Dance and National Identity in Latin America

Abstract

Dance and music represent a major part of the Latin American culture. The continent is indeed quite famous all over the world for the diverse dances it created such as tango, salsa or samba. Nowadays, events like the Carnival of Rio appeal people from very far countries in Brazil during one week. However, the features of the local culture are not new. They are a result of gradual historical processes and evolutions. They combine elements from European, African, Native Indian cultures to create an original movement.