Joropo oringinated from the Llaneros or cattlefolk of the plains of Venezuela and is the national dance of Venezuela. Joropo has a strong African influence.
The Castillian also known as the Spanish Waltz has a strong, vibrant and earthly quality. There are long running steps and turns with the body leaning towards the direction of the turn.
The Galeron falls into the category of Mimetic Dance as it imitates in vivd details, the movements and attitudes of a bird which is sometimes a rooster or hen interplay.
The Manzanares is a happy and buoyant dance with brisk swinging movements, with a step from side to side, smooth fast gliding turns with much swinging of skirts, manipulated by energetic hands. This is especially popular at Christmas time.
The Pasillo or Paseo was a must in the ballroom and rural fetes. It is a simple two-step, gliding dance, with graceful turns, essentially a couples dance.
Sebucan, the word of amerindian origin, is a Maypole Dance which came to Trinidad from the coast of Venezuela. Sebucan is known in towns of Venezuela as ‘Danza de las Cintas.’ Sebucan was once a very popular Carnival Dance. The Maypole Dance (Sebucan) may still be seen in areas in Trinidad where there is still a Spanish influence.
