conga

music and dance

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June 24, 2026

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The conga is a Cuban dance of African origin characterized by three steps followed by a kick, typically performed by a group in single file. It is also the name of a tall, barrel-shaped or tapering drum of Afro-Cuban origin that is played with the hands. The conga dance is an upbeat walking dance that accents the fourth beat of the measure, with dancers winding through the streets. While formal parade units may have simple choreographies, the essence of the conga is most evident in spontaneous dancing through the streets with musicians.12

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Latin American dance
Cuba
…traditional Carnival dances, such as conga and chancletas (“sandals”), which originated in the colonial period. Conga is an upbeat walking dance that accents the fourth beat of the measure as the dancers (solo or in groups) wind through the streets. In formal parade units, simple conga choreographies give form and…
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…traditional Carnival dances, such as conga and chancletas (“sandals”), which originated in the colonial period. Conga is an upbeat walking dance that accents the fourth beat of the measure as the dancers (solo or in groups) wind through the streets. In formal parade units, simple conga choreographies give form and…
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percussion instrument
The Americas
…rhythm bands, as has the conga.
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…rhythm bands, as has the conga.
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