Cueca,+The+National+Dance

 = =  = The Cueca (KWAY-kah) : Bolivia's National Dance  =  Bolivia has many folk dances today that are a combonation of Hispanic, Spanish, and African dances, some of which are brought to Bolivia by the slaves. The Cueca is the closest Bolivia has to a National Dance and is very popular. The Cueca means the handkercheif dance. It originates from the Chilean cueca and the Spanish fandango, both of which are very similar to the Bolivian Cueca. (2)   media type="youtube" key="5B19NY89rPM&hl=en" height="355" width="425"

"The dance opens with an introduction, during which the partners look at each other provocativ ely, building up tension. On the call of adentro ("ah-DEN-troh"), the couple start to dance, partners whirling around each other, linking arms at times, and waving their handkercheifs in spirals abover their heads with ther free hand. This stage of the dance symbolizes the man trying to win the woman, who esacpes from him. During the second stage, the dance becomes softer and more gentle as the partners come to an agreement. The final stage of the dance is preceded by the cry of //zapateo//, ("zah-pah-TAY-oh"). This is a repeat of the first stage, but with more force. At this point the spectators start clapping in time with the beat." (2)