The "Bailes de Salon" (Ballroom Dances) flourished during the 19th century in
the salons of elite, agricultural landowners (hacendados) with cultural ties to
Spain. Popular classical dances such as the Contradanza from Spain, as well as
the Minuet, Cachucha, Waltz, Britano, and Rigodon were introduced to the Island
by immigrants from South America. In the early days, dances were executed under
the direction of the "bastonero," a director who decided how many couples would
dance and the position of each dancer. European dances typically arrived
following a traditional route, from France to Spain, Spain to the Carribean. In
the early days, original classics were enjoyed, but later Puerto Rican
composers began inventing their own works. The Danza, created in Puerto Rico
around 1840, is a Baile de Salon. Although danza, with its hint of
Afro-Caribbean syncopation, began as the dance of the rich, it was later
adopted by all -- merchants and peasants alike.
When Puerto Ricans remember the
"bailes de salon" they remember men in white tie and tails and ladies in fancy
ballgowns. Dancecards dangling from ladies' hands held the names of
gentlemen who promised a dance. Lace fans held a secret language which
enamorados, those in love, communicated under chaperones watchful eyes. In
those days, every lady and gentleman learned the language of the fan -- the
secret code that helped them attract the attention of the lady or gentleman of
their dreams!
Written by Dr. Tekina-eiru Maynard (1998)
References and Suggested Reading
- Cesareo Rosa-Nieves, "Voz Folklorica de Puerto Rico", Troutman Press 1967. [Book]
- Salvador Brau, "La Danza Puertorriquena", Ensayos Sobre La Danza
Puertorriquena, Instituto de Cultura Puertorriquena, San Juan PR, 1977. [Book]
- Website of La Danza Puertorriqueña
- See References and Resources
for where to find these treasures and additional suggested reading.
