por What is the northern cueca?
The northern cueca It is a traditional dance from the northern region of Chile, especially from the towns of Iquique, Arica and Loa. It is also considered a type of musical genre. This dance is characterized because there are formations of mixed couples, where there are steps and jumps.
It is believed that it is a manifestation of the courtship of the man to the woman, although experts indicate that it does not always have a loving connotation. It is a dance practiced in several countries and in different regions of Chile; The nortina is specifically of the utmost importance in religious and agricultural celebrations and in Carnival, where steps are even improvised.
There is no exact origin of this dance, but it is believed that it came from the musical expressions of the Spaniards who settled on the continent.
Origin and history
To talk about the northern cueca, it is important to point out the origin of the cueca as such, since the different styles that currently stand out in the region emerged from it.
As noted above, according to historians there is no clear history of the cueca. However, there are two theories:
-One is related to the gypsy-Andalusian musical traditions, imported by the Spaniards who settled throughout the country.
-Another premise postulates that the cueca is rather a variation of the zamueca, a Spanish dance that reached the south of the continent, and was generalized by the practices carried out by slaves between the s. XVIII and s. XIX.
At this point, a notable differentiation was made between other similar dances, because in this Chilean zamueca or Chilean cueca there was greater emphasis on music and on dance steps that were not so exaggerated.
Important data
Some main features of the history of the cueca and the northern cueca can be highlighted:
-According to records, the dissemination of the cueca occurred thanks to its appearance in canteens and other social centers in the towns, especially during the s. XIX.
-The northern cueca was influenced especially by the migratory movements of Peruvians towards the territory and by the social characteristics of the Andeans of the area, for which there was a combination of folkloric aspects that combine ancestral traditions with others of a foreign nature.
-With the passage of time a series of instruments was integrated during the interpretation of the cueca. In the case of the nortina, the quena, the bass drum, the zampoña, the tromon, the tuba and the trumpet are used.
-As a consequence of the war against the Peru-Bolivia Federation, the cueca was exported to those lands, even to Mexico. In fact, in Peru it became popular at the end of the s. XIX; there these dances were called “marineras”.
-During the s. XX the cueca settled in different neighborhoods of the Chilean capital, to become a popular expression of the humblest class. In 1940, its popularity rose again, thanks to the musical group Los Hermanos Campos.
-Finally, it is declared a national dance in 1979, due to its influence in all regions of the country.
Characteristics of the northern cueca
-It is a dance linked to religious and agricultural festivals.
-Unlike the rest of the cuecas, this one lacks lyrics, so there is only melody played by various Andean wind instruments, such as trumpets and tubas.
-The movement of the men is faster, without so much tapping, and overall it looks like a waltz, although on certain occasions it does allow some jumps.
-Tends to allow a certain degree of improvisation and informality on the part of the dancers.
-Her clothing has Aymara and Quechua influence.
-It is carried out in the main regions in the north of Chile (Andean and foothill populations): Iquique, Arica, Antofagasta and Loa.
-There is a conjugation of the Andean customs of the altiplano and of the communities belonging to nations that are found in the adjacencies of northern Chile.
-There are no ostentation or steps that are too elaborate. In fact, the movements are slow and waltzed.
Clothing of the northern cueca
In general terms, the clothing of the northern cueca is influenced by Aymara and Quechua clothing, so there is a presence of colorful garments:
Men
They wear pants made of cotton, a sash at the waist (which serves as a belt), a short jacket, a shirt, a hat, and shoes, which can be boots.
Women
They wear a white blouse, a blanket of any color that must match the long skirt, a backpack, sandals, a hat, and pompoms.
Both men and women make use of handkerchiefs that they move at will, waving over their heads and more or less close to their partner.
How do you dance the cueca nortina?
All basins are governed by a series of general steps and movements. As for the cueca nortina, the steps simulate a waltz and the man tends to move faster, although without so many jumps:
-The man invites the woman to dance.
-To the rhythm of the Andean orchestra, there is a walk on the dance floor. In this part the dance has not yet begun.
-After finishing the walk, the couple meets face to face and then begins to dance.
-A series of laps begins when the bass drum or bells are heard.
-The brush is one of the most beautiful steps of the dance, since it requires synchronization on the part of the dancers. In the northern cueca it is manifested even more with the movement of a handkerchief or through the approach of the man towards the woman.
-Later, a first turn is made and then a movement similar to the brush (or crescent).
-Stomping in women is optional, while men do it without highlighting the toe or heel.
-At the time of the auction, this is done as a waltz, where the woman intertwines her arm with the man. After this it returns to the starting point.