Mexican Hat Dance History

Traditionally, a mariachi band plays while couples dance the Mexican hat dance.

It may be one of the first dances you learned. Children in kindergarten learn the Mexican hat dance often as part of the celebration of Cinco de Mayo. The dance has a rich background and meaning.

Meaning

Americans know the popular Mexican folk dance called the "Jarabe Tapatío" as the Mexican hat dance. Traditionally known as a flirtatious dance of courtship, it originates from the state of Jalisco in the west of Mexico. The dance originally included singing as a Mariachi orchestra played trumpets, guitars and violins.

Clothing

During the national dance of Mexico, men wear classic, waist-length jackets called charros with snug pants that open at the bottom to fit over short riding boots. The outfit may have embellishments such as cut leather designs, embroidery or silver buttons. Women traditionally wear bright sequined skirts with shawls or ranchero dresses with full skirts and brightly colored ribbons.

Popularity

According to the Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Chicago, famous Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova visited Mexico in 1919 and fell in love with the dance and included it in her permanent repertoire, popularizing the dance.

References

• Houston Culture: Mexico: The Other Melting Pot
• The Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Chicago The Mexican Hat Dance
• Puro Mariachi: History of the Mariachi