SALSA
SALSA ORIGINS
It is arguably the most popular Latin dance. From the streets of Havana to the nightclubs of the world, this global phenomenon is as irresistible as it is unavoidable. The popular and contagious rhythms that we know as Salsa are the result of many cultural influences and instrumental combinations. So it's not surprising the name of this hot and spicy dance means 'sauce'. The term 'salsa' began to circulate in the 1960's, and was originally a commercial tag including a whole range of musical genres and influences like Cuban Son, Mambo and Guaguanco.
Salsa has many roots, but the style that gave rise to and shaped it more than any other is the Son. Son originated in the 1800's in the Cuban province of Orient. It evolved from 'Changui', a form of music brought to Cuba by the African slaves in the early 1900 and carried on by their descendants. As the Africans moved to Havana, Son was adopted as the music of the working class.
Musicians began to combine African and Spanish music styles, and by the 1920's Son was the most popular music and dance for Cubans of all classes.In the 1920's, as tourists and upper class Cubans increased the demand for nightlife in Havana, Son was adjusted to develop a more 'white sound'. Tighter vocal harmonies and a faster tempo led to more popularity internationally.
However in the 30's, Son began to embrace its African roots once again. Elements that had been omitted over time were reintroduced and distinctly Cuban sounds were emphasised. During this time the cowbell and conga section were expanded to the rhythm section, the 'Guaganco' was adapted to the Son style and a 'Montuno' (or Mambo) section was added with melodic solos. This new style became known as 'Son Montuno' and formed the basis of the Mambo craze, influencing Latin popular music for years. Developing at the same time, with its roots also in Cuba, was the Mambo.
Similarly to Son, the original rhythms came with the African slaves; Mambo was means of dance in which you communicated with the gods. It wasn't until 1938, when a composer mixed Danzon with African rhythms from the street, that the Mambo was recognised by white people. The dancing came out of rehearsals where the couples improvised steps to the beat. 1950, Perez Prado began to market his music under 'Mambo', thus being popularised as a specific music genre.
The Mambo continued to undergo subtle changes as the both the dance and the music developed and was enormously popular among both Latin Americans and white people.In New York, at the height of Mambo's popularity, big band leaders such as Tito Puente, Tito Rodriguez and Machito expanded the Mambo section of the Son and incorporated the Cha-Cha into this style - forming the foundation for 'Salsa'. It was also in New York that Puerto Rican elements were added to the Son and soon a whole new style emerged.
With so many influences and claims to ownership, this new sound was difficult to market, and so the term 'Salsa' was born.Salsa today is a reflection of its rich history. While its ingredients were grown in Cuba, there is no doubt that it was mixed in New York. Since then Salsa has become internationally popular, with followers in all parts of the globe. So wherever you are in the world, when that addictive rhythm begins to play, remember where the Salsa gets its spice.
By Nathalie Kelley
(Professiona Dancer, Miss Latin America 2001 and the finalists of Salsa Competition in Marconi Club 2001)
SAMBA
The addictive rhythms that we know as Samba were born in Brazil, the fifth largest country in the world.
Like most of Brazilian music, it originated in the north-east region of Brazil called Bahia. This was where most of the black slaves had been brought to work on the plantations for the Portuguese. The majority of these slaves came from Angola and other places in South West Africa. With the slaves, came rhythms and sounds that constitute so much of Brazil's music, and these same rhythms would be the origins of one of Brazil's most famous exports - Samba.
Also around this time, indigenous dances were increasing in popularity among both the slaves and the settlers, much to the frustration of Portuguese authorities, who at one stage attempted to ban a few of them. Nevertheless, in the 1830's a composite dance was developed which combined the plait figures from these Negro dances and the body rolls and sways of the indigenous Lundu.
Around 1885, as more and more blacks headed south towards Rio de Janeiro, the dance was modified and began to be performed with the dancers holding each other in the European way (closed dance position). It was soon adopted by high society in Rio, and popularised as the Zemba Queca. Later it was modified again and called the Mesemba.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the Mesemba was combined with another Brazilian dance, the Maxixe and was popularised in Europe. This was largely due to the efforts of the group 'Oito Batutas' who toured Europe and wowed audiences with their new sounds and dance steps. While Brazilian newspapers were horrified about the idea of this band, which was composed of blacks, representing Brazil (keep in mind that slavery had only been abolished in Brazil 34 years earlier) - the tour was a huge success and extended from the 1 month to 6!
In the 1930s, a form of the Samba called the Carioca was revived in U.K and spread to the USA. Movies helped popularise it, with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers performing it in their first film together. In 1941, its popularity was boosted by performances by Carmen Miranda in her many films.
