Cueca

The national dance of Chile is called the cueca. It was declared the official dance of Chile in September, 1979. This dance has rich historical roots in both African and Native American cultures. The dance depicts the courting behavior of the rooster and the hen. Characteristic of this dance are stamping and the use of scarves. These scarves, or hankerchiefs, can symbolize the feathers of the bird or the rooster's comb. The man may use the scarf to pull the woman toward him, and she may use it to cover her face in a flirtatious manner. The cueca may be performed in formal attire or a more rural outfit. The formal, ballroom attire for men is based on the traditional dress of the Chilean cowboy. Women wear a straight black skirt with a slit from which can be seen layers and layers of white lace. She wears a white blouse, black bolero jacket, and a hat like her partner's.

The choreography of the cueca consists of circles, moving in semicircles back and forth and turning towards the partner and then away.The dance happens in an imaginary circle, with the man in one half, and the woman in the other. It starts with a promenade where the man invites the woman to join him by offering his arm. This is done while instrumental entry music is played. The couples stand facing each other about three meters apart. Before the song begins, the couple claps their hands in rhythm of the music.

Cueca is danced during major celebrations including Chile's independence day in September. Dancing can occur at family celebrations as well.

Attached is a youtube video of the dance:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvGURVqOmH

There is another version, more modern version, called Cueca Brava. This dance has become popular in competitions.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPDJDfCQ_Gk