This course explores the technique, rhythm, and movement of Latin American tropical dance. History, anthropology, folklore, and songs are part of this hand-on course.

• By the end of this course, students will have a better understanding of the folklore, and history of Latin American dance.

• They should also be acquainted with some of the basic rhythms in various countries.

Reference books, Internet, support material, and audio-visual equipment.

The process and methodology of this course is based on the following procedures and assignments:

• Reading of material about social and historical type.
• Discussion of the texts in class.
• Short researches about culture in Latin America.
• Class participation.

I. Introduction to Folklore
• Definition
• Music and the history of people
• Urban folklore

II. Basic music skills
• Radio stations

III. Basic dance skills
• Merengue
• Clasic merengue
• Contemporary merengue
• Salsa
• Cumbia
• Creole swing, the Costa Rican way
• Bolero
• Classic bolero
• Bolero son

IV. African origin of Latin American Music
• Yorubas
• The African drums

V. Cuba
• Danzon
• Charanga
• Guaguanco
• Rumba
• Bolero
• Son cubano/ salsa

VI. Puerto Rico
• Bomba
• Plena
• Salsa

VII. Dominican Republic
• Merengue

VIII. Jamaica
• Reggae

IX. Colombia
• Vallenato
• Cumbia

X. Peru
• Los Andes

XI. Paraguay
• Candombe

XII. Mexico
• Mambo
• Cha cha cha

XIII. Brazil
• Samba
• Lambada

XIV. Trinidad and Tobago
• Calypso
• Limbo
• Socca

XV. Argentina
• Tango

XVI. Venezuela
• Joropo

XVII. Panama
• Tamborito

XVIII. Honduras
• Punta (Garifunas)

XIX. Costa Rica
• Guanacaste
• Central Valley
• Talamanca
• Afro-Caribbean
• Dancing areas
• Salon de baile/ Discotheque

Evaluation
Participation	15%
First partial exam	15%
Second partial exam	15%
Research paper and presentation	10%
Final exam	25%
Choreographic projects	20%