| Almost all traditional dances have a certain
aesthetic associated with them. It manifests itself in the movements,
in the dynamic between the performers and, not leastly, in the
costumes that those performing the dance don.
From the sensual and sexy tango to the reserved and proper foxtrot
to the elated Punjabi dances such as Bhangra, each culture has
a unique tradition and a unique way of doing things. The costumes
that the performers inhabit frequently contribute to the essence
of the dance and are, ultimately, extremely important in the impact
of the performance.
Jarabe Tapatio
This traditional Mexican music and dance style hailing from the
Jalisco region has become the face of Mexican music to much of
the rest of the world. Mariachi
music uses this musical form and it carries a distinct garb with
it.
The men wear the classic Spanish style charro
suit rounded out with a large sombrero.
The women don a flowing traditional ranchero dress adorned with
colorful ribbons around the trim. In this case the woman's fancy
dress plays an important role in the dance as the excess fabric
is twirled and grasped throughout the exchanges with their partner.
Samba
While not a requisite part, particularly during carnival, the
standard dress for dancing samba has become, essentially, the
most scandalous and ridiculous
outfit that you can come up with.
The base layer is an ornately decorated bra and a matching thong
or mini skirt. From here many dancers customize their costumes
with intricate headdresses, wigs,
and even things such as wings on their back.
Much of the dance places an emphasis on hip movement, so costumes
typically work to accentuate this part of the dancer's anatomy.
For men, a much more reserved approach is taken, typically relying
on classic white suits and panama hats.
Bhangra
Color plays a huge part in this style and the dance is colorful
enough to match it. For traditional Bhangra, men dress up in a
long shirt called a "kurta" with a "chaadra"-
a colorful belt- wrapped around their waist.
Customarily they complete this look with a turban. Women also
share in the colorful melee with a suit called "salwars kamiz"
that includes baggy pants that taper at the ankle and a colorful
shirt. This is typically completed with a light ornamental scarf
known as a "duppatta".
|
|
