Catira Dance: discover how the traditional sertaneja dance originated

Discover the key information about Catira Dance on the 7MBoots website

Above all, the Catira dance, also known as Cateretê, is quite popular in Southeastern Brazil. Being associated with the sertanejo universe, it is a tradition more common in rural towns, where it's possible to find numerous groups formed by men – known as catireiros. Want to know more about Catira Dance? Check out the post from 7MBoots.

Origin of Catira Dance

The Catira dance emerged from indigenous, European, and African influences. Furthermore, the rhythm, which accompanies the clapping of hands and feet of the dancers, takes us back to the era of the Bandeirantes – the first people to practice the steps.

Moreover, it is believed that the drover groups would take advantage of their resting moments to try out the steps of Catira Dance, which explains the fact that a large part of the dancers are male. However, other historians claim that the practice existed earlier, among indigenous tribes. Today, it's possible to find some women who are part of the dance groups.

Discover the rhythm that dictates the steps of Catira Dance

Indeed, the main rhythm of Catira Dance is the moda de viola produced by Viola Caipira. Therefore, during performances, it’s common to have at least two violists present, usually positioned at the front or facing the dancers. The moment the music starts is called “rasqueado” and involves specific chords.

How to Dance

Indeed, the rhythm is led by the clapping of hands and feet of the catingueiros, who are typically organized in two lines, facing each other. During the movements, the dancers alternate claps with jumps. Normally, 10 people make up the steps, but this is not a rule and the number of participants can vary depending on the space where the dance is performed.

At the moment the rasqueado begins, the dancers perform the step called “Escova,” which involves claps of hands and feet, along with six constant jumps. In this way, as the music progresses, groups of movements called Serra Acima and Serra Abaixo are performed.

Learn more about them:

Serra Acima

Initially, during this movement, participants rotate one behind the other and move from left to right, alternating claps of feet and hands.

Serra Abaixo

After completing a round, the Serra Abaixo movement consists of the dancers turning back, who then perform movements from left to right with alternating claps between feet and hands.

Crossover Movement

Initially, during this movement, the exchange of lines occurs, and the dancers change places to add more dynamism to the dance.

Lift Movement

At this moment, all the participants in the dance sing the melody in unison.

Attire of the Dancers

Above all, the attire of Catira dancers consists of a hat, pants, a shirt, a scarf, and of course: boots, which are essential items that help amplify the sound of the feet hitting the ground.

Variations

It is important to note that, just like most traditional dances, the movements of Catira vary according to the region of the country. Although they may seem simple, each locality receives special touches that make the movements unique and characteristic.

So, cowboys and cowgirls, did you enjoy learning a bit more about Catira Dance? Stay tuned to the 7MBoots site, there’s a lot of good stuff coming your way!