Basic Terminology
It is important to use the correct terminology and language in the teaching of the basic dance steps, or the pasos, through the footwork referred to the as the zapateado. The challenge in Mexican folklórico dance is that not all terms for the various steps have been standardized, like in American square dance, which can result in confusion. It is important to note that the terms used depend on the teacher or the maestro. A quick reference for a selection of common terms and basic pasos may include:
Posición tusa - Standing with the knees slightly flexed to facilitate and execute the dance steps or pasos.
Golpe - Refers to the basic foot stomp on the floor.
Remate - Execution of a sequence of foot stomps.
Sequencia - Combination of steps for a given phrase of music.
Sencillos - Single foot stomp which can be alternated with each foot or repeated with the same foot. Example: stomp once with right foot, stomp once with left foot, etc… May be done in place or in different lines of direction. The speed may vary from slow to fast.
Dobles - Double foot stomp which can be alternated with each foot or repeated with the same foot. Example: stomp twice with right foot, stomp twice with left foot, etc… May be done in place or in different lines of direction. The speed may vary from slow to fast.
Metatarsal y talón - Landing or making contact with the ball of the foot followed with the heel.
Paso de tres lentos or balseados - Landing lightly flat footed then alternating landing with the toes or metatarsal with the opposite leg and repeat such as landing whole foot right, toe left alternating right toe. Similar to the basic triple step.
Paso de tres zapateado - Consists of doing three consecutive stomps alternating the foot that is doing the action. There is an accent on the first stomp only followed by a lighter stomp on the second and third beat.
Sequidos - Continuous steps that are done with scuffing with the heel followed by making contact with the whole foot such as scuff right foot on floor and stomp with right foot then alternate with the left foot.
These basic pasos and terms can easily be taught, and serve as a great start for becoming familiar with Mexican folkloric dance.
Another resource I found this week was on quizlet.com. Here are 24 Mexican Folklorico Dance Terms & Facts everyone should know! The site is sort of like a flashcard set up. Test your knowledge!
Folklore - a collective cultural knowledge of a group of people.
Dance - celebrates...life, mourns death, offers prayers, expresses a point of view, holidays, social events, life transitions.
Danza - Indigenous, Pre-Hispanic dances/rituals
Traditional Mexican Dance - is a collective social practice in dance.
Traditional Folk Culture - has to be passed down for 3 generations
Grupo Costumbrista - costumes/original, they seek to bring the dances of a community in a natural state to a stage.
Grupo Folklorico - present folklore with entertainment value, artistic value and seeks to balance the creative and traditional elements.
Ballet Folklorico - draws from the traditional forms only as inspiration for a creative interpretation.
Grupo Folkloroide - no cohesive artistic vision or foundation, they just mimic what other groups do.
4 elements of Folklorico Performance - artistic focus and intent, repertoire of dances, choreography,music and costumes.
Time Periods of Mexican History - 11 time periods
Pre-Classic or Formative - complex societies in development
Classic - complex innovation / Chichimecas
Post Classic - Chichimeca empire formed. Defragmentation of complex civilizations.
La Conquista 1521 - Spanish declare war onto Mexico
War of Independence 1810 - Spanish born revolutionaries began the war of independence 1821 independent from Spain Mestizaje
Mestizo - half Spanish, half indigenous
Criollo - someone or Spanish decent born in the Americas
Mulato - half black, half indigenous
Chichimecas - empire in north semi-nomadic
Chichimecas 4 ethnic groups - Pames, Guamares, Zacatecas, Guachichiles
Chichimecas - hunters/gathers, little clothing, paint their bodies
2 Wars - 1540-1542 Mixon Wars, 1550-1590 Chichinecas Wars
Dia de los Muertos - not a Christian holiday, celebrated before Spanish arrived. Oaxaca - major celebration, Michoacán, Xantolo
Wow! These terms really break it down! I love it! Be sure to check back for this week's post!
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