The Rich History of the Bolero

The term “Latin Dance” refers to types of ballroom dance and folk dance and includes a wide range of dances originating in Latin America, Cuba and Puerto Rico. Popular social Latin dances include Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Bolero, and the Argentine Tango. Here at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona we teach all of these dances! Not only are these dances exciting and sensual, they have interesting histories as well. Today, we will delve in to the unique story that is the history of the Bolero dance.

The Bolero originated in Spain, but there are both Spanish and Cuban versions of the dance. Dancer Sebastiano Carezo is credited with inventing the dance in 1780. Fusing two dances, the Contradanza and the Sevillana, Carezo created this combination dance that has a moderately slow tempo. The Spanish Bolero is performed to music which is sung and accompanied by castanets (hand-held percussion instruments) and guitars.  It is danced by either a soloist or a couple. In Spain, during the 18th Century, the Bolero actually had many different names. It was called 'Escuela Bolera', 'Baile de Palillos' and 'Goyescas'. Bolero originated as a fusion of popular dances and classical ballet in order to produce a dance that was fit for shows, and not just for fiestas. Classical Ballet steps were added to the Bolero in Castilla-La Mancha, an area in central Spain where the famous Spanish text Don Quixote is based! The Spanish Bolero was spread by performers who danced the Bolero in other countries in Europe and it soon became the dance to know in many European capital cities. The Bolero also benefited from the contact with European Romantic and Post-Romantic Ballet, from 1835 to 1880.

The Cuban Bolero originated in Santiago de Cuba in the last quarter of the 19th century. Most historians agree that the first Bolero was written by Cuban Jose “Pepe” Sanchez in Santiago de Cuba around 1885. While it is debatable, this version of dance is probably the first more widely known Bolero, so it is accepted that Sanchez gave the formal origin to this genre and its classical style. Cuban Bolero is accompanied by guitar and percussion and has evolved from music in canteens to serenade music. Sanchez was an untrained musician with a great deal of natural talent. Most of his pieces are lost, save a dozen or so, because he never wrote his compositions down. The romantic touch of Bolero allowed it to spread through all classes, and the technological advancements like the radio, help to spread it all over. The Bolero and its music have been perpetuated through vinyl discs, television and cinema. 

While learning to dance is a great experience, sometimes we are removed from the rich history and unique origins of the dances we learn. You can learn the steps and styles of many Latin dances at Dance FX Studios, including the Bolero! If you have never taken a dance class and are interested in starting, our $40 Introductory Offer for Private Dance Lessons is perfect for you! You will learn the proper dance form, a few dance floor tips, and you can discuss with your instructor the kinds of dances and venues you’d like to take your skills to. If you already know how to dance a few styles and want to join in on the Latin fun, we have Holiday Specials happening now! Check out our Gift Cards page and see what kind of steals we have for you this Holiday Season.