International Latin Technique
From Wikibooks, the open-content textbooks collection
This is (going to be) a wikibook detailing hopefully generally accepted latin dance technique. A resource for newcomers to the dance style, who can in theory learn it from the book, and as a reference guide for the more experienced dancer who just needs to look up footwork or placement on a certain figure, this book will serve as a nice, free accompaniment to a good hobby.
[edit] The Dances
The core of all five Latin dances are made up of a series of approved basic steps, which either socially or at the higher competitive grades may be varied or with completely new choreography added into routines.
- Cha Cha
- Cha Cha is often the first dance a beginner will learn when they take up latin dancing. The "two-three-cha-cha-cha" rhythm and 'chasse' (often called by instructors as side-close-side, though technically, the second step is only a partial close) characterise this dance. It is danced in 4/4 time, usually at a 30-32 bars per minute tempo. The tempo, coupled with the character of the music leads to a dance that is often characterised as "cheeky" with the woman adopting a flirtatious manner, teasing the man.
- The current approved basic steps are:
- Basic Movements (Closed, Open and In Place)
- New York (Left and Right Side)
- Spot Turns Left and Right (Including Switch and Underarm Turns)
- Shoulder to Shoulder (Left Side & Right side)
- Hand to Hand (Right and Left side position)
- Three Cha Chas (Forward and Backward)
- Side Steps (to Left and Right)
- There and Back
- Time Steps
- Compact Chasse
- Alternative Compact Chasse
- Cuban Cross Chasse
- Fan
- Alemana
- Hockey Stick
- Natural Top
- Natural Opening Out Movement
- Closed Hip Twist
- Open Hip Twist
- Reverse Top
- Opening Out from Reverse Top
- Aida
- Spiral Turns (Spiral, Curl and Rope Spinning)
- Cross Basic
- Cuban Breaks (including Split CubanBreaks)
- Chase
- Ronde Chasse
- Twist Chasse
- Slip Chasse
- Advanced Hip Twist
- Hip Twist Spiral
- Turkish Towel
- Sweetheart
- Follow My Leader
- Foot Changes
- Lady's Runaway Chasse
- The following figures may be used in a short amalgamation when using same foot as partner:
- Closed Basic Movement (no turn)
- Ronde Chasse
- Twist Chasse
- Open Basic Movement
- Spot or Switch Turns
- Three Cha Chas Forward and Backward
- Forward & Backward Runs
- Time Steps (with or without Guapacha Timing)
- Cuban Breaks
- Split Cuban Breaks
- Rumba
- Rumba is often danced as a "cha cha without the cha chas", and whilst this may appear correct, there are major differences, largely in the presentation of the dance. It is known as the dance of love, danced to sexy, sultry 4/4 music at a tempo of 26/27 measures per minute (105 bpm).
- Samba
- Originally a carnival dance from Rio di Janeiro, Samba is one of only two travelling dances in this genre. Like most traveling dances the dancers travel counter-clockwise around the floor.
- Jive
- Fastest of all the latin dances and the least latin as well. Jive and swing are similar in patterns but the Jive basic starts with a back rock instead of a triple step. Jive is know for the quick, pulsating leg action with a calm, steady upper-body. As with most all latin dances, the upper body remains at a fairly steady level.
- -Kick Ball Change-
- -Triple Steps-
- Paso Doble
- A dance based on the Spanish bullfights but actually originating in French nightclubs. Not at all like the "Two Step" American country dance, Paso focuses on pagentry and flamboyance.
[edit] Etiquette
Dance etiquette can largely be summarized by the word "politeness". Partners must keep a good connection and counter-balance one another in fast-moving partner dancing such as the Latin dances; yet still grant the other dancer his or her personal space where appropriate within the choreography.
[edit] Dress
As with the non-dancing world, dress in Latin dancing is subject to fashion and changes gradually over time, but can be split into three categories:
Practice Wear
Lounge Dress
Competition Wear.
