So Far In This Course You All Have Explored The Relationship ✓ Solved

So Far In This Course You All Have Explored The Relationships Between

So far in this course, you all have explored the relationships between Folklórico dance and nationality, ethnicity, and race. You have also viewed dances that are reflective of this theme, specifically "El Jarabe Tapatío." In addition, you have engaged in practical movement experiences of these themes through dance tutorial videos and live class meetings. For this assignment, you will merge these experiences to write this week's reflection paper. Reflect on the readings, viewings, lectures, and your experience with learning "El Jarabe Tapatío." Consider how the dance looked, how it felt to practice and perform, and the story behind it. Also, reflect on how folklórico dance as a genre shapes identity—national, ethnic, or racial—both in Mexico and the United States. Use these as support for your writing.

Describe the relationship(s) between folklórico and nationality, ethnicity, and race. Discuss your understanding of these relationships. Explore how folklórico dance developed as a genre in Mexico and the United States, incorporating insights from readings, lectures, and viewings. Then, focus on "El Jarabe Tapatío": what is the story of the dance? Highlight attributes of movement, culture, or performance that are distinctly Mexican folklórico. Finally, reflect on your practical experience learning "El Jarabe Tapatío" through tutorials at home, live class meetings, and performing. Describe the movements you experienced or observed. Consider how it felt physically, what you focused on, how you used space, your relationship to the music, and factors like learning during a pandemic or cultural codes that influenced your practice. Use these prompts to develop your reflections, supporting your ideas with evidence from your coursework. Your paper should be 2-3 pages, double-spaced, in paragraph form, with a title and citations. Include a Works Cited page if you referenced sources beyond class materials.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Title: Exploring Folklórico Dance, Identity, and "El Jarabe Tapatío"

Folklórico dance holds a rich and complex relationship with notions of nationality, ethnicity, and race. As a genre rooted in cultural tradition, folklórico serves as a vivid expression of collective identity and cultural heritage. In Mexico, folklórico dance embodies national pride and ethnic pride, illustrating the diverse cultural tapestry of the country. Conversely, in the United States, folklórico has evolved as an expression of Mexican-American identity, fostering a sense of community and cultural preservation among immigrant populations. According to Ruiz (2018), folklórico dance functions as both a cultural practice and a form of resistance, helping marginalized communities affirm their identities within broader societal frameworks. Understanding these relationships requires recognizing how dance reflects and sustains cultural narratives, emphasizing shared histories and collective memory.

The development of folklórico dance as a genre has deep roots in Mexico, where it originated from regional traditions and village rituals that were later formalized into national performances, especially after the Mexican Revolution. As noted by Flores (2015), the post-revolutionary period saw folklórico embraced as an emblem of national identity, emphasizing indigenous and regional motifs transformed for stage performance. In the United States, folklórico emerged as a diasporic tradition, adapting Mexican regional dances to the American context, often blending traditional elements with contemporary influences. This evolution helped maintain cultural ties and foster pride among Mexican-American communities, as discussed by Ramirez (2020).

"El Jarabe Tapatío," commonly known as the Mexican Hat Dance, is a lively and vibrant dance with a compelling story rooted in Mexican tradition. Historically, it depicts a courtship scene, symbolizing romantic pursuits and social interactions. The dance features distinctive attributes such as rapid footwork, intricate skirt movements, and synchronized partner choreography that reflect Mexican cultural identity. Movements like heel taps, spins, and the lively gait embody the energy and vivacity associated with Mexican folklórico. Cultural attributes—such as the use of traditional attire, including embroidered dresses and wide-brimmed sombreros—highlight the dance’s cultural significance and identity. These elements, observed during my practice, illustrate the cultural essence of Mexican folklórico.

Practicing "El Jarabe Tapatío" at home during this course was both challenging and enriching. As I followed the tutorials, I was struck by how much attention needed to be given to timing, space, and partner coordination. Physically, I felt a surge of excitement as I attempted the quick steps and spins, aligning my movements with the lively music. Focusing on the intricate footwork helped enhance my awareness of rhythm and timing, while paying attention to the cultural context deepened my appreciation. The experience of learning during a pandemic made me more intentional, as I relied heavily on visuals and instructions rather than live feedback. Performing the dance enabled me to connect with the cultural story, using space to express joy and engagement, and understanding the importance of community and tradition embedded in the movements.

Overall, exploring folklórico dance through both scholarly and practical lenses has reinforced its significance as a cultural connector. It not only preserves and celebrates cultural heritage but also serves as a powerful symbol of identity across diverse communities. Whether in Mexico or among Mexican-Americans, folklórico continues to shape notions of pride, belonging, and cultural continuity.

References

  • Flores, M. (2015). Mexican Folk Dance and National Identity. Cultural Studies Journal.
  • Ramirez, L. (2020). Mexican-American Folklórico: Tradition and Innovation. Journal of Cultural Identity.
  • Ruiz, A. (2018). Resistance through Dance: The Role of Folklórico. Latin American Cultural Review.
  • Additional scholarly sources supporting development and cultural significance of folklórico dance.