Folklorico de Mexico

Vera Cruz
 History of Vera Cruz

The history of Mexican dance starts with the ancient cultures, which
flourished in the country during the 3000 years preceding the arrival of
the first Europeans.
The Spanish arrived in Mexico in 1519 AD, and added new ingredients to
the culture. Along with the language, the Spanish added new songs, new
dances, and of course new musical instruments, which contributed to the
diversity of expression.
In the music and dance of sones (the generic name given to folk
melodies) such as those of Veracruz, one more element is present, the
influence of African rhythms. They were contributed by slaves who
worked the sugar cane in colonial times. Thus, the famous sones
jarochos, of which La Bamba is the most universally known, combine
Mexican Indian, Spanish and African elements.
 History Cont.

Each region of Mexico has its own dances,

corresponding to its physical climate and traditions.

The oldest city on the Gulf of Mxico and the

Republic's largest port, Veracruz is on the Eastern
Coast of Mxico.

The people living near the port city of Veracruz are

called Jarochos, their music and dance are called
"Sones Jarochos".
 Music
Their music is comprised of a mixture of Spanish music influenced by African
and Caribbean rhythms. This lively and contagious music is played on a harp,
jarana (small guitar), and requinto (small rhythm guitar). Its dances are made
up of diverse steps or "zapateados" with flamenco characteristics.
The music is mostly acoustical, violin and harp, which were influenced during
the conquest and also penetrated by elements of the Arab, African, German,
Dutch, and other European cultures.
The African people who arrived during the Spanish colonization period as
slaves, mainly to the coastal regions in the south of the country contributed
greatly to the tropical rhythm.
Son: This slow rhythmic music was originally in 2/4 time. It became
Americanized and is usually played in 4/4 time.
Huapango: The Mexican Huapango is ultimately traced to the Spanish Son, but
its rhythm is definitely of the New World. The Huapango combines 2/4 time with
3/4 time and 6/8 time, creating cross rhythms of great complexity. It makes a
most interesting lively dance.
 Vera Cruz Costumes

Themenwearthewhiteguayaberapantsandshirtsand
redwaistsash,aredhandkerchiefaroundtheneck,a
strawhat,andwhiteboots.
Thewomenwearimportedwhitelacedresses;anapron,
aredbandana,theirhairupinbunsinacombdecorated
withflowers,arebozos,wearinggaudyjewelry,andits
accompaniedbyfans.
 Dances of Vera Cruz

SONES: A dance that it is wilder in rhythmic accent and more violent in step
pattern. It is the Son which first served as a basis for the Mambo which in turn
became the triple Mambo, now known as Cha Cha.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laAzKbNPTQk&feature=related

JARABE: The Jarabes are typical Mexican Folk dances. Usually done by a couple, it
depicts a flirtation and conquest. It is well known in America by its other name, "The
Mexican Hat Dance." The Mexican Jarabe is a descendant of the Spanish Zapateado,
and its rhythm resembles that of a Mazurka. It is in 3/4 time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkAKPde5Guc&feature=related

BAMBA: An old Mexican air from the province of Vera Cruz, Mexico, to which a
charming folk dance depicts two lovers who throwing a narrow sash on the floor
manage to tie it into a knot with their dancing feet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xua3Dweynto&feature=player_embedded#

ZAPATEADO: The Spanish and Flamenco dances of Spain in which rhythmic

patterns are made with the heel and ball of Filigrano. Also a man's dance which
consists purely of intricate stomping.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTB24lDdhsI&feature=related