At AusLatin we teach Salsa On2, Salsa On1, Cha cha, Merengue and Bachata.
Following is a description of each:
A linear or in the slot style of Salsa. Very similar to Salsa On1, but with a very different flow and feel. The basic step revolves around the same rhythmic pattern as On1 - 1,2,3 …5,6,7 - pausing on the 4th and 8th beats. What makes it different is the point within the standard footwork pattern at which you enter the bar of music.
Beats 2 and 6 represent the farthest movement forward or back (aka the breaking step). I like to think of it as 'the braking step' because these steps are like applying the brakes in one direction to propel you in the reverse direction.
Because of your location in the progression of the pattern during the pause, it is uncomfortable to stop and start and so this encourages the dancer’s body to flow through to the next step. This has caused the counts to develop to sound as if there is syncopation, drawing out the 1 and 5 at both ends. This syncopation simply denotes the body’s movement through the centre, but not necessarily the point at which the foot hits the floor. I know that’s confusing; it’s better to have this clarified in person as writing the explanation is a bit confusing.
Something particular to this style is that the leader commences with a backward motion. This has a very musically profound reason which is best explained in person. This is an entirely different dance to the older more traditional Mambo of yesteryear.
A linear or in the slot style of Salsa. The term generally refers to a linear style of salsa danced breaking on the 1st beat of the music developed in L.A.
The steps follow the pattern 1,2,3…5,6,7 - pausing on the 4th and 8th beats. The pause occurs in the ‘centre ‘ of the pattern of footwork. Beats 1 and 5 represent the farthest movement forward or back – (aka the breaking step).
This style can be danced slowly or quickly, but is well suited to a dynamic pace and show moves including lifts and drops. It was developed mostly in L.A. Probably one of the more common styles currently danced socially in Australia.
Shines were originally created out of Mambo (Salsa On2) but can be adapted to resolve back into the Salsa On 1 style. They are independent footwork patterns done by either dancer, either completely apart or sometimes within the partnership. They include a significant amount of body motion and have been developed out of the Afro Cuban and Puerto Rican folkloric dances and modern jazz, funk and hip hop moves! The trick is to get them to come cleanly out of the basic and return to it without shuffling and missing a beat. There are standard shines that you can learn, but you can also learn to make your own.
We believe that shines are essential. They allow an alternative form of expression to your conventional couple work in Salsa. It allows creativity and expression for each dancer within the partnership and allows a certain amount of freedom whilst encouraging a mutual respect and admiration between the partners when the proper etiquette is observed. ‘Shines’ comprise a vital part of your repertoire, and is essential to becoming accomplished and exciting salsa or Mambo dancer!
Originally from Cuba and belonging to a ‘family’ of Son, Mambo, this very funky and groovy style of dance is quite suitable to dance to a number of modern and popular music choices. It’s shapes are pretty much the same as those from salsa, but the feel is different due to the timing. For Cha Cha we count, 1, 2, 3, 4& 5, 6, 7, 8&. The cha cha lock or shuffle step comes on the 4& and the 8&
Hailing from the Dominican Republic, this sensuous dance is very easy to learn, but tends to look best when the full body movement including hip action is in full swing. Without this movement bachata is a little wooden. The basic step is a side – together – side – tap with a rhythm of 1, 2, 3 &4&…5, 6, 7, &8&…
Also from the Dominican Republic this is a very simple 1, 2, 1, 2, rhythm dance that is fun and easy to learn. It works best with a good pace and is a little like marching in the feet, but with rhythm through the body.
True Latin Dances include: Son, Bolero, Cha cha cha, Rumba, Bomba, Plena, Salsa, Mambo, Cumbia, Merengue, Bachata, Samba, Gafiera, Lambada, Pagode, Tango, Milonga....amongst many more, but all native to various Latin American and Caribbean countries.
Within the Ballroom dancing (aka DanceSport) arena there is a sub-section known as Latin. They include 5 dances which over time have come to bear little to no resemblance to the original rhythms and dances from which they come. These dances and techniques are not recognized by the latin American fraternity to be latin dances at all, but instead are referred to as Ballroom Latin.
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