Candombe Milonga
Candombe Milonga somebodyCandombe Milonga
Candombe Milonga: A Modern Closed Position Jazz Dance
Introduction of the Dance
Candombe is a vibrant, rhythmic dance rooted in the African heritage of Argentina and Uruguay, serving as a foundation for the Argentine Tango Milonga. I refer to it as “A Modern Day Closed-Position Jazz Dance,” because it is an improvisational, expressive dance that adapts effortlessly to a wide range of musical styles—from vintage jazz and Latin rhythms to R&B and African drumming. This dynamic dance emphasizes musicality, partnership, and personal expression, allowing two people to move as one in a closed dance position. In this video, I demonstrate how Candombe’s versatility makes it a dance you can take anywhere, with no fixed steps or patterns—just the rhythm of the music and your own creativity.
History of the Dance
Candombe traces its origins to the Bantu regions of Central Africa, brought to Argentina and Uruguay by enslaved Africans in the 19th century. Its infectious rhythms and expressive movements became a cultural flashpoint in the diverse immigrant communities of Buenos Aires and Montevideo. Here, African candombe drumming blended with Argentine milonga music, giving rise to the early tango. The Compadritos—young, lower-class men of mixed ancestry in Buenos Aires’ impoverished neighborhoods—played a pivotal role in shaping this dance. Dressed in slouch hats, neckerchiefs, high-heeled boots, and often carrying knives, they infused African rhythms with improvisational flair, creating a distinctive and expressive dance that evolved into the Argentine Tango Milonga. Today, Candombe remains a living testament to this rich, multicultural heritage, celebrated for its rhythmic vitality and improvisational spirit.
Benefits of the Class / What Will Be Taught
In this Candombe dance class, you’ll discover the joy of a dance that’s as versatile as it is expressive. Here’s what you’ll learn and why you should join:
- Improvisational Freedom: Candombe has no fixed steps or patterns, relying instead on natural walking movements and your personal rhythm. You’ll learn to express yourself freely through the music, making every dance uniquely yours.
- Musicality: Master the art of aligning with the tempo and rhythmic structure of any music style, from vintage jazz (swing) to Latin (rumba, bolero, salsa, cha-cha), R&B (West Coast Swing, Chicago Stepping), slow ballads, fast-paced tracks, or traditional African drumming.
- Partnering Skills: Learn to lead or follow in a closed dance position, fostering a seamless connection where two people move as one, enhancing your partnering abilities across dance styles.
- Versatility: Candombe adapts to virtually any musical genre, making it a dance you can enjoy anywhere—whether at a jazz club, Latin dance event, or cultural festival.
- Cultural Connection: Embrace a dance rooted in the vibrant African and Argentine heritage, connecting you to a rich history of community-driven, vernacular dance.
This class will teach you the essence of Candombe as a modern jazz dance, characterized by improvisation, syncopation, and a forceful rhythm akin to American jazz but with a distinctly Latin flair. No formal steps to memorize—just bring your rhythm and let the music guide you!