Spain

BOLERO DANCE FROM SPAIN

First created by a dancer known as Sebastiano Carezo is a dance style known as Bolero. This extremely “seductive” dance is said to have originated in Spain in the year 1780.  It is said that this style of dancing has been created by fusing elements from “contrandanza” and “Sevillana” i.e. styles of music and dance prevalent in Spain. In addition, this dance can be performed either by a single performer (solo) or by a couple (male and female). Furthermore, this dance is accompanied by music which involves the use of instruments such as castanets and guitars and as well as a song rendition.

a. History/origin of Bolero dance:

According to the cultural history of Spain, this Spanish dance style is said to have its roots deeply embedded in region of Castilla-La-Mancha. It is also said to have been created by fusing elements belonging to music and dance styles such as the “contrandanza” and “Sevillana”. Such has been the popularity of this dance style over the years that many variations have been developed including the popular “Cuban Bolero” which was first created and then developed further mainly in Cuba.

b. Costumes used in the Bolero dance:

Since this dance style can be performed by both male and female the costume varies accordingly, and they are as follows:

1. For women:

The attire worn includes a long dress that may even reveal the midriff area to add to the sensuality, and a pair of high heel shoes.

2. For men:

The attire worn includes a shirt, a pant, and a pair of good dancing shoes.

c. Music involved in the Bolero dance:

The basic instruments used in producing music for this dance form include castanets and guitars. In addition, to the music a song is also sung which comprises of lyrics that possesses of about five to seven syllables in four lines of each verse.

d. Training availability and the technique involved in the Bolero:

In terms of technique, this dance is performed in accordance to the 3/4 meter. In addition, the dancers perform to an extremely slow tempo generated by the music produced by instruments that include castanets and guitars which is also accompanied by a song. In terms of training, there are number of centres available around the world for those interested in learning this extremely “sensuous” dance style.

e. Some Bolero Dance Videos:

Ricardo Sopin and Iraida Volodina perform a breathtaking Bolero Latin Dance at Arthur Murray Dance Centers’ Spring Ballroom Showcase in Melville, Long Island, NY
Bolero dance to the music of Dos Gardenias by Buena Vista Social Club, and danced by International Instructors@Dakhóta Romero and @Edwin M Ferreras in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Choreography of Bolero with Pedro França and Luísa Canda, dancers and teachers from ABDS (Bahia Academy of Ballroom Dance).
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