Colombian DanceColombian dance and music are known for their mixture of African, native and European influences just like any other American or Caribbean music form. OriginsBoth Vallenato and Cumbia are said to be the national music genres as both originated within Colombian borders. Vallenato means “born in the valley” being named as such by originating in a valley located in Colombia’s Caribbean region. Around 1970, during one of the early Vallenato Legend Festivals, this genre became danceable as it became more popular among its followers. Originally it was known as a way to tell stories through singing by travelers who found this to be the only form of entertainment during long trips within Colombia.Considered unsuitableDancing to Vallenato was not generally accepted by local followers but its popularity grew so fast that it led it to become the Colombian Dance of choice at many different parties, concerts and nightclubs. Such popularity has influenced new compositions to be more rhythmical and become a more suitable genre to dance to.MapaleAnother local dance is Mapale and represents courtship between a male and female couple and is characterized by frenetic body movements similar to those of the Mapale Fish when it’s out of the water. This is a Colombian and Ecuadorian dance introduced by African slaves that were brought by the Spanish through the Caribbean region into both countries.CumbiaA similar dance that originated in the Caribbean region as a courtship dance and, perhaps the most popular Colombian Dance is Cumbia. Similar to Mapale dance, Cumbia was originally practiced among the African slave population as a courtship dance and kept on being performed by the lower social classes until the mid 20th century as it was considered to be an inappropriate dance.As time passed, the genre was mixed with European instruments and musical styles and was popularized by different musicians through all of Colombia and Latin America thanks to them creating a more refined genre. Thanks to its popularity among many different countries, Cumbia has been mixed with musical styles from other cultures and modern instruments but, thanks to several different festivals this Colombian Dance has been preserved in its originating country. Festivals & Preserving of Original RythmsYear after year Colombians are reminded of how Cumbia is considered a representative of their identity as a culture, especially on the northern Caribbean region. Colombian Cumbia composers along with the people have established and celebrate each year many different festivals across the country. They do this to preserve the original rhythms of Cumbia music but, most notably in the city of Medellin which is the only city where ballroom numbers and festivals are widely enjoyed and danced to by all ages of all social classes.Salsa & ReggaetonCumbia was the most popular Colombian form of dance until the 1980s when Salsa was introduced. This Cuban-originated dance along with Reggaeton, is the most popular music genre in Colombia, Latin America and other parts of the world as they’re both being introduced and mixed with different music styles, just like Cumbia and Vallenato were a long time ago.Return from Colombian Dance to Colombian Culture New! CommentsHave your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below. |
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