Hola,
I was in Mexico for 4 years, and learned to dance to the great music and rhythm of DANZON. However, no one so far (except for mexican or cuban immigrants) has heard of it! Seemingly, it both gave birth to the cha cha and mambo, and was 'killed' by it. Has anyone here danced to it?? It is of Cuban origins, from the late 1800s, was very popular in Mexico in the 1940s, and is currently sort of making a comeback as an activity (usually free and in public spaces).
saludos,
lorenzo c.

NO one has heard of it?...

You need to check out Salsa Forums,, Ive written several pieces about it... its the template for most of the current latin dances ( Bolero, Mambo, Salsa, Cha Cha,)

Its essentially a Sq Rumba.. I even teach it on occasion..

I'm also from Mexico and i know of the "Danzon". Here in the states its call "rumba" (american style) but keep in mind that not all basic figures will look the same since it has been changed from its original roots to "fit" the ballroom world. Even the mambo music and basic have changed. It doesn't have a triple in the basic anymore.

It actually does have a triple when played as a Son Guajira rhythm... not nearly as frequently as in the past, but on occasion ( Ive got a couple in my library somewhere )..

its also worth mentioning ,that some of todays Salsa songs are written in the Guajira rhythm... the tempo of the song is frequently the classification of style, as in Guajira ( a Cha cha kinda format ) or up tempo as in Mambo/Salsa ... a classic e.g. of up tempo... Arroz Con habichuela by El Gran Combo... slower version...
Mi Camino..by Nosostros..