Bailemos el Gato cuyano (San Luis) - Tutorial 2 de 23

Ricky Pashkus teaches the traditional Argentine dance 'El Gato', detailing the steps, movements, and cultural significance.

Summary

  • Ricky Pashkus invites viewers to dance 'El Gato', a traditional Argentine couple's dance with a square formation.
  • Explains the basic steps, turns, and movements like 'zapateo' and 'zarandeo', demonstrating with music.
  • Discusses the historical origins of 'El Gato' from Peru and its representation of a discreet courtship dance.
  • Provides detailed instructions for the dance movements and the musical accompaniment, emphasizing the guitar's role.
  • Teaches specific dance techniques such as 'escobillado', 'contra giro', and the use of 'castañetas' for rhythm.

Chapter 1

Introduction to 'El Gato' Dance

0:00 - 1 min, 13 sec

Ricky Pashkus introduces 'El Gato' dance and its cultural roots in Argentina.

Ricky Pashkus introduces 'El Gato' dance and its cultural roots in Argentina.

  • Ricky Pashkus invites the audience to dance 'El Gato', a staple in Argentine tradition.
  • Describes 'El Gato' as a couple's dance, performed facing each other within an imaginary square.
  • Mentions that 'El Gato' is a criollo dance with origins in Peru before 1820, symbolizing a discreet love chase.

Chapter 2

Dance Steps and Movements

1:13 - 1 min, 18 sec

Instruction on the basic steps and characteristic movements of 'El Gato'.

Instruction on the basic steps and characteristic movements of 'El Gato'.

  • Describes the basic step and 'castañetas' (clapping) used throughout the dance.
  • Explains the sequence of an entire turn, counter turn, 'zapateo' (footwork), and 'zarandeo' (woman's movement).
  • Shows a variation of 'zarandeo' and stresses the importance of guitar accompaniment in the dance.

Chapter 3

Musicality and Dance Synchronization

2:31 - 1 min, 41 sec

Focuses on the synchronization of dance steps with the musical rhythm.

Focuses on the synchronization of dance steps with the musical rhythm.

  • Details the 'paso básico', a fundamental step starting with the left foot, in a 6x8 musical measure.
  • Demonstrates the step-by-step foot movements and their alignment with the musical beats.

Chapter 4

Techniques in Traditional Dances

4:11 - 3 min, 34 sec

Teaches specific footwork and hand movements used in traditional Argentine dances.

Teaches specific footwork and hand movements used in traditional Argentine dances.

  • Details two distinct footwork techniques usable in various folk dances, including the 'punta y quiebra'.
  • Explains the 'zapateo básico', with five movements that correspond to musical beats.
  • Shows the 'zarandeo', a graceful female movement corresponding to the male's 'zapateo'.

Chapter 5

Cultural Significance and Castañetas Technique

7:46 - 1 min, 3 sec

Discusses the cultural significance of 'El Gato' and the technique for producing rhythm with 'castañetas'.

Discusses the cultural significance of 'El Gato' and the technique for producing rhythm with 'castañetas'.

  • Explores the historical significance of 'El Gato' and the role of 'castañetas' in Argentine dances.
  • Shows the correct position for arms and hands to perform 'castañetas' and maintain grace during the dance.