Chacarera

Part of the Folk & Traditional family · 19th c.

Fast Argentine folk couple dance with foot-stomping — guitar, violin, and bombo drum. Originated in Argentina, Santiago del Estero · 19th c.. Typically danced around 140-180 BPM (fast).

About Chacarera

Family: Folk & Traditional
Origin: Argentina, Santiago del Estero
Era: 19th c.
Tempo: 140-180 BPM (Fast)
Format: Partner
Beginner accessibility: Intermediate

Fast couple dance; zapateado (foot-stomping); 6/8; guitar, violin, and bombo drum.

What to expect: Danced at Argentine folk peñas, the Cosquín festival, and community events. Very popular in northwest Argentina. Found at Argentine diaspora events and Latin folk dance gatherings.

Lineage

Branches

Dances that grew from Chacarera:

Gato

Where to find Chacarera events

We don't have verified chacarera events on the calendar right now. Check the full event feed for related styles, or submit one if you organize.

Going for the first time

Folk and traditional dance nights vary widely — Scandinavian, English country, square dance, contra. Most are caller-led so you're walked through every figure in real time. No partner needed; the format rotates everyone through the set.

Listen for the caller. Thank your partner and the band. If live music is playing, applaud between tunes.

Related dances

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