Latin Dances

Posted on January 24th, 2009 by

 Latin American dances include a large number of dances that originated in Latin America and Cuba.

 This is such dances as: Cha-Cha-Cha, Rumba, Samba, Salsa, Mambo, Merengue, Bachata, Lambada. Some also refer to the Latin Tango and Argentine Tango, although they differ from other styles

  As for ballroom dancing, the Latin American program of dances or Latin includes only three of them: Samba , Cha-Cha, Rumba. The Pasodoble from Europe and the Jive, which appeared in North America.

The order of dancing at competitions in ballroom dancing is as follows:

 
The amateurs:
1. Samba
2. Cha-cha
3. Rumba
4. Pasodoble
5. Jive

For professionals:
1. Cha-cha
2. Samba
3. Rumba
4. Pasodoble
5. Jive

Samba

Music size: 2 / 4.
Temp: 50-52 bpm.

Until 1914, the dance was known as the Brazilian name "Maxixe". The first attempts to provide Samba in Europe belong to the 1923-24 year, but only after the Second World War, the dance became popular in Europe. Samba has a very distinctive rhythm, which makes the focus for a better alignment with local Brazilian musical instruments. Samba includes a distinctive Latin hip movement, which expressed «Samba Bounce» springy motion.

 

Cha-Cha

Music size: 4 / 4.
Temp: 30-32 bpm.

Breathtaking dance, originating in 1950 as a slow Mambo, got its name because of the particular recurring basic rhythm and a specific instrument maracas. It was originally seen in America. Recently decided to reduce the name of the dance to Cha-Cha (Cha-Cha).

Rumba

Music size: 4 / 4.
Temp: 25-27 bpm.

Rumba - Doubles Cuban dance of African origin. Rumba developed in Havana in the 19th century, combined with Contradance. It is a slow dance, characterized by sensuous movements, coupled with the long strides. Rumba has a Latin American style of hip movements, reflecting a relationship between a man and a woman.

Paso Doble

Music size: 2 / 4.
Temp: 60-62 bpm.

Pasodoble is a Spanish Gypsy Dance. Name of the dance comes from the Spanish "Two step" that shows the character of the dance steps which are performed to the rhythm of 1 / 2. Pasodoble is a Spanish folk dances. It is based on elements of the bullfight: Partner represents matador, partner represents his cape or the bull, depending on the circumstances. Pasodoble submitted for competition must be executed with an elevated breast, widely straightened his shoulders and bowed head. Body weight is transferred forward, and most of the steps forward are made on the heel.

Jive

Music size: 4 / 4.
Temp: 42-44 bpm.

Dance Jive - an international version of swing dancing. Currently Jive performed in two styles - International and Swing. Very often, in various shapes combine both styles. Great influence on Jive had such dance as Rock'n'Roll. Jive even sometimes called Shestishagovym rock'n'roll. Jive - very fast, consume much energy dance. This is very fast and energetic dance at dance competitions last to dancers showed that they were not tired and perform it with great dedication.

Like all dances, performed in the championships and competitions, dance groups performed in a Latin American couple (man and woman).
The figures in these dances are standardized and categorized, depending on the level of training. All movement, rhythm and tempo of the music committee agreed.

Testimonials

Posted on January 25th, 2009 by Erica Watson