For my second inquiry post, I am going to be researching latin dance styles, and the history behind them. Latin dances are often done in pairs, and are much different than typical Western dance styles. I have never learned any latin styles, but have seen tons of videos on social media as well as on the TV show “Dancing With the Stars.” There are many different latin styles, but today I will be focusing on 2; the salsa, and the argentine tango.
Salsa:
No single person created salsa dancing. Salsa originated in Cuba and Puerto Rico, and began to emerge in the 1500s. This style of dance came about during the Atlantic Slave Trade. Many different groups of people influenced the beginning of salsa dancing. First were the native people of Cuba and Puerto Rico. A variety of the instruments they played are still present in salsa music today. Next were the European colonizers, specifically the Spanish people. This group of people brought partner dancing to the Caribbean, as well as new instruments like the guitar. The final group of people that influenced salsa dancing were the African slaves. The African people brought rhythm and movements from Africa when they were forced into slavery by the Spanish in the Caribbean. When all these cultures were brought together in the Caribbean, salsa dancing emerged. By the time the 20th century rolled around, Cuba had become the leading place for salsa dancing and music. Currently, salsa is one of the most popular partner dances and is competed and performed worldwide.
Source:
Young, T. (2023, June 26). History of Salsa Dance: Origins of Salsa. Salsa Vida. https://www.salsavida.com/articles/history-of-salsa-dance/
Argentine Tango:
The Argentine Tango originated in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Tango music is believed to have started in the 17th century, but the dance style did not become known until the late 1800s. The Argentine Tango started differently than most partner dance styles, it started with two men pairing together. This style of latin dance was mostly performed by immigrants from Europe and Africa, as well as lower class South American people. The Argentine Tango started as a mix of various older styles, such as the African Candombe, the Cuban Habanera, as well as European styles like the waltz and the polka. Just like the salsa, it was the mix of different cultures, styles, and instruments that led to the creation of this new style. Today, the Argentine Tango is done by a pair of a female and a male, and is competed worldwide.
Sources:
(n.d.). History of Tango – Origin and Characteristics of Tango. Dance Facts. https://www.dancefacts.net/tango/history-of-tango/
(2019, November 27). The History of The Argentine Tango. Elite Dance Studio. https://www.elitedancestudio.net/blogs/the-history-of-the-argentine-tango/
Summary
Both the Salsa and the Argentine Tango are examples of the many different styles of latin dance. Both of these styles emerged due to the presence of multiple different cultures occupying the same spaces. However, there are distinctive differences between the two styles. Both of these styles, along with other latin styles, are still being competed and performed today, and are very popular. I hope that in the future I will be able to learn some latin styles, as they seem very intriguing to me.