Meaning of contradanza | Babel Free

Definitions

A popular Cuban dance music genre of the 19th century, or a work composed in this genre.

countable, uncountable

Examples

“The music of Cuba has had a worldwide influence⟳ on forms of song and dance⟳. René Buch who conceived and directed a musical “collage” called “¡Habana!” at the Repertorio Español on East 27th Street, points out the influence⟳ on Spain, for example, which received ‘habaneras’ and ‘contradanzas’ from Cuba; in this century, in the 1920's, the “rumba” and such songs as “El Manisero” and “Siboney” made their way north to become⟳ part of United States culture.”

“The programming was far from random. The habanera is a hybrid seed of great potency. An adaptation of the European contradanza by slaves from West Africa, it is not only an early version of a New World rhythm that took over the globe, but also a direct⟳ ancestor for much of jazz and rock ‘n’ roll.”

CEFR level