Dancing symmetries: unveiling patterns in couple dances

Abstract

From an ethnomathematical perspective, a dialogue of mutual interrogation is proposed to describe the relation between the mathematical concept of symmetry and displacement movements performed in some couple dances: chacarera, swing, salsa, and tango. A rotational symmetry arises in the analysis of the figure of the chacarera, while a specular symmetry is described in some step structures of swing and salsa. The case of tango makes it necessary to define a new pattern based on translated translations. Some connections between the type of symmetry and the type of link in the couple, the management of the space on the dance floor, and the origins of each dance are determined. This research provides insights for future educational proposals that weave an embodiment approach with a focus on dynamic geometry.