SALSA
A blend of many Latin dances, the Salsa is all about energy,
movement, and flirtiness jammed into confined spaces. Salsa music
tends to be rather fast and uptempo, featuring an 8-beat routine that
is tricky to follow without proper tutelage.
Origin: Many believe that Salsa dancing began in New York in the
mid-1970s. It has its roots in the earlier Latin dance styles, such as
Mambo and Cha-Cha and was also influenced by other swing dance
styles. Salsa dance stands for a mix of different dance styles, just like
the sauce, “salsa,” which is a nice mixture of various ingredients.
Salsa is considered to be the queen of Latin dances and is being
danced throughout the world.
Music: Salsa is in 4/4 time and sounds more intricate than Merengue
and Bachata because of its syncopated rhythm, known as what we
call the “Clave” rhythm.
Steps: Salsa basic consists of 3 steps (2 quicks and 1 slow or a pause).
You can dance the Salsa “On1” (LA style) or “On2” (NY style). It
means, you can begin your first step (breaking step) on the first beat
(the strong beat) or the second beat. Footwork in both styles are
generally similar but the emotions are quite different. Dancing “On1”
appears to be more exciting and flashier while dancing “On2” feels
more relaxed and smooth. This is focused on dancing on the line
(except some forms of Salsa like Cuban), stepping on each beat (apart
from 4 and 8 which are silent). You should keep the posture straight
and a bit of tension in your hands to keep some distance between
yourself and your partner, and feel the lead.
Beats: The beats of Salsa go as “1..2..3……5..6..7……”, so there is a
pause after the third and seventh beat. The fourth and eighth beats
are covered in those pauses.
Base Step-Patterns: Salsa is front-back. It is often with a bit more
‘frame’ or space between partners, allowing for a bit flashier and
fancier arm/footwork.
Styles: Colombian Style Salsa (Cumbia), Cuban Style Salsa, Miami
Style Salsa (Classico Cubano, Casino), Casino Rueda Style Salsa
(Rueda de Casino, Salsa Rueda), L.A. Style Salsa (Dancing "On 1"),
New York Style Salsa (Dancing "On 2", Mambo Salsa, Eddie Torres
Style), Puerto Rican Style Salsa, Salsa Shines and Salsa Styling.
Characteristics: Intricate music, fast-paced, sharp and exciting turns
Costumes:
BACHATA
Bachata is a type of music and dance originally created in the rural
countrysides of the Dominican Republic. While Bachata music tends
to be slower, the dancing is relatively up-tempo, consisting of basic
back and forth steps and hip and body movements.
Origin: Bachata originated in the rural neighborhoods of Dominican
Republic. It has become one of the most popular Latin dances in
recent years.
Music: Bachata is also in 4/4 time but has its own distinctive sound.
In the early days, it was a guitar music played by peasants and were
often slow, sad and romantic. These days, Bachata has got more
upbeat and incorporated electronic sounds. Some contemporary
Bachata Artists and groups include El Torito, Aventura, Prince Royce,
Romeo Santos, and Xtreme.
Steps: Bachata basics consist of 3 steps and a tap. The chasse basic
goes “side-together-side-tap” and can be spiced up with a hip motion
or a lift of the leg at the “tap” step. Dancers keep their knees bent
throughout to promote hip motion. Bachata can be danced in two-
hand hold, open embrace but is often danced in the close embrace at
nightclubs. Bachata is a sensual dance and it is a much closer dance
than salsa so you should let it go even more and listen to your
partner, your hands should be relaxed so that the partner can move
them freely.
Beats: The beats of Bachata go as “1..2..3..tap..5..6..7..tap..”. So there
are 3 beats and a tap, followed by 3 more beats and a tap.
Base Step-Patterns: Bachata is side-side. It tends to be very close
almost “hugging” at times.
Styles: Bachata Traditional, Bachata Dominicana, Bachata Fusion in
Central America, Bachata "Dominicana" in Europe / Central America,
and Bachata Urbana/Moderna, Bachatango, Bachata Sensual /
"Bachazouk"
Characteristics: Sensual, intimate, relaxed, hip motion
Costumes:
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
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