La Raspa Mexican Partner Dance

A lively Mexican folk dance that alternates the bleking step, small hops that kick heels forward one at a time, with elbow swings with a partner. It requires coordinating feet to a fast rhythm and is a great way to build endurance while dancing.

How to play

1. Explain that La Raspa is a festive dance from Mexico and form pairs facing each other, holding hands (1 min).
2. Teach the bleking step slowly: hops switching feet that put the right, left, right heel forward, then a pause with a clap; then the other side (4 min).
3. Practice bleking with the music four times, starting on the opposite foot each time (3 min).
4. Part two: hook right elbows and turn with eight skips, then left elbows and eight skips the other way (3 min).
5. Dance the whole song alternating bleking and elbow swings without stopping (4 min).
6. On each swing, partners split up and hook elbows with someone nearby (3 min).

Rules

• In elbow swings, hold firmly without pulling; if someone lets go, stop and hook up again.
• Keep hops low, landing on the balls of your feet first.
• If you get tired, keep the beat with claps until you recover.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student marks the bleking step with alternating hand taps on the knees and does the swings holding the partner's hand while turning the chair.
• Visual impairment: dance with a steady partner who guides the turns and calls out each new part.
• Fitness level: use a slower version of the music or let some students walk the bleking step.

Learning goals

• Coordinate the bleking step, switching feet to a fast rhythm.
• Turn with a partner while keeping grip and balance.
• Appreciate a folk dance from another culture and its festive roots.

Equipment for a class of 25

• music: 1

Teacher tip

The song is fast, so for learning find a slower version or chant the rhythm yourself. This is one of the most intense dances in the unit, so mix in short water breaks.

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