Argentina

ZAMBA DANCE – ARGENTINA

Zamba is an Argentinian folk dance composed of several elements belonging to “Cucea”. This traditional dance said to have originated from the Salto province of Argentina, is performed by a couple. Apparently, the Zamba dance is mainly performed to celebrate important events that have occurred in the history of Argentina. The music, rhythm, and temperament of this dance are quite different from Samba’s, despite some similarities. Zamba is similar to cueca in that its dancers must master a variety of steps, dance routines, and costume wear. Furthermore, there also exists a variant of Zamba performed mainly as a form of “political protest” which is referred to as “Aerolineas Argentinas”.

Many regional versions of Zamba promote local musical and fashion trends, frequently highlighting the beauty of the area and its women. There are even Zamba variations that are meant to be danced as a form of political protest.

a. History/origin of the Zamba dance:

According to the cultural history of Argentina, this dance style is said to have originated in a province called Salto. Apparently, it was between 1825 and 1830 that this dance style first made its presence felt in Argentina, arriving from a region known as “Alto Peru” (now located in Bolivia) and Chile.  Furthermore, the name of this dance i.e. Zamba has been derived from the racial term “Zambo”, which refers to people possessing African and Amerindian roots.

b. Costumes used in the Zamba dance:

The costumes worn in this dance style are traditionally “Chilean” and vary according to gender as follows:

1. For men:

The attire worn includes a shirt, a flannel poncho, riding trousers, a short jacket, huaso’s hat, a white handkerchief, and riding boots.

2. For women:

The attire worn includes a colourful dress that comprises of an apron, and white handkerchief.

c. Music involved in the Zamba dance:

The musical instrument that is mainly used in this dance style is a traditional Argentine drum called “Bombo leguero” and a guitar.

d. Training availability and technique involved in the Zamba dance:

In terms of technique, this dance comprises an extremely slow rhythm. Zamba dancing involves male and female pairs circling one another and waving white handkerchiefs in a graceful manner. Because Zamba music can be from a variety of genres, it has gained popularity throughout the entire vast nation of Argentina. Furthermore, the performer uses movements that include a walking step, an alternate step, and a tip-toe alternate step. In addition, while performing the dancers also make use of a handkerchief. As for training centers/schools, there are very few available around the world since this “traditional” dance is mainly performed in Argentina.

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e. Some of the Best Zamba Dance Videos:

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