| OCR Text |
Show RISE A N D PROGRESS OF DANCING. 37 universally practised by the Spaniards, that they became crazed with it. It was first sung, then played on instruments, and finally danced. Any kind of step was adapted to it, every one forming for himself a measure, according to his own peculiar taste and style. It may not, perhaps, be found unacceptable if we add some etymological explanation of those characteristic words by which the Spanish dances are designated. W e have, therefore, undertaken the attempt, notwithstanding the great difficulty with which it is attended, owing principally to the total deficiency of the Spanish Dictionary in this respect. Its definitions are never sufficiently precise to allow of a determinate conclusion being drawn from them. The word Bolero-Sallationis Hispanice genus, is derived from the verb volar, or from the Spanish noun volero, which is the same as volador, the sense of which has probably been applied to the Bolero, from the lightness with which it ought to be executed. Seguidillas means no more than continuation, and indeed the air of the Seguidillas is the same as the Bolero, continued by the voice, and followed with a flourish of the accompanying instrument. The adjective Taleadas is taken from the word taleo, which signifies a noisy amusement. The adjective Manchegas signifies of La Mancha, a southern province of Spain, between Andalusia and N ew Castile. Cachucha; this word is not to be found in any dictionary of the Spanish language. It is customary to apply this word to a fair, a bird, a little cap, and, in short, to any thing that is graceful or pretty. In the language of the Andalusian Gittanos, the word cachucha signifies gold. In a still more elevated style, cachucha means that 3 |
