Bambuquísimo

This work is a homage to the Bambuco, which is considered as the most important dance of Colombia. Its origins can be traced back to a blend of Spanish, African and Native American music. In its beginnings, the Bambuco was played with instruments from the guitar family such as tiple and bandiola. As it gained in sophistication and elegance, it started to spread beyond the popular realm and entered the salons and concert halls. Its flexibility has allowed it to continue assimilating musical influences from contemporary sources. Like much Latin American music, its base rhythm contrasts 6/8 and 3/4 meters, and is characterized by a relentless syncopation.

In essence, the Bambuco is a dance of romance, where the dancers, richly dressed, flirt incessantly with one another and express their love through a series of suggestive moves. Its relevance in Colombian musical culture is hard to overlook. Its popularity is such that a national day has been declared in its honor. This celebration had its origins in the religious celebration of St John’s, and this dance is still called “San Juanillo” in some regions of Colombia. The Bambuco is nowadays celebrated in festivals, dance and music competitions all throughout Colombia.

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