Seven Castles

Latin Dance

                                      

December 18, 2007

 

The term Latin dance has two meanings, depending on whether the context is social or ballroom dance.

 

As for dances originating in Latin America, typically these are Cha Cha Cha, Rumba, Samba, Salsa, Mambo, Merengue, Bachata, Cumbia and Bolero. The International style ballroom dance, also called Latin American dance or International Latin, is considered to be a formal style of dancing. It consists of the following five dances: Cha Cha, Rumba, Samba, Paso Doble and Jive. Compared to typical ballroom dance, Latin dances are generally faster-paced, more sensual and have more rhythmic expression. Couples in the basic position stand face-to-face. Music may be Latin American traditional or contemporary popular music.

 

Sophisticated, elegant, flirtatious, spunky and seductive, the Latin American dance has it all. It is more than just the perfect co-ordination between couples and strenuous rehearsals. The couple making the perfect moves also need to have a high level of chemistry to perform to these red hot sultry numbers.

 

On similar lines of the Mambo, Salsa has had major contributions from the Cubans and the Puerto Ricans. It has seen many influences and improvisations over the past few years. Usually a partner dance, Salsa is a very flirtatious dance by nature. The basic footwork is similar to Rumba and involves a lot of rapid transition when transferring the weight of the body from one foot to the other. Doing the "quick-quick-slow" may actually seem very difficult in the beginning, but once the basics are mastered, there can be nothing more exciting, than to dance the Salsa. There is the basic forward movement and the basic backward movement and the woman has to always mirror the steps of the man, which are the basics of any partner work. Every instructor has his/her own unique style; so do bear in mind to avoid frequent changes of your class in order to stick one basic style.

 

You certainly cannot miss the Cha Cha beat at any party you attend. The two slow beats and the three quick ones form the base of Cha Cha Cha. The quick beats are utilized to move side to side and towards the partner. The name was derived only because the sound of the feet when moving across the floor sounded like "cha cha cha". It is also said that it may have originated from Haiti where in the name was actually derived from the sound of a bell. Like any other Latin dance, there is the forward basic and the backward basic. This dance is known for its peppy and sensuous steps that weave magic on the floor. Also known as Cha Cha, it is all about how you transfer the weight of your body in three quick beats. Basically, its not just about the hip movements or the dips and spins, it is how the couple expresses themselves with perfect co-ordination.

 

Rumba is known to have a Spanish or an African origin. It constitutes of lots of exaggerated hip movements with the man generally taking on an aggressive attitude and the woman always being on the defensive. This rhythmic dance is actually one of the slowest forms of Latin dance. The name Rumba has been derived from the word "Room-Bah" actually used to describe a music style. Rumba, danced to staccato beats originated in the 16th century with the import of the black slaves from Africa. This dance remains the spirit and soul of Latin dance.

 

Originating in Brazil, Samba combines the African, Iberian and the Native Indian movements. Even today, it is danced in festivals especially on the streets and for any major celebrations. This dance requires a high level of energy and spirit and incorporates flirtatious steps and energetic jumps. Samba gained a lot of popularity amongst all races although the Europeans tried to suppress it to a certain extent. The lively dance requires the dancer to be exuberant because he/she is required to dance to three steps in every bar. The rhythm is highlighted when it is played to the characteristic Brazilian music. The festive mood of the dance has certainly seen it gain popularity but the high speed required for this dance has made it popular only between the experienced dancers. 

【作者: zhangliping】【访问统计:】【2007年12月18日 星期二 06:03】【注册】【打印】