The Ballroom Samba, while maintaining elements of what the Brazilians consider the true Samba, was formalised in 1956 by Pierre Lavelle. Since then, various forms of Samba have been developed to fit the mood of modern music, these include: Samba Breque, Samba Gafeira, Samba Morro, Samba Batucada, Samba Choro, Samba Cancao, Samba Moderno, Samba Rock, Samba-Funk, Samba Ragae, Bossa Nova, Partido Alto, Toada, Rasta Pe, Xote, Afoxe, Maracatu, Marcha, Marcha Rancho, Baiao, Caterete, Xaxado, Blues, Chorinho, and of course the Samba that defines the Carnivale in Rio de Janeiro - Samba Enredo.
With so many forms and variations, it is the combination of African, Native Indian and even Iberian influences, that is so often found in the heavily populated coastal areas of Brazil, that make Samba such a unique genre of music.
LAMBADA
' Lambada' refers to the Portuguese verb, meaning to whip or flog, this term describing the rhythm and style of the dance. The origins of Lambada are debated, it being evolved from many different influences. Some say it is derived from 'forro' and others say it's origins lie in the Carimbó - a popular dance in the north of Brazil since the 1500's.
Originally this was a dance where the man and woman stayed apart, but later changed so that they danced together to a two beat rhythm. This is was stage where Lambada was born - really taking off in the early eighties.
It is possible that the Lambada music originated in Northern Brazil, in Belem, during the 70's, as a result of influences from the Salsa, Merengue and Reggae music that could be heard on the Guyanese and French Guiana Radio.
This new mix of music and style of dance moved a little further south incorporating influences Maxixe in Salvador before reaching and staying in Porto Seguro, Bahia. Bahia is Brazil's most musically creative state and while the dance grew in popularity, it's spread world wide began when French music producers who visited Bahia in 1988 to search for new forms of music. The French took the music back to Europe and with a new band called Kaoma, made Lambada the number one hit worldwide.
During this time, as Lambada was being introduced to the rest of the world, it was danced with the steps from side to side. But In many films and promotions, as a result of the lack of skilled dancers and influences from Salsa, Merengue and Rock, steps were improvised and switched to forward and back.
Today the dance itself can be found in quite a few countries around the world, including Argentina, Australia, England, Israel, France, Germany, Japan, Mallorca, Martinique and Spain.
RUEDA
Rueda, meaning 'wheel' in Spanish, is a 'structured' form of Salsa dancing that has really taken off all around the globe. It has been noted that Rueda originated in Cuba during the late 1950's.
Some historians suggest that it was originally innovated and danced by the poorer black Cubans who could not afford to dance in the social clubs, or casinos.
Other historians suggest that the form of Rueda, the passing of partners in a circle, may reflect some influences of French Court Dances, brought to Cubans by the Haitians.
Whatever the case, it did originate on the streets of Cuba and eventually caught the attention of the more affluent Cubans, who brought it to the clubs and gave it the name 'Rueda de Casino'.
The dance remained in Cuba until the poorer Afro-Cubans were able to migrate abroad, particularly to New York and Miami, where the dance underwent additional changes as it was influenced by a variety of cultures and styles.
Nevertheless, today's Rueda is actually quite similar to the Rueda that was danced 50 years ago. As the Spanish name suggests, it is a dance in a 'wheel'/circle.
It consists of a rapid exchange of partners around the wheel, through a variety of standardised moves. These moves are composed of the same footwork as in Salsa. A "caller", who yells them out in Spanish or delivers hand signals, communicates the moves to the group.
Rueda can be danced with a minimum of 2 couples and it's maximum is unlimited!! It requires a high level of awareness to ensure the group dance flows smoothly, and looks co-ordinated.
Dancing Rueda, unlike solo or partner dancing, helps dancers enhance new skills such as opening their sphere of awareness and their peripheral vision.
It is also a good way of meeting new people. Unlike Salsa where you are limited to one partner per dance, Rueda gives you an opportunity to swap and change partners constantly, providing a brief way of meeting new people.
It also helps people overcome any shyness they might have about asking others to dance!
Some people estimate that there are over 200 different patterns of Rueda with new patterns emerging all the time.
There are obvious variations depending on the country and the caller however no matter which dance floor, club or city - Rueda is an exciting and fun dance that will have you hooked from the first try!!!!
By Nathalie Kelley
ZOUK
Zouk is essentially a variation of Lambada - whilst Lambada is more acrobatic, Zouk is more stylised and utilises a lot of turns. Although it is based upon that familiar 3/4 rhythm, it uses a fairly different footwork technique.
