El danzón coming to a Jardín near you
By Leonardo Rosen July 11, 2008 San Miguel de Allende

Live music: Danzón
Tono 13
Sun, July 13, 1–3pm and 7–9pm
Jardín Principal
Free

Some of our esteemed readers attended one or more of our recent demonstrations of the elegant and rhythmic Cuban/Mexican dance tradition, the danzón. For many of them, this was a first because, although it is danced all over Mexico, it was conspicuously absent from San Miguel. Club de Danzón Mercerina has been working for over a year to rectify this situation. We have been giving classes and Sunday dances in El Recreo (now El Sindicato, Escuela de las Artes Escénicas), in addition to public exhibitions.

Now, thanks to the vision and support of Verónica Agundis, Director of Education and Culture of the city, the danzón will be presented regularly in our very own Jardín Principal with live music. Beginning July 13, the marimba band Tono 13 will play danzón and other Latin rhythms for the dancing and listening pleasure of the people of this city. They feature five musicians and plenty of ritmo y sabor. While the danzón is emphasized, they also play many other rhythms. There’ll be something for everyone.

The band will play every other Sunday during July and August. There will be a break of one month, September, for the Fiestas Patrias, and then the program will resume in October. If it should be necessary to change a date, a prior announcement will be made.

Finally, San Miguel takes its place among the many Mexican cities for which the danzón is part of the cultural fabric. In addition, another charming Mexican tradition, that of the marimba, is also highlighted.

Many people think that the marimba is a pre-Hispanic indigenous instrument. Well, it isn’t. The marimba is of African origin and came to the New World with the slave trade. It is an extremely important part of the musical culture of southern Mexico and Guatemala. One of the distinguishing features of marimba bands is their versatility. They can play just about anything from very folkloric sones regionales mexicanos to danzón, mambo, cha cha chá, bolero, son cubano, salsa and cumbia. 

Can anyone dance the danzón? Emphatically, yes. There are two major styles, académico and lírico. Académico style is recognized by the established danzón associations and schools all over Mexico. This is what we teach in our classes. On the other hand, lírico is a polite way of saying, “any way you want to do it” or “freestyle.” So, you are welcome to do it your way. If you decide to study académico, we’ll be delighted to have you. A suggestion to the líricos: There is an aspect of ritual with the dancing sections and the rest sections. It looks nice if the líricos start, stop, rest, and start again, when the académicos do. This also gives more sense of participation and feels quite elegant. Much can be learned by observing others, including styles of dress. To start, please dress to dance comfortably. The rest will come with time. Ladies: We know you love to dance. Gentlemen: As always, we want you and need you.

For additional information, call 154-5840 or email leonardtr@hotmail.com.