How did Spanish fandango and seguidilla dances influence Latin American folk dances?

The Spanish fandango and seguidilla were instrumental in shaping Latin American folk dance, reaching the region through soldiers, merchants, and traveling musical theater companies during the 18th century.1

These dances established the "dance-of-two" tradition, characterized by couples performing in a scattered formation without touching. Instead of physical contact, partners maintained connection through eye contact, facial expressions, and the use of props like handkerchiefs and fans. The structural influence of these dances included:12

• Body Posture: Dancers adopted an asentado (seated) position, keeping the torso upright with flexed knees and hips, which provided the grounding necessary for rhythmic stamping, or zapateado.1
• Rhythm and Movement: Dances typically alternated between a paseo (a promenade in triple meter) and zapateado (a quick 6/8 cadence). This structure allowed for improvisation and expressive gestures.1
• Evolution of Terms: While the term fandango evolved to describe social gatherings, the seguidilla was adapted into local forms known as bailes de tierra or sonecitos del país.1

These Iberian foundations merged with Indigenous and African traditions to create unique regional identities across Latin America.2