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Cuba - Culture

Cuba - Culture
Reading Level
     edHelper's suggested reading level:   grades 5 to 7
     Flesch-Kincaid grade level:   6.51

Vocabulary
     challenging words:    claves, cowbell, guajira, guiro, klah-vays, mambo, musica, rumba, rhythmic, critical, percussion, musical, religion, based, spectacular, music
     content words:    One Afro-Caribbean, Without Cuban

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Cuba - Culture
By Ekaterina Zhdanova-Redman 		  
1     Think about music. What kind of music is your favorite? Do you like popular music? What about rock? Or country? Why do you like it? Some people listen to music for the words. Some people listen for a good melody. And some people listen to music for a good, strong beat. Do you like music with a strong beat? Many people like music they can dance to. Do you like to dance?
 
2     There is a country in the Caribbean where dance is very important. This country is full of great music -- powerful, rhythmic music -- that is wonderful for dancing. This country is called Cuba, and dance there is like no other country in the world. In fact, people all over the world try to imitate Cuban music and dances.
 
3     So how did this island in the Caribbean get to be such a great place for dance and music? There are many explanations, but all require knowledge of Cuba's history. A few hundred years ago, Spanish explorers settled in Cuba. They brought their culture with them, including their music and musical instruments. Later, the British came and brought with them slaves from Africa. Like the Spanish, these slaves brought their culture with them. Add all that to the native culture in Cuba, and unusually wonderful music, dance, and culture come out of it.

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