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</a> <b>El Sur del Sur <br>
The Southernmost South </b><br>
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<b> <a href="../../identidad/qldaning.htm" target=_top>DANCE</a> <br>
Argentine Theatrical Dance History </b> <br>
<p align="center"><b>The
origins of theatrical dance</b> (essential form of the art known as <b>ballet</b>)
must date back from the times of Spanish domination and, more precisely, of
the settlement of the Missions by the <b>Fathers of the Society of Jesus</b>*.
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 <b>performances</b>
which were generally religious and evangelizing, where a harmonious combination
of <b>prose theater, music, dance</b> and staging elements served both a didactic
and an artistic purpose clearly associated with the general guidelines set by
the missionaries.
<p align="center">On
the other hand, <b>Spanish dance</b> became a usual practice in our land. <b>Escuela
Bolera</b>* or <b>Spanish Classical School</b> 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 <b>theatrical shows</b>.
<p align="center">In
the first quarter of the 19th century, the first figures with a professional
and academic background appeared: the <b>Touissant</b>*, the <b>Cañete</b>*
and the <b>Catón</b>*. <b>Divertissements</b>, solos, character dances,
<b>duets</b> (including mime-drama, as the ones practiced by the Catón
with their <b>Napoleonic ballets</b>) filled our theaters.
<br>
(*) Subjects which can be consulted. For more information on these items, address
<a href="MAILTO:danza@surdelsur.com">danza@surdelsur.com</a>
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