, ranching songs, and joyous mariachi bands. The area was ruled by the Aztec culture for more than a thousand years before any encounter with Europeans in the 16th century, a civilization that had a rich and sophisticated musical history.
Now let's allow yourself to become one with music!
Mariachi
Mariachi? Everyone must be familiar with this kind of music. It’s quite famous here in Mexico. Mariachi has been around for hundreds of years. It was country music, music that honoured the Mexican people's pleasures, sufferings, and successes. The Mariachi was a Spanish-style theatre orchestra of violins, guitars, and a harp. Small groups existed that were little known outside of the region from where they originated.
Do you know that Mariachi's musical genre and ensemble evolved in diverse ways depending on the local? In the nineteenth century, in the state of Jalisco, the familiar ensemble began to take shape. The ensemble evolved differently in other areas of the country, such as Veracruz and Huasteca in the northeast. The cocula or vihuela, two violins, and the guitarron were the Mariachi's instruments towards the end of the nineteenth century. Drums, rattles, conch shell horns, and flutes were used by indigenous Mexicans to make music. Mariachi music used to be dominated by string instruments, and Mariachi performers looked very different than they do now. The Mariachi style evolved over time as music evolved.
Despite everything, the Mariachi has continued to play an important role in the Mexican people's celebrations of life's milestones. The serenata is a kind of contact between a young man and a woman he is wooing in a society where young people of the opposite sex are kept apart. The Mariachi performs a serenata on his behalf, which is a musical statement of love. Mariachi music nowadays is thought to have started in Jalisco, notably in the town of Cocula. Mariachi bands are popular today.
Ranchera
What is Ranchera? Ranchera is a descendant of the son jaliscenses. Ranchera is a genre of music that originated on a Mexican ranch. Ranchera began in the mid-nineteenth century, soon before Mexico's revolution. Traditional themes of love, patriotism, and nature were central to the song. Ranchera music has a variety of rhythms, including waltz, polka, and bolero. Ranchera music follows a predictable pattern, with an instrumental entrance and finish, as well as a verse and refrain in the middle.
Do you know what is the most exciting part of Ranchera music? Well, it arose from the Mexican revolution, celebrates the beauty and simplicity of everyday life in Mexico for all residents. This form of music, which is known for its drama, passion, and patriotism, conjures up pictures of Mexican ranch life. The most famous ranchera singer is undoubtedly Vicente Fernandez, who, like Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley in the United States, has become a national symbol in Mexico. Various forms of waltz, polka, and bolero music inspired this kind of music. Mariachi bands have sprung up as a result of this style's changes over time. Ranchera music is still popular in parts of Mexico and the United States, where ranchera radio stations and Canción Ranchera music events may be found. Besides, as "ranchero comedies" became more prominent in Mexico, this genre of music grew in popularity. They used ranchera music to express the songs' principles of honour, love, and patriotism, which are recurring themes.