Chacarera is a folk dance from the rural North of Argentina. It is a partner contra dance that is danced as a light hearted break from more serious tango. In between tandas as a cortina. This article will explain how to dance it. Please click here for a video of a Chacarera doble performance this video gives you a feel for how it is danced originally. The dance explained below is Chacarera simple so not the same as Chacarera doble however very similar.
How to do a Chacarera simple
First find a partner and enough space. Line yourself up opposite your partner and decide what is the middle line (where you come together with your partner during the dance). If practicing on your own decide if you are the leader or the follower. If the audience is looking upon the side the leaders should be lining up on the left. Danced with arms wide above the shoulders and fingers clicking. The metre is 6/8 to start and finishes in 3/4. The basic step is called paso de Gato or cat step and commences on the left forward, close with right foot and step forward again on the left. Then start next step on the Right forwards close with Left and step forwards on right to start next step repeat on the left foot. Close to what we have in Western Europe and most people know is a shuffle step. Please see video.
- 1. Avance y Retroceso (4 c) literally advance and retreat or 2 steps forward and 2 steps backward,
- floor pattern can either be a straight line or a diamond shape (when danced in diamond shape only slightly turn away from your partner as your main part of the front of your body is still facing your partner)
- 2. Giro (4 c) Turn or dance a circle on your own half in 4 Gato steps, passing your partner closely in the centre. Yes you can turn your back on your partner now.
- 3. Vuelta redonda (8 c) Whole turn change side, so you turn to your partners side and come back ending up on your own side and starting point again (floor pattern is more an oval really) in 8 Gato steps.
- 4. Zapateo y zarandeo (8 c) Leaders stomp feet (zapateo) to impress and seduce the followers. The followers hold and swish their skirts from side to side to do their bit.
- 5. Vuelta redonda (8 c) same as 3.
- 6. Zapateo y zarandeo (8 c) same as 4. however expectation is different movements and rhythms or a variation on the movements and rhythms are used.
- 7. Media vuelta (4 c) In 4 Gato steps change side in half oval floor pattern. So you end up in your partner’s place.
- 8. Giro final (4 c), to start similar as 2. however finish with an embrace or hug in the middle!
The dancers repeat the whole dance however swop sides and repeat all the figures again as above on their partners place.