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 El Sur del Sur The Southernmost South Cultural Identity DANCE |
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 The
origins of theatrical dance (essential form of the art known as ballet)
must date back from the times of Spanish domination and, more precisely,
of the settlement of the Missions by the Fathers of the Society
of Jesus*. In 1607, the Jesuitical Province of Paraguay was created,
comprising, among other territories, present-day Argentina. The period
from that date till 1767, the year when the priests were expelled,
witnessed character performances which were generally religious and
evangelizing, where a harmonious combination of prose theater, music,
dance and staging elements served both a didactic and an artistic
purpose clearly associated with the general guidelines set by the
missionaries. On the other hand, Spanish dance became a usual practice
in our land. Escuela Bolera* or Spanish Classical School
was a regular and habitual presence which developed till the early
19th century. Not only dancers but also comedians themselves took
part in these performances in the context of theatrical shows. In
the first quarter of the 19th century, the first figures with a professional
and academic background appeared: the Touissant*, the Cañete*
and the Catón*. Divertissements, solos, character
dances, duets (including mime-drama, as the ones practiced by the
Catón with their Napoleonic ballets) filled our theaters.
(*) Subjects which can be consulted. For more information on these items, address danza@surdelsur.com |
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