The music for Mexican Hat Dance (Jarabae Tapatio) was written by Jesús Gonzáles Rubio in the 1800's. It is danced by a man and a woman and is flirtatious in nature, with lots of stomping and heel tapping. The dancers wear traditional Mexican costumes. The man flings his sombrero (Mexican hat) to the ground, and the couple dances enthusiastically around it. The performance often ends with a kiss. The Mexican Hat Dance is a favorite of Mariachi bands and is considered the national folk dance of Mexico. Enjoy this authentic arrangement for you strings!