Monday, December 30, 2019
Blog #2 Music and Dancing in Cuba
African music has always been a major influence on the Cuban culture, especially during the early 1550s through the slave trade. This was a period where thousands of slaves were brought to Spain in the 1400s and eventually migrated to Cuba. At the same time, a religion called Santería was developing and had soon spread throughout Cuba, Haiti and other nearby islands. Through all the history, the aspects of both cultures began to blend, especially among the working-class Cubans and Africans.
Music has always been a common bond between the two groups. Individuals grew up knowing that dance is just as important as the music in the Afro-Cuban Culture. The music is made to be danced to, almost every song possible consist of rumba, salsa, and mambo. It was said that the working class poor used dancing and music as a way to simply a way to blow off steam and have a good time.
Rumba is a dance and music genre that originated in Cuba in the mid-1800s. It is one of the events we will be visiting while we are in Cuba. Rumba is referred to as a combination of percussion and vocal ensemble and is often a community event where many were encouraged to participate (This is where we will be attending when in Cuba). There are three kinds of rumba, all having a similar rhythm but varying tempos. The Yambu, which is known as the couples dance that has a moderate tempo and is usually danced side-by-side. It is the most enjoyable by older individuals because it has such a slower tempo where most individuals like to feel the music and meaning behind the words being said. However, a more modern version is the Guaguanco, which is also a couple of dance, that is with a much faster tempo.
Danzón, which may be the oldest of them all. Danzón music is much more of a slow, elegant, and deliberate. Like all forms of Cuban music, it's made to be danced by couples. Danzón music is based in Afro-Cuban folk traditions around Matanzas, where it emerged around 1870, but is unique for its emphasis on European instruments, like strings and flutes.
Music in Cuba does not just feed the soul and mind, but the senses as well. This explains the erotic and sensuous connotations to it. Cuban music is often considered one of the richest and most influential, Cuba has produced dance and music that has traveled all over the world. In my opinion, I cannot wait to learn the rumba, salsa, and many other more dances because I come from a culture very similar to Cuba where we live for dancing, dancing is a way of relief for us. Therefore getting the opportunity to learn this in another country is very rewarding and I can't wait.
Discussion Questions:
* If Cuba did not intervene with the slave trade nor be known for its music will they still share the same relations with other nearby islands like Haiti?
* What do you think is Cuba's purpose behind music and dancing? Especially when they have large events outside with the entire community involved
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Hey Brianda,
ReplyDeleteIn one of the videos for this module (I can't be sure exactly which one), the interviewer talks about how music runs in the blood of Cubans, which I think you really captured here through the various types of music and dance. I think if Cuba didn't intervene with the slave trade or have such revolutionary developments in music, the whole idea of Cuba's culture would be different! Music seems to be a major identity for them- therefore it's difficult to say if they would have the same relationships with other islands. I do believe music brings people and cultures together, so perhaps not, or not in the same way. Cuba's purpose for music and dancing seems to be one of self expression and- again- identity. It is a celebration of Cuban history- including African roots. In the movie "Viva Cuba" there is a scene in which Malu is singing and dancing on stage. The shots of all the children singing and swaying along is a powerful one that seems to bring all the children together. That, I believe, is what it is all about.
Brianda,
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with Rebecca - you did a very good job at describing how music has been an influential part of Cuban culture since the slave trade began. Something that I found interesting is the idea that African derived countries like Haiti and Cuba share similarities in their styles of dancing, especially ones that were developed earlier. Their styles vary because of European influences as well. For example, Haiti was influenced by France and Cuba influenced by the Spanish. If it werent for the slave trade, Cuba wouldnt share the same relations with Haiti. I think Cuba, and any other Afro-latinx country, shares the same purpose: to bring people together. If there is one thing Latino people love (speaking from experience), is music and dancing and coming together with friends and family.
Hi Brianda,
ReplyDeleteHaving no previous background or knowledge in dance, I found it very interesting to learn that there were three different kinds of Rumba! I had never heard about that before this class. As you seem to know a lot about dance, is it common to have variations of a type of dance? Also I found it so fascinating how dancing is something nearly all Cubans and Latin Americans know how to do, since in the U.S. only a handful of people dance regularly.
To answer your first question, I agree with what Rebecca previously said. I think if Cuba hadn't intervened with the slave trade the way of life and the people themselves would be so much different as historical events influence a society and in turn their music. For this reason, the country may have had an entirely different relationships with nearby countries. Additionally, I think Cuba's purpose behind music and dancing is for self expression, just as Rebecca had said. In many of the articles we read, it was very clear the government strongly regulated a lot of things, especially if it did not promote their values, so I think in a sense music and dance allows Cubans to express themselves in ways they may not be able to with words.
Music and art have been going on for thousands of years. I believe that Cubans just follow the ways of tradition and have been exposed to music and art their whole lives. Not to mention, Cubans have not been exposed to electronics so they fully immerse themselves in art and music. All of their efforts and creativeness is used to create masterpieces of work. This explains why all of their work is so highly cherished and valued by foreigners because no one has really been able to hear or see their creations. According to the short video, “Cuba: The Art Revolution”, Castro’s goal was to become the world’s most cultured society. I think to an extent Fidel Castro wanted his people to learn where they came from and to express their thoughts through art. But, at the same time, as long as songs or pieces of artwork didn’t have to do with the Cuban government or his dictatorship. As a result, Cubans were not allowed to fully express themselves. Think of some activities you do when your time isn’t consumed by technology, do any of those activities relate to music or art?
ReplyDeleteHi Brianda,
ReplyDeleteI really liked reading your blog! I really enjoyed reading about the different music and dances. I think its fascinating that these dances came from the same religion, though branched into very unique art forms. I think that the slave trade was individual to each country, though they shared similarities, these countries didn't adopt the abolishment of slavery until very late. All of these countries still share similar music though it wouldn't be the exact same. I agree with Emely that they all share the same purpose, to bring people together. Along with other forms of art, dance allows free expression of thoughts and ideas.