Son Jarocho: Footwork on the Tarima as an Instrument

At a fandango jarocho in Veracruz, people gather around a wooden platform, the tarima, where dancers' footwork becomes another instrument alongside the jaranas and requintos. Groups learn footwork patterns and take turns on the tarima, fandango-style.

How to play

1. Context: the fandango as a community celebration in southern Veracruz, the tarima and the dialogue between musicians and dancers (3 min).
2. Footwork patterns on the floor: a three-strike base pattern and a short roll (7 min).
3. Groups of six with a plyo box lid as the tarima: one pair steps up, dances one phrase and gives up the spot (8 min).
4. Tarima dialogue: one pair proposes a pattern and the next answers with a variation (8 min).
5. Wrap-up: what the tarima adds to the sound and how people decide who goes next (4 min).

Rules

• Only two people on the tarima at a time.
• The box lid sits flat on the floor; check it doesn't wobble.
• Footwork with bent knees, no jumping on the tarima.
• Step up when the previous pair steps down, no pushing.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: plays the pattern with hands on the tarima from the chair, which is also part of a fandango.
• Ankle discomfort: footwork with the ball of the foot only, less force.
• Deaf students: feel the tarima's vibration and follow a facing partner.

Learning goals

• Perform footwork patterns with rhythmic precision.
• Understand the tarima as a shared instrument.
• Know the fandango jarocho as a community practice.

Equipment for a class of 25

• speaker: 1
• plyo box lids: 4

Teacher tip

Plyo box lids sound great as a tarima; if you don't have them, use a thick board on the floor. Common mistake: loud stomping with no rhythm; what matters is that the pattern comes through.

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