CuBop: Afro-Cuban Fusion
Looking into the reading, I was surprised but not shocked to see the mention of Dizzy Gillespie- considering the inclusion of jazz in this particular style of music. The Afro-Cuban fusion has deep connections to African ritual and and rhythm like most things in the world today in all aspects. My first encounter with Rumba and Mambo was most likely from a dance show ( Dancing with the Stars) where they showcase all styles of dance, but the Mambo being the most popular. I have always had a fascination for ballroom dancing-particularly in those styles. The footwork and body movement is so captivating. As well as the essence in which they capture the culture in their clothing/costume and of course the music choice as they have live bands. I do feel like the style of my book that they perform on the show does take a bit of all Latino culture as opposed to just Cuban mambo. Although the fashion in this video is similar to that of Havana Cuba, where Langston Hughes has found himself doing his research while preparing for his opera.
They definitely do take a more modernized approach to the original style of mambo I have seen. Although I still didn’t feel like they do a well enough job to capture the essence that the dance possesses. A key modernization is the outfits worn. You will notice the traditional video shows women in full dress of various colors. And the men dressed almost causal.
I will say ballroom in general takes a more flashy spin as far a costumes; but he appearance is to compliment the lights of the stage and to capture the movement of the dancers also allowing more range of motion, hence the lack of fabric on the women's clothing.
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