11_ Taller de Danzas (Takirari)

Taquirari Dance Class: A Historical and Choreographic Review

Key Concepts: Taquirari dance, Kolla style, Criollo style, Foxtrot steps, Choreographic patterns, Couple connection, Improvisation, Cultural heritage.

1. Historical and Geographical Context:

• The Taquirari dance arrived from Bolivia around 1945.
• It spread to northwestern Argentina, particularly among the Kolla communities, but is also practiced in Criollo popular settings.
• The class focuses on the Kolla style of Taquirari music.

2. Musical Styles:

• Taquirari music has two characteristic styles: Kolla and Criollo.
• Kolla Style:
  • Less orchestration.
  • Instruments: Guitar, charango, caja (drum), and quena (Andean flute) which carries the melody.
• Criollo Style:
  • More orchestration.
  • Instruments: Accordion or bandoneon carries the melody, accompanied by guitars and bombos (large drums).

3. Research by Pedro Berruti (1954):

• Pedro Berruti conducted fieldwork in Jujuy (Argentina) in 1954.
• He collected steps, positions, and figures, published in the appendix of the "Esperanzas Nativa" manual in 1976.
• Berruti identified four ways of dancing the Taquirari:
  1. Couple dances entirely in a closed position using foxtrot-based steps.
  2. Couple alternates between the closed position with foxtrot steps and figures from the Carnavalito dance.
  3. Couple combines the closed position with foxtrot steps, Carnavalito figures, and the "salto" (jump) or "arrastrado" (dragging) steps from Carnavalito.
  4. Couple dances entirely with Carnavalito steps and figures.

4. Choreographic Patterns:

• A choreographic pattern is a combination of:
  • Steps
  • Positions
  • Physical elements
  • Accessories (Taquirari does not have accessories)
  • Paths/Routes
• The dance moves counter-clockwise.
• The couple dances independently.
• The man usually takes the initiative in improvising steps and figures.

5. Foxtrot Steps (Physical Elements):

• Four foxtrot-based steps are taught:
  1. Foxtrot Created with Heel Taps (Foxtrot creado taconeado)
  2. Foxtrot Created with Air Heel Taps (Foxtrot taconeado al aire)
  3. Foxtrot Created Lateral (Foxtrot creado lateral)
  4. Foxtrot Created Forward (Foxtrot creado de avance)

6. Step-by-Step Instructions for Foxtrot Steps:

• Foxtrot Created with Heel Taps:
  • Step to the left with the left foot.
  • Transfer weight.
  • Bring the right foot next to the left.
  • Tap the right heel.
  • Repeat to the right side.
  • Rhythm: 1-2-3-4.
  • In couple position (man offers left hand, right hand on woman's back), move counter-clockwise.
  • Kolla style: Knees slightly bent.
• Foxtrot Created with Air Heel Taps:
  • Same as above, but the heel is lifted in the air instead of tapping the ground.
  • Rhythm: 1-2-3-4.
  • In couple position, move counter-clockwise.
• Foxtrot Created Lateral:
  • Step to the left with the left foot.
  • Bring the right foot next to the left without transferring weight.
  • Step to the right with the right foot.
  • Bring the left foot next to the right without planting the foot on the floor.
  • Rhythm: 1-2-3-4.
  • Always advance with the left foot.
  • In couple position, move counter-clockwise with knees bent.
• Foxtrot Created Forward:
  • Step forward with the left foot.
  • Bring the right foot next to the left without transferring weight.
  • Step backward with the right foot.
  • Bring the left foot next to the right.
  • Transfer weight to the left foot, then step forward with the right foot, passing the left.
  • Rhythm: 1-2-3-4.
  • Keep hips facing forward.
  • Can be done with a small jump on the "sobre paso saltado" (over step jump).
  • In couple position, use the "pesadilla" (nightmare) position from Carnavalito (hands on partner's waist).

7. Kolla Style Emphasis:

• Kolla style involves a connection to the earth, achieved by bending the knees.
• The torso accompanies the movement of the feet.
• The dance is more relaxed and rustic, reflecting its origins in rural settings.
• The couple can dance closely, with torsos and faces near each other, depending on their comfort level.

8. Improvisation and Spontaneity:

• The Taquirari is a dance of spontaneity and enjoyment.
• Dancers can use one, two, or three steps throughout the dance.
• The dance is not rigid or formal, but rather a relaxed expression of connection and celebration.

9. Woman's Hand Position:

• When breaking the embrace, the woman releases her hand and keeps it loose, either at shoulder height or head height, without grabbing her skirt.

10. Synthesis/Conclusion:

The Taquirari is a vibrant cultural dance with roots in Bolivia and strong ties to the Kolla communities of northwestern Argentina. It features distinct musical styles and a range of choreographic patterns based on foxtrot and Carnavalito steps. The Kolla style emphasizes a connection to the earth, relaxed movements, and improvisation. The dance is a celebration of connection, community, and cultural heritage, encouraging dancers to relax, enjoy the music, and express themselves freely. The steps taught are basic patterns collected by Pedro Berruti, and serve as a foundation for understanding and appreciating the dance's rich history and ongoing evolution.