Dance Descriptions | dancepassionnj

Dance Descriptions:

WALTZ

The English Waltz AKA Slow Waltz was so called to distingish it from the up-tempoed, rotary Viennese Waltz. Its the “mother of all dances” and it is often the first dance to be taught to beginners, as its basic figures and diagonal patterns are easy to learn and follow. The Waltz dates back to 1600s in Europe. It became popular in America in the early 1800s. Waltz its graceful and gentle dance, bringing happy romantic memories to many people. Waltz today is established as a favorite dance for every wedding reception, formal event or holiday pary.

TANGO

The dance, handed down by generations of Tango dancers, originated in the slums of Argentina and for 100 years was considered too immodest for the dance halls. Cleaned up, it became fashionable in Europe in the early 1900s. Suprisingly, it is not a dificult dance to learn. The basic steps are easy to master, but the secret of capturing the drama of Tango lies in taking the correct posture and hold and achieving the elusive cat-like movement used during each Tango Walk. There is something very special about Tango music; it brings and atmosphere of tense expectation. The music 's clipped, staccato notes, blending into soft, flowing crescendos create a mood of drama and stealth intertwined with stark confrontation, that changes yet again to offer an exciting invitation that can not be resisted.

FOXTROT

The basic components of the Fox trot are walking steps and side steps. Crowded dance floors and nightclub conditions require short steps. In larger ballrooms the slow Fox Trot is characterized by longer, smooth and gliding steps, with an ease of movement and control giving this dance an unhurried appearance.

SALSA

Danced to four beats using only three steps, Salsa is the Spanish word for “sauce” denoting spicy or hot flavor. It can be danced to a variety of different rhythms. Generally, Salsa music encompasses many Afro-Latin rhythms driven by the clave (two wooden sticks struck together). Today’s Salsa is the result of many years of rhythmical evolution due to economical, social and political change. Salsa is the national dance of Puerto Rico.

RUMBA

The Rumba is an increasingly popular romantic Latin dance dating back some 400 years ago, and is better known as the Latin “Get-Acquainted” dance or the dance with the wiggle. The Rumba sometimes substitutes for those in-between tempos and features a subtle or relaxed (lateral) hip motion and Latin styling. Rumba hip movements are used in most of the popular Latin dances as well as the freestyle of disco and nightclub dancing.

SWING

First known as the Lindy (in honor of Charles Lindberg and his historic hop across the Atlantic), this perennially popular dance emerged in the late 1920s. During the WWII years it re-emerged on the East Coast as the Jitterbug-jive and on the West Coast as Swing. This dance is a true American amalgam, combining steps from the Black Bottom, the Bop and Push, the Hustle and Boot Scoot, Shag, Charleston and Hop.

SAMBA

Samba, is an old Brazilian style of dance with many variations. It has been performed as a street dance at carnival, the pre-Lenten celebration, for almost 100 years. The ballroom Samba or Carioca Samba is derived from the rural "Rocking Samba" and has been known for many years. The Carioca is a small river that runs through Rio de Janiero - hence the name Carioca refers to the people of Rio.Today Samba is still very popular international dance and is preferred by more experienced dancers mostly because of its speed, advanced hip action and flare.

BACHATA

Bachata is one of the newest social dances. It originates in the Dominican Republic where musicians mixed the soft guitar sounds with the rhythms of Rumba and thus Bachata was created. Later popularized by the group Aventura, this dance has become one of the party favorites, with its easy steps and figures.

MERENGUE

Walking steps and side steps (Chasse) are the basic components of Merengue. This dance is introduced as a marching dance but can be developed into something very rhythmical. With lots of Cuban Motion and animated body movement, the Merengue gives a festive party appeal.

CHA CHA

Triple steps (Chasse) and rock steps are the basic components of the Cha Cha. Since the Cha Cha is derived from the Rumba and Mambo, Cuban Motion is an important aspect of this popular dance. Everybody can learn the Cha Cha.