Basics for the Waltz Dance Lesson
Those who have taken part in a ballroom waltz dance lesson will testify that this dance is quite easy and uncomplicated to learn. The ballroom Waltz has a rhythmic and simple pattern that blends well with the played music. The dance movements are also smooth. At first, the Waltz dance required one to take a step backward or forward, a step to the side and finally a step bringing the feet together. The dance basically involves perfect timing of the playing music’s rhythm and all the three steps. Later on, the dance transformed into a much slower style that was referred to as “Boston Waltz”. Nowadays, there is the American or International version of which is danced with hesitation and is much slower; for three beats, one just makes one step. The dance is relished more as the pace gets slower.
[Read Full Article…]
Styles of Dancing Salsa
The widely used basic dance steps of salsa begin with a simple forward movement. This first movement involves a left tap with the initial music beat, then making one step forward with the left foot, a swing back on the right foot, then completing the sequence by moving back left to lock. After the forward movement, the next step is the basic back movement. Tap right, then step back right, swing forward left and lock right. The above steps are fully discussed below. In most cases, each step performed by the man is mirrored by the woman. For instance, when the man makes a forward basic movement, a back basic movement is done by the woman and so on.
Today, there are various popular dance steps of salsa with each style representing the dancer’s cultural preference. You will find that dance steps of salsa from previous times, neighborhoods, cities are very different. Individual salsa dancing style has its own unique features, with the dance style names being derived from the geographical area or people who made them popular. Those dancing salsa can do so while accenting to the different music beats. Below is a description of the dance that emphasizes the music beats “1”, “2” and “3”, commonly referred to as dancing “on 1”, “on 2”, and “ on 3”.
Step Timing Salsa Dance
Step timing or timing is the way the dance steps of salsa merges with the music. Cadence means keeping time or marking time. To achieve fluidity, the dancer must time the steeps to fit the music. Nowadays, there are various popular timings in Salsa. By accenting to the various music beats, salsa can be danced in different styles.
Just like in other music, the melody and the rhythm of the music used in Salsa competes for the attention of the listener. The melody and rhythm of Salsa Music are usually off beat or syncopated from each other. The music is usually written using the time signature, 4 beats per each measure. In the dance steps of salsa, for dancers to finish a single basic dance cycle they use two music measures, each for the body’s right side and left side.
Following the Leader
By tradition, in salsa dance the Leader is the Man, while the Follower is the Woman. The Follower and the Leader are referred to as Partners or Dance Partners. The Man directs the woman by giving her little pushes, checks or tugs known as “claves”. These “claves” are given at the appropriate time during the dance and enable the Follower to discern when to hesitate, turn, cross-body, dip, etc.
Partner Contact = Closed Position
One of the basic dance steps of salsa is performed in the European or closed position where the Man is faces the Woman.
In this dance four Contact points exist between the Partners and they are;
1) Using the Left Hand, the Man takes the Woman’s Right Hand.
2) The Man positions the Right Hand onto the back of the Woman.
3) The Woman rests her Left Hand onto the shoulder of the Man
4) Both the Man and the Woman fix their eyes on each other.
Foxtrot dance steps are among the most loved and well-liked ballroom dances carried out today. To find out why the dance continues to be popular, how it started and more about foxtrot, read through this review.
Foxtrot dance steps can be attributed to a longtime vaudeville star known as Henry Fox who by 1914 was featuring in the New York vaudeville scene. Fox, who was dancing for the New York Theater later, got married to Yansci Dolly, one of the members of the Dolly sisters group. These two were often seen doing sprightly dances in between normal shows at the New York Theater. The outcome pleased the crowd and in turn the audience started referring to the fox’s dance as the “Fox Trot”. In the same year, foxtrot’s footsteps were standardized by the Dancing American Society of Professors. Oscar Duryea, a reputable choreographer during that time is responsible for introducing the Foxtrot dance to the public. The foxtrot was introduced by Duryea’s dance team as a smooth rolling glide that called for moving across the room in large steps.
[Read Full Article…]
The tango dance moves are hot and sensual and this sultry dance features proud strutting men and elegantly flowing women. Although it has the characteristics of other dances, the dance has its own moves which make it unique. The fast turns and jerky leg and arm movements are familiar to many people. When doing the tango dance moves, it is important to maintain a strong, dignified expression and posture which is the hallmark of an accomplished dancer. When Argentina’s capital was established as Buenos Aires, many immigrants flocked there to partake in its prosperity. There was a mix of Indian African, Spanish as well as Eastern European Cultures that all blended to come up with this emotional dance. The name tango is said to have come from a drum-beat ‘tan-go that was distinctly African.
[Read Full Article…]
