The bolero is a Spanish dance of the ballet class for couples or a single female dancer dating from the end of the 18th century. The music, which is in triple measure, is generally marked by rapid changes of time, and the dancers mostly accompany the music with castanets. The interest of these dances largely depends upon the pantomime of passion, which forms an essential part of them. Research Bolero
Castanets are small concave shells of ivory or hard wood used by the Spaniards and Moors to make a rattling sound to accompany dancing. A pair of castanets are held in the palm of the hand and struck with the middle finger. Research Castanets
The fandango is a Spanish dance involving lively movements accompanied by the chatter of castanets, snapping of fingers, and stamping of feet. Research Fandango
The seguidilla is a sixteenth century Andalusian dance in triple time, probably of Moorish origin. It resembles a brisker bolero, accompanied by guitar and castanets, interspersed with the singing of vocal couplets. Research Seguidilla
The tarantella is a rapid, whirling Italian dance in six-eight measure (triple time) for two people originating from Naples. The tarantella commences slowly and gradually increases in speed until it becomes very rapid. The violin is usually used as an accompaniment, sometimes a guitar, but tambourine and castanets are frequently played by the dancers. The tarantella was invented as a cure for the bite of the tarantulaspider, the cure coming from the perspiration induced by the dance. Research Tarantella
Abbreviations
Research Bolero
