Cueca

Cueca is a traditional Latino American dance and music style. Since 18th of September, 1979 the cueca has the status of Chilean national dance. It is performed in the countryside and during important national holidays. The same as in Chile Bolivian cueca differs from region to region. There are differences in costumes, musical instruments and several other details. Cueca is danced in parts of Argentina too.

Cueca is a courting type of dance. According to experts zoomorphic characteristics can be noticed. What is meant is that the dancers kind of imitate the courting acts between a rooster and a hen. Male dancers perform with very lively moves. They do everything to win the heart of the female partner. Traditionally the dance ends with man kneeling on one knee. The woman puts her foot on the man's risen knee.

In Chile dancers wear traditional clothes. The male dancer wears hat and clothes usually worn by the haso, who is Chilean countryman and rider. The female dancer is dressed in colourful dresses with an apron. It is interesting to mention that dancers hold white handkerchiefs (pañuelos) and that they do not actually touch during performance of the dance. They communicate through body moves and facial expressions.