Created by fusing elements of “martial arts” as well is a style of dance known as Juego De Mani. This “Latin American” dance form is said to have its origin in Cuba, and is also commonly referred to as “Baile de Mani” which when translated means “dance of war”. Apparently, this extremely unique dance form is said to have been developed by slaves belonging to Africa. Furthermore, it is said to have its roots deeply embedded in the “Kongo-Angola” culture. In addition, the teachers/practitioners of this style of dancing are known as “maniseros”.
a. History/origin of the Juego De Mani dance:
It was during the 16th century that African slaves were transported to European colonies (such as Cuba) in large numbers. It is the arrival of African slaves on the shores of Cuba that then led to the creation of this dance style that also included elements from martial arts. However, it was only in the 19th century that this unique dance style eventually took shape on the sugarcane plantations in Cuba. In addition, this style was created to give slaves an opportunity to disguise their fighting techniques (practiced usually during spare time) in the form of dance.
b. Costumes used in the Juego De Mani dance:
The performers include males as well as females so the costume worn varies accordingly. They are as follows:
1. For women:
The costume worn includes a short skirt and minimalistic use of garments to cover the upper body.
2. For men:
The costume worn includes long “pyjama” like trouser, no garments covering the upper body, a headgear worn by the lead male dancer, and a stick.
c. Music involved in the Juego De Mani:
The music used in this style of dancing belongs to an Afro-Cuban religion known as “Palo Monte”. In addition, drums are mainly used to produce music for this dance style. Furthermore, the accompanying “mani” song commonly used in this dance style is called “Vamos a la guera si mani” which means “We go to war if there is mani”.
d. Training availability and the technique involved in the Juego De Mani:
In terms of technique, this dance involves performers expressing martial arts moves such as low kicks, foot sweeps, punches, elbow strikes, etc in the form of dance in complete synchrony to the rhythm of the music i.e. the beats of the drum. During the performance of this dance, the dancers also use a stick that is about 16 inches long. As for training centres/schools, there is a grandmaster (locally called maniseros) in Cuba by the name of Juan De Dios Ramos Morejon who not only teaches this unique style, but is also the founder-director of a folkloric dance company called “Raices Profundas”.