BAILAMOS…MEXICAN DANCES

What is a Dance?

A dance is another form of self-expression in a non-communicative manner that basically gives emphasis in the body movements. Usually accompanied by music, it entails a story or a presentation of symbolic transformation of experience. Dance movements in every nation vary. Language and culture are interrelated, and so are dances. A certain movement is possible to become a patterned habitual action that eventually influenced a nation‘s culture. Preserving cultural heritage is very important for both Mexico and the Philippines. It is a way of showing respect and love to one‘s roots and it keeps both nations in touch with their native heritage. In Mexico, each region of the country has different dances. Ancient dances are performed in traditional costumes. 


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Danza de los viejitos (Dance of the Little Old Men) is considered as one of the oldest dances. The male dancers are made to look like old men. The movements start with a warm up with walking sticks then suddenly they leap up and start dancing energetically and they become weak old men again until another burst of energy hits them. These actions cause the viewers to burst into laughter.


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Conchero is frequently being performed at fiestas, and dancers travel from fiesta to fiesta, dancing for hours. Partners dance to the music of a guitar or lute. They wear colorful costumes that include tall, plumed headdresses, wide capes, sequined robes, embroidered shields, and clusters of bells and dried shells at the ankles.


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Matachin (Dances with swords) is popular at fiestas that gives delight to both the children and adults. The dancers wear tall, pointed headdresses and cover part of their faces with a fringe, dressed in layers of aprons and colored ribbons. The step is done by shaking gourd rattles in one hand and wield brightly painted wooden swords in the other.


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Ballet Folklórico was formed by Mexican dancer Amália Hernández in 1952. Ballets are based on ancient stories of the gods and emperors. The Folklórico performances combine modern dance techniques with traditional native costumes and music. This gained fame in Mexico and around the world because of its colorful costumes and lively dance routines


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Jarabe TapatÍa (Mexican Hat Dance) is the national dance of Mexico. The dancers move with quick hopping steps around a wide-brimmed Mexican hat called a sombrero. Male dancers wear a charro (a rodeo-rider costume), and the women wear brightly colored full skirts that swirl around them as they move.