Mexicanas and dancing: how important? what type?

[FredFresno]

Two questions for the guys who've spent more time in Mexico. Jeff S made the remark that he's never met a Latina who didn't like to dance.  The context is apparently some Tijuana nightclubs he favors that seem to attract more middleclass mexicanas than gringo tourists.  So, question 1:

What type of dancing?  What type of music?

Randy G, I'd also be interested in answers to that question from a Guadalajara perspective.  The other thing I'd be interested in knowing is whether the conservative/traditional (Hoda, I think one can get too hung up on words) mexicanas are any less interested in dancing (or perhaps, from my perspective, have a more balanced view on it).

The context of my interest is two-fold.  First, I've been taking a salsa class up here and discussing music issues with bogotaña pen pals.  The instructor up here is a good dancer, and seems to be good at bringing out a talent for dancing in people who have that talent.  What I'm now remembering is that I found Sousa challenging back in my marching band days.  I've had different pen pals tell me that they prefer merengue or vallenato over salsa, and asure me the merengue and vallenato are easier than salsa.  All I "know" of Mexican music is what plays on the Spanish-language stations here--ranchera, banda, and some tejano on the commercial stations, and more tejano/norteño and some mariachi on the station that bills itself as "National Latino Public Radio".  I wouldn't have a clue as to how do dance to any of those styles.  Then again, perhaps that's not typical of what they're dancing to in TJ or Guadalajara...?

[Randy G]

... in response to Mexicanas and dancing: how important? wh..., posted by FredFresno on Jul 13, 2001

Fred: The types of dancing found in GDL is limited only by your imagination. There are many huge discos (called Antro's) pumping out mostly the latest USA and Latin pop and dance tunes attracting the most beautiful women in town (for you politically correct or socially sensitive types, don't worry, they let women in free so even poorer girls dressed to the nines can get in). For some reason, Techno music, which I personally despise, is very big in GDL. Of course, GDL is the birthplace of Mariachi, and these bands can be heard live in several great venues in the city, and they are also for rent for the traditional "Serenata". This is the romantic practice of bringing a Trio or Mariachi band to the home of your loved one on her birthday or some other special event. But there is really no dancing associated with Mariachi, just great music and a good time. Like I said, you can hear everything from Reggae bands to Salsa in the big city of GDL. Banda (which originated in Sinaloa) is huge right now, and cuts across social classes. It is rather simple and fun to learn, not nearly so technical as Salsa. For me, I personally like a large mix of popular music for dancing, anything from Banda to Shaggy to Paulina Rubio, etc., which can usually be found at some of the antros.
Like I said, I think my fiancee, her sisters and friends are among the most conservative/traditional women I have ever met. They are beautiful and they love to dance. One of the "problems" I have here is with the packaging. Sweet, conservative/traditional women wearing provocative clothing...I just get confused sometimes coming from the USA where women who dress that way are sometimes thought to be promiscuous...I am drifting off topic, but do you guys know what I mean? Randy G

[buzzy]

... in response to Dance in GDL: what's your preference?, posted by Randy G on Jul 14, 2001

Randy I have sympathy for you... really.  It's got to be tough being surrounded by provocatively dressed mexicanas gyrating to the beat of  salsa music.  Our hearts go out to you in these trying moments.  But it will be a personal growth experience for you I'm sure.  For the good of your fellow Planet-Love gringos sitting at computers and fantasizng about future love we appreciate this info.  Someday we may be unfortunate enough to be stuck in such a provocative place(Guadalajara?...you say)and we want to be fully prepared for those trying times.  LOL...rub it in man...HaHa...

[Jeff S]

... in response to Mexicanas and dancing: how important? wh..., posted by FredFresno on Jul 13, 2001

My only dance step is called "kicking around a dead squirrel" I tried lessons but I guess I'm just one of those white guys who just has no rhythm. It doesn't stop me from having fun though. The banda and norteño music you hear all over Southern Cal radio stations is most definately NOT what you hear in TJ or GDL nightclubs. There it's more rock music, sometimes English, sometimes Spanish versions of American rock songs and sometimes Mexican artist rock.
-- Jeff S.

[KADAMS]

... in response to Mexicanas and dancing: how important? wh..., posted by FredFresno on Jul 13, 2001

Salsa is good, and C&W is extremely popular with the Chicas too. But my daddy told me that when you mix beer, women, and music together, you may find problems. He also said don't go to places with Beer and Sticks (pool hall), more advice I live by. I don't know if he was correct, but it was dead on for me. Pentacost and JW ladies are more conservative than most, and they don't like to dance. Dancing to me is like poker, no matter  how good you are, there is always someone better.

try flaminco

[Houndog]

... in response to Beer, women, song, posted by KADAMS on Jul 13, 2001

Hmmm I'm starting to catch on I think...this 'conservative' isn't conservative like the quakers neccesarily...more like the conservatives like Rush Linbaugh(and GW Bush when he's not drinking),...if he agrees with it and likes it..it's consevative...but if he doesn't it's liberal,...so as long as a guy who calls himself a conservative is dancing or having premarital sex for example,..if he likes the woman she is also conservative...but if he decides he doesn't like her anymore she's a tramp.

I feel like that TV detective that was always so confused, but then all of a sudden he would get it...thanks folks.

But wait:
So what is Vincente Fox (Mexico's Preident) ? he just married his secretary that he had been dating for several years(a captive audience that's willing is cool )..so is he a conservative because he married her or a liberal for doing the hired help ? Heck..now I'm confused again.

HD

[Allan]

... in response to Re: Beer, women, song and conservative d..., posted by Houndog on Jul 14, 2001

I'm confused too.  Does the defintion of "liberal" here refer to someone who is open minded, understanding, tolerant, and appreciates the free expression of ideas?  Does this mean Houndog is conservative?  Heck...now I'm confused again.

[Houndog]

... in response to Re: Re: Beer, women, song and conservati..., posted by Allan on Jul 15, 2001

No it means Houndog knows the real answers...and wanted to see a couple guys dance...around and around, avoiding the 'real root atttudes' that some were trying to 'lump' under the 'conservative' smoke screen. That's what it means.

HD