Typical Chilean Music, Cueca

Chile has different types of music, but today we´ll focuse on Cueca. Cueca is a Chilean national dance, a traditional folk dance characterized by its circular movements, the use of handkerchiefs, and the representation of a courtship, with the man chasing the woman.

A traditional Chilean dressed couple

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Instruments used in Cueca

The instruments used in Cueca are varied and depends on the geographical area the type of Cueca.Guitar, Accordion, Tambourine, Chilean Harp, Tormento, Charango, Cacharaina, Bass Drum, Zampoña, Snare Drum are the basic instruments for playing Cueca.

4 men playing the guitar, tambourine, accordion and bass drum. Respectively.

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Entremares and its revelance

This group called Entremares, is very famous for their songs. The group Entremares has been created in Talcahuano (Chile). They are dedicated to making folklore music. Their beginnings go back to 2012, One of Meyer’s (the lead singer) motivations was to bring the cueca to all Chileans, since according to her, many of its inhabitants were ashamed of their national dance.

Entremares in a Cueca Session

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Integrants

The members of Entremares are Kristel Meyer, Mauro Stuardo, Leo Oviedo, Hugo Celofan, Vicente Stuardo, and Heber Oliva. Each of the members has had a wide musical career. As they´ve participated in different groups, folk ensembles and festivals, they also have been recognized as great authors and

composers.

Entremares in the "Festival de Olmue"

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How many people listen to Entremares?

They have about 120K monthly listener on Spotify. The most

listened songs are: "A Tu Lado" (2017), "Te Amo en Silencio" (2018),

"Por Ese Beso" (2018), "El Sol y la Luna" (2017) and "Si Tú Me Amaras" (2017).

Here are some links so you can listen to them!

A Tu Lado: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdaPt-vKr6g&ab_channel=ENTREMARES

Te Amo en Silencio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98vJlm_ra4k&ab_channel=ENTREMARES

Por Ese Beso: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZj4tsLp-fk&ab_channel=ENTREMARES

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How to dance Cueca

Cueca is danced in a 6/8 time signature, which gives it a rhythm that's easy to follow once you get the hang of it. The basic movement involves taking three steps forward and three steps back.

Start with the feet together, and when you move forward, step with the left foot first. Then, take a step with the right foot and the left foot again. Afterward, take three steps backward in the opposite direction.

The timing: "1-2-3" for the forward steps and "4-5-6" for the backward steps.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9iWwXoEzHQ

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Thanks for reading