ARGENTINE TANGO:
An intensely passionate dance that will capture your feet and your soul. Your life will never be the same as you enter the nocturnal world of ochos, sentadas, and milongas. On any given night, NYC provides dancers with many Tango dance spots to hone their new steps and technique. Enjoyable at any level, Tango becomes more physically and intellectually rewarding as your relationship with the Buenos Aires-born dance deepens. Other versions of the Tango evolved, which are now part of the American and International Styles of Ballroom Dancing. Whether it's the Argentine Tango or another style, this sultry dance will set your soul on fire!
BOLERO:
Bolero
(see Rumba) A slower version of the Rumba, also sexy and intriguing, the Bolero emphasizes the drama of love in a relationship. There are two variations: the Cuban (predecessor of the International Style Rumba) and the American Bolero, which differ technically as well as in their rhythmical interpretation.
CHA CHA:
A spicy, upbeat Latin dance that is related to the Mambo (a slower version.) This dance gained popularity on the streets of NYC in the late '50's and '60's. Originally called "Cha Cha Cha" and a favorite with jazz musicians and the Latin Community, the Cha Cha of today is still as exciting as ever. It is such a versatile dance that it can easily be done to many different styles of music from classic Tito Puente to Santana and Ricky Martin.
CUBAM MOTION:
Cuban Motion, originally derived from the Merengue (the mother of all Latin dances), is the hip action and essential component in the characterization of any Latin dance. It's used throughout all the basic steps. As weight is transferred from the alternate bending and straightening of the knees, the hips move in the opposite direction. As you naturally move to the rhythm of the music, you acquire an authentic look and feel to your Latin dancing.
HUSTLE:
Hustle
This dance originated in the Latin communities of NYC and Miami in the 1970's. Hollywood sparked a nationwide craze when John Travolta strutted his stuff in "Saturday Night Fever." Today's favored form of the Hustle is a 3-count Latin "street" Hustle. Easily danced to disco music and most upbeat pop music, the Hustle incorporates fun, syncopated patterns and many exciting turns…it is a sure crowd pleaser on any night of the week!
MAMBO:
Mambo
(see Salsa and Rumba)- The music and dance originated in Cuba and developed from the musical form called "Son." It began its climb in popularity in the US in the 1940's, and particularly in the 1950's and 1960's (see Cha Cha) at NYC's Palladium Ballroom. It had a revival in appeal in the 1990's. Mambo/Salsa should be your first dance choice when learning the Latin dances, as it is all the rage throughout the world today!
MERENGUE:
Having arrived in the US in the early part of the 20th Century from the Dominican Republic, Merengue is pure, playful fun. The rhythm is the simplest of the dances making the footwork easy, and the arms and turns more complex. Merengue is the perfect compliment to the Salsa and a must learn if you plan on going out to a Latin Club.
MILONGA:
The Milonga, which precedes the Tango in history, was a solo song cultivated during the early 19th century by the gaucho in the rural area of Argentina known as the Pampa. It derives from an early style of singing known as the payada de contrapunto. The songs were set to a lively 2/4 tempo, but despite the 2/4 formula, the Milonga has its own distinctive, syncopated rhythm. It uses the same basic elements, interchangeable steps, and vocabulary as the Tango, however, the movement is normally faster. Stylistically, Milonga is often more playful than the more serious and elegant Tango. Note: the word "milonga" refers to both the dance and also the place one goes to dance Tango. See you at the next Milonga!
PASO DOBLE:
Paso Doble
This dance originated in Spain and retells the bullfight with the leader as the torero/matador, who leads "his cape," the follower, to attract the bull's attention. Still danced socially in Spain and Mexico, the Paso Doble had a revival in the US and Europe in the late 1950's, and has now evolved into a mostly competitive dance that incorporates Flamenco movements. Though you will not see this dance in any nightclub of NYC, you will still relish in the powerful feeling it inspires of a Spanish Bullfight, ole!
RUMBA:
A love story of two people, and officially christened the "dance of love," Rumba is the forerunner of other Latin dances. Its origins are deeply rooted in the Cuban music and dance called the "Son." The Rumba has manifested many forms and variations throughout the 20th Century (Beguine, Bolero, Danzon, etc.). It has a slower rhythm than the Mambo, making it a great dance for beginners. The sensual Rumba is a wonderful introduction to the tradition of Latin dances, Latin music and Latin body movement.
SALSA:
Salsa is the hottest dance on the club scene today, emphasizing undulating body movement, sassy turns and compelling rhythms. This "nubile" dance originally hailed from Cuba in the 1950's, and was greatly influenced by dancers and musicians in Puerto Rico, Miami and New York. Originally, a fast Mambo was called "Mambo con salsa" (Mambo with hot sauce). Now the world just calls it "Salsa!"
SAMBA:
The exotic cousin of the spirited Caribbean dances, Samba has its own personality, ranging from gutsy and primitive, to zany and fun. Hailing from Brazil with a strong African influence, Samba is both a challenge in its rhythmic patterns and a physical workout. It is often referred to as the "Brazilian Waltz," since the step patterns are developed from the Waltz. Initially, this dance was called the "Maxixe," which was part of the "Animal Dances" of the 1920's. This dance makes no apologies for the spell it will cast on you.
