What are popular dances?

Answer 1

The South American country of Chile has several different dances that are popular.

One, is the national dance called la cueca(pronounced: kway ka), which is short for zamacueca.

La Cueca is said to come from the word clueca, meaning: a hen that is about to lay eggs. Therefore, this dance is meant to symbolize the mating ritual of a rooster and his hen.

Having its background in both African and Spanish tradition, it is believed to have been adapted from the Peruvian dance zamacueca frome whence its name.

Another, is the Diablada (or Danza de los Diablados). Translated to English: Dance of the Devils.

It originates from the Prehispanic indigneous (Andean & other) cultures of Chile combined with Spanish influences.

Both religious and melodramatic in nature, it usually meant to symbolize the victory of good over evil.

The Diablada is usually reenacted in Chile during the annual celebration of

Fiesta de La Tirana (Translated: Festival of the Tyrant) on July 16 in northern Chile. However, it is also popular in Bolivia and southern Peru.

It is characterized by the traditional mask and devil suit worn by the performers.

Other dances include the trote, cachimbo, and the cueca nortina (the northern version of the cueca) in the north; the trastrasera, the loncomeo and the costillar in the south.