Vocal and Dance Forms of Latin American Music

• Cumbia

  • originated in Panama
  • popular courtship dance
• Tango

  • African origin meaning “African Dance”
  • from the Spanish word “Taner” meaning to play.
  • Foremost Argentinian and Uruguayan urban popular song and dance.
• Cha cha

  • Derived from mambo and its characteristic rhythm.
• Rumba

  • recreational dance of Afro-Cuban origin
  • normally used as a ballroom dance where a solo dancer or couple would be in an embrace though slightly apart.
• Bossa Nova

  • originated in 1958 as a movement affecting a radical change in the classic Cuban samba.
  • word “bossa” means either ‘trend’ or ‘something charming, integrating melody, harmony, and rhythm into a “swaying” feel
  • vocal production is often nasal.
• Reggae

  • popular music and dance style that originated in Jamaica in the mid 1960’s
  • Robert Nesta “Bob” Marley achieved international fame and acclaim because of his songs: No Woman No Cry, Buffalo Soldier, One Love, Three Little Birds and others.
• Foxtrot

  • Gave rise to other dances such as the black bottom, Charleston and shimmy.
• Paso Doble

  • “double step” is a theatrical Spanish dance used by the Spaniards in bullfights
  • arrogant and dignified with a duple meter, march-like character.
• Who achieved international fame and acclaim because of his songs: No Woman No Cry, Buffalo Soldier, One Love, Three Little Birds and others?

  Robert Nesta “Bob” Marley