Caribbean Dances
Caribbean Dances
Salsa
Salsa is the unique blending of traditional Latin sounds and dance steps of the Mambo and the Cha Cha with the freedom and turning actions of Swing and Hustle. A true nightclub dance that fits onto small crowded floors, a real must for Latin social dancing.
HISTORY OF SALSA:
Salsa is the Spanish word for “sauce” denoting a spicy or hot flavor. As a dance it can be danced to a variety of different rhythms. Generically salsa music encompasses many Afro-Latin rhythms driven by the clave (two wooden sticks struck together). Today’s Salsa is the result of many years of rhythmical evolution due to economical, social and political change. Salsa is the national music and dance of Puerto Rico. Many of the Salsa dance patterns are closely related to those of the Mambo.
Bachata
The Bachata is a dance with simple footwork and strong hip movement. The music is romantic in nature and therefore reflects the story of love and heartbreak. Bachata steps involve many optional turns for the lady.
HISTORY OF BACHATA:
The Bachata originated in the countryside of the Dominican Republic. The dance is a direct reflection of the music being played in the night clubs during the 1960’s. The Bachata has close ties to the Cuban Bolero.
MUSIC:
The music of Bachata is the root of the dance. The tempo is slow, approximately 120 beats per minute, and is played in 4/4. Bachata music can be referred to as Latin “blues” music. It usually tells the tale of sadness in love and is the most romantic genre of guitar music this century.
Cha Cha
Cha Cha adds fun to your dancing through its syncopated steps and many open movements. When you can dance many interesting combinations with ease, you and your partner will be able to feel the pulsating Latin rhythms which make this dance so fascinating.
The energetic rhythm of the Cha Cha encourages you to cut loose and let your personality show.
HISTORY OF CHA CHA:
One of the most popular Latin dances in the U.S., the Cha Cha began as a variation of the Mambo called triple Mambo. It was so easy and so much fun, it became the rage of the early 1950’s. It’s infectious one-two, one-two-three, rhythm demands that sitters become dancers. Everybody can learn the Cha Cha.
Merengue
Merenque develops Cuban Motion and the ability to adapt to any partner.
It is the only Latin dance which combines one-step timing with Cuban Motion and therefore is a help to all Latin dances. The march type beat sharpens timing and coordination and the proper use of the accent will develop a clearer interpretation of musical rhythm.
Rumba
Learning the Rumba is a prerequisite for good Latin Dancing. The Cuban Motion is essential in most all Latin dances. The Rumba is used by good dancers everywhere and provides interesting variety suited to a limited space. Neat, attractive, precise footwork gives you confidence in your dancing.
The Rumba will sharpen your sense of rhythm, timing and muscular control.
HISTORY OF RUMBA:
The Rumba was at the beginning of the Cuban and Latin American dance crazes.
Danced to music inspired by African rhythms and Spanish melodies, the Americanized Rumba was the basis for the Mambo and Cha Cha in the U.S. Rumba rhythms have found their way into Country Western, Blues, Rock & Roll and other popular forms of music.
Mambo
Mambo is a fusion of Cuban and American dancing. The music is characterized by a stirring Afro-Cuban beat. Mambo is an exciting dance which allows you to develop your own feeling and expression. Because Mambo is such a fun dance good Mambo dancers are always popular and in demand as partners.
The wild exciting music, and rhythmical body movements make the earthy Mambo irresistible.
HISTORY OF MAMBO:
In the 1940’s Americans became fascinated by Latin American rhythms. The original Mambo music, El Guardia Con El Tolete, had its beginning in 1944 as a Rumba with a riff improvisation. The Mambo combined American Jazz with the Afro-Cuban beat.
Arthur Murray Studios became famous for turning out some of the best Mambo dancers of the era. As the parent of Cha Cha and Salsa, the Mambo is an exciting challenge for all dancers.
MUSIC:
Mambo music is written in 4/4 time with each measure divided into four beats with the important musical accents occurring on the first and third beats. This dance can be done over a wide range of tempos.