Zouk comes from the French Antilles islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe, Dominica, and St. Lucia, and so contains strong French influences.
Zouk music evolved from the 'beguine' in Guadeloupe, and the 'cadence-lypso' of Dominica. The word 'Zouk' means party in Creole and the lyrics are naturally sung in Creole.
Zouk originated earlier than the Lambada as a dance, though both music appeared to have evolved around the same time. It is possible the Zouk and its music had an influence upon the development of the Lambada as a dance via the radio stations between the French Antiles, Suriname, Guyana and Para in Northern Brazil.
SHINES
"Shines refers to the sequence of solo footwork syncopations and patterns performed by the salsero or salsera to the rhythm and accents of salsa.
Fundamentally Shines takes the salsa basic step to another intrinsic level as you are given the freedom to move and interpret the music as you see fit.
Shines usually involve more complex footwork combinations, syncopations and patterns than the standard salsa basic steps.
As shines gives the individual a chance to "shine" it enables you to express your own individuality while at the same time complimenting your partner. As a result today there are many, many different shine patterns and variations with new ones being created every day.
And each salsero and salsera will usually have their own preference of tailored shine steps and sequences that they commonly use when "breaking" into a shine.
Shines are commonly done when the leader lets go of the follower while dancing salsa and when the music breaks into a sequence of hits and combinations on the conga beat of the music. They then each perform their own solo sequence of shine patterns and moves.
There is no rule of how long you should shine or not shine and is simply a matter of personal preference. Some dancers like to shine often, and some prefer not to shine at all.
As salsa is a highly mutable rhythm and uses the most common time signature of all (4/4 time), it is quite common to see shines incorporating influences across a wide range of dance genres. Shine sequences more commonly includes influences from Rumba, Jazz and Tap but can also include Samba and more lately Hip-hop and funk among others.
Other than being a break after completing turn pattern after turn pattern, shines are a great way to improve your footwork speed, co-ordination, timing, precision, sharpness, body movement and how you overall listen to the music.
With practice you will learn how to "play" and dance to the music as well as incorporating elements of shines as part of your turn patterns.
Shines is first introduced in Salsa Beginners 2 and is a core element of Salsa Intermediate 1 & 2, Intermediate/Advanced 1 & 2 and Advanced salsa levels."
CHA CHA
CHA - CHA origens
"It was during the height of the mambo craze that in 1951 prominent Cuban violinist Enrique Jorrin recognised the difficulties that the dancers had "..dancing to off-beat and syncopated melodies.." (E. Jorrin, Diccionario de la Musica Cubana de Helio Orovio).
This was especially true for the faster mambo rhythms.
Recognising the need for a slower but still recogniseable mambo beat, the charanga orchestras composed new 'danzones' utilising this new rhythm. The slower Mambo tempo gave a distinct sound in the music that everyone could dance to.
This new sound was an instant it and people began calling the new step the "Triple" Mambo. It has since evolved into a separate dance known today as the Cha-Cha.
Cha-Cha draws it's origins from the puerto rican 'danzonette' and the cuban 'danzon' rhythms during the 1950's.
Cha-Cha derives it's name from the plant that makes a "cha-cha" sound when it is rubbed. Cha-Cha distinguishes itself from all other latin dances by it's distinctive vocal trademark.
The lead singer sings in unison with accompanying vocalists (singing in the same pitch) unlike other latin rhythms.
Cha-Cha inherits much of it's styling from it's parent dances, the rumba and the mambo. Like most latin dances, it is done with the feet remaining close to the floor.
The dancers' hips are relaxed to allow a free movement in the pelvic section characterised by the swinging hips called "Cuban Motion", and by taking very small steps.
The "cha cha" part of the rhythm is almost a chasse, or a series of small gliding steps that touch the floor with the upper body shifting over the supporting foot as steps are taken.
The Cha-Cha dance consists of three quick steps and two slowers steps. It is danced to 4/4 time (four beats to a measure). Dancing each bar of music will take two slow steps and three quick steps.
The rhythm is "slow-slow-quick-quick-slow" or counting "two-three-four and one". The count "four and one" corresponds to the "cha-cha-cha" part of the rhythm.
'Cha Cha' is introduced as a 8 week Beginners 'Cha Cha' course and is followed by Intermediate and Advanced 'Cha Cha' course.
This course teaches the original 'street' Cha Cha dance that originated in Cuba, not to be confused with the latin ballroom Cha Cha.
