Latin and salsa dance are known for their sensuality and fancy footwork.
According to DanceDanceDance.com, Latin and are styles that originated in Central, South and Latin America, taking influence from Cuban, Spanish, Mexican and African musical roots. Latin dance is a broad term for several dance styles of Latin American origin, while salsa is a specific style of Latin dance. Both are known for their sensual nature, fancy footwork and dramatic movements. Latin and salsa dancing have quickly become a part of world culture and are popular in international competitions today.
History
Latin dances like the merengue, rumba and tango began in the Dominican Republic and Buenos Aires in the 19th century says Dancing-Latin.com, a website dedicated to the art of Latin dancing. Latin dance spread to the U.S. and Britain in the 1920s as a ballroom dance style and evolved into what is now called international Latin dance. Salsa evolved from Cuban popular music and was then influenced by American jazz music.
Types
Merengue is a simple, stylized dance with a two-step pattern danced to a fast duple meter. The tango combines fluid, elegant step patterns with dramatic movements and suggestive styling. The rumba follows a medium to fast rhythm based on Afro-Cuban music, with three distinct parts made up of the introduction, verse and call-and-response. Samba, of Brazilian origin, uses a 2/4 rhythm and a three-step pattern, causing it to feel as if it is danced in 3/4. Salsa, named after the Spanish word for "hot sauce", has evolved into several different styles, each based on the region where they were popularized. Salsa follows a particular timing with the first step beginning either on the first, second or third beat.
Significance
Latin and salsa dance both came about at a time when the world was just beginning to become more interconnected and music was becoming readily available for everyone. The introduction of Latin dance was an important step for Latin and Hispanic peoples toward recreating the culture that had been decimated by Spanish conquest. Salsa and other Latin dances blended Spanish influence with Latin American spirit, African rhythms and Cuban music to create an entirely new style. When the western world began to acknowledge Latin dance as an art form, Latino and Hispanic peoples were finally able to share their colorful culture and passionate spirit with the rest of the world.
Function
In addition to being a regular part of regional festivals, celebrations and social functions, Latin dance is performed in international ballroom dance competitions across the world each year. The many styles of Latin and salsa dancing are showcased on multi-national television shows,(So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing With the Stars, etc.) included in major motion pictures(True Lies, Step Up, etc.) and offered in lessons everywhere dance is admired and respected. Many American nightclubs have weekly or monthly Latin dance nights, where people of all ethnicities come to embrace the spirit of Latin American music and dance.
Features
Wherever Latin and salsa dancing can be found, they are recognizable by several inherent features. You will not find any line dancing or simple, repetitive step patterns here. Fancy footwork and a partner are built-in components of any Latin dance style. Add elegant or colorful outfits and high heeled shoes to sensual, highly rhythmic dance music and you have the perfect combination of style, technique and rhythm to represent Latin dance, including salsa, at its finest.
Tags: Latin dance, Latin salsa, Latin salsa dancing, salsa dancing, Latin American, ballroom dance