A Cuban dance in slow duple meter with a distinctive rhythm, or the musical style associated with this dance.
From Spanish 'habanera' meaning 'of Havana,' derived from 'La Habana' (Havana), Cuba. The dance developed in Cuba in the 19th century and spread throughout Latin America and Europe.
Bizet's 'Carmen' made the habanera world-famous, but this Cuban rhythm actually influenced classical composers across Europe—it's a perfect example of how folk music travels and transforms high culture.
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