Although 'Cha Cha' has many moves that can be converted into Salsa moves and vice versa, 'Cha Cha' has many of it's own distinct moves and turn patterns.
CAPOEIRA
Capoeira is a unique Afro-Brazilian martial art discipline that combines elements of self-defence, acrobatics and dance with the presence of music and song. In contrast to other martial arts that employ a static stance or base, Capoeira has a moving base known as the ginga – which all moves derive from.
Capoeira is a multifaceted contemporary practice with a rich tradition. It is believed that Capoeira emerged out of Bahia (Salvador, north-east of Brazil) as a practice of the African slaves taken there by the Portuguese. It was developed as a means of fitness, self- defence and entertainment.
This phenomenal art takes in the form of a game (Jogo de Capoeira) where two Capoeirista's (players of the game) exchange movements of attack and defence in a constant flow while exploring each others strengths and weaknesses, in a challenging and constant process of expression, self reflection and growth. It is a game that requires focus, commitment, constant movement and interaction.
Capoeira's circular and evasive movements combined with its rich tradition of music and song, placing in a unique position as an art, and always pose the question "is Capoeira a game, a fight or a dance"? Capoeira games require the grace and agility of a dancer, with the strength and skill of a warrior. Always central to the message of Capoeira is a unity and bringing person together to keep continual flow regardless of the game and to find peace, joy and fulfilment in the game and in life.
Capoeira is practiced worldwide as a revered art form. The sport attracts participants of all ages as it emphasises on physical training, improvisation and creative self-expression. People choose to take up Capoeira for many different reasons. Some love the look of the spectacular kicks, movements and acrobatics, some are in search of self defence techniques with a twist, while others are intrigued by the fact that it is played to the rhythm of music. Aside from the individuals reason that draws them to Capoeira, one thing is for sure; a true Capoeirista is one who embraces all aspects of Capoeira, and does not neglect one aspect in favour for another.
Enter the world of Capoeira and be dazzled by this hypnotic and seductive game. For more info visit ww.capoeira.com.au
BACHATA
Bachata bears it's historic roots in the 1960's in the countryside and rural marginal neighborhoods of the Dominican Republic , borrowing from the Cuban Bolero rhythms. It emerged from and belongs to a long-standing Pan-latin American tradition of romantic guitar music (música de guitarra) which is typically played by trios or quartets comprised of one or two guitars or similar related string instruments. The percussion is provided by the marac as and sometimes with the claves, bongo drums, or a gourd güiro scraper. And finally a large thumb bass called marimba or marimula was included as well.
Bachata is defined as fun, merriment, a good time, or a spree, but in the Dominican Republic , in addition to the emotional quality of fun and enjoyment suggested by the dictionary definition, it referred specifically to get-togethers that included music , drink, and food.
The tempo is slow, typically 120 beats per minute. The music is in 4/4. Bachata grew out of Cuban bolero and over time, it has been influenced by merengue - a fast paced dancable music also native to the Dominican Republic - and by a variety of Latin American guitar styles from Cuba , Puerto Rico , Mexico , and Colombia .
Bachata music has four beats per measure. Three steps are taken to four beats of music . As with salsa, the step timing is three steps and then a one-beat pause. For ease of learning Bachata is counted in 8s to confirm with the other street latin dance styles.
The basi c footwork is a series of simple steps that produce a back and forth or sideways motion. A schemati c footwork would be as follows: starting with the right foot make a chasse to the right on counts 1,2,3. On 4, touch the left toe beside your right foot (alternatively, tapping the left toe in place, i.e., apart from the right foot, make an upwards jerk with the left hip). Then do the same from your left foot. The characteristic movements of the dance is a chieved through sensual hip and body movements. The upper body remaining relatively static with the emphasis given on the hips and feet.
At present 2004, the Dominican group Aventura is probably the best known bachata group worldwide, its single "Obsesion" having worldwide success dominating for a long time radio play both in major US latino markets, Puerto Rico , and the Dominican Republic .
Other artists of note include Antony Santos, Raulin Rodriguez, Zacarias Ferreira, Super Uba, Monchy y Alexandra, Andy Andy, and Joe Veras.
Bachata was first introduced in Australia by Latin Dance Australia in 2005. It has gained so mu chpopularity in such a short time that it is second only to Salsa in terms of popularity and most-played dance styles in Latin clubs. Bachata is also flourishing around Australia , and you can now find classes in Bachata in all major cities across Australia.
Bachata is first introduced as a 4week Beginners course and is followed by an Intermediate and Advanced course.
Latin Dance Australia Dance Types