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Glite Dictionary
habanera

habanera

9.8
A Cuban dance with a clear two-beat rhythm
  • noun
  • /ˌhɑːbəˈnɛrə/
translation icon : habanera
  • The instructor explained how the habanera has a unique rhythm that sets it apart from other dance styles.
  • "Habanera" from Carmen

Examples

  • At the festival, everyone joined together to perform the traditional habanera under the stars.

  • By the end of the third lesson, the drummer is playing a basic rock beat with an occasional habanera rhythm inserted into it.

    Academic text (2005)

  • The dancer moved gracefully to the habanera, capturing the essence of the Cuban musical style.

Surface Forms

habanera singular
habaneras plural

Etymology

The word habanera comes from the Spanish city name Havana and originally meant 'from Havana'. So a habanera is a dance and music style that came from Havana and still carries its Cuban rhythm.