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Latin couples dancing is the hot and steamy
subculture of the dance world. Just as the
dances and subcultures vary in different parts
of Latin America, so do the Latin dances vary
across the globe.
On this page you'll find information
regarding Latin dancing that you'll want to
know and understand prior to immersing yourself
in the club dance scene.
If you're ready to start dancing now, click
the image below to get started. Otherwise, keep
reading and you'll learn about the best ways to
start your dance lessons, what to wear to your
lessons and to the clubs, the most popular
Latin dances, and also some other great tips
and resources on Latin dancing and instruction
in general.
where to learn
latin dancing and attire for learning
There are several starting points that are
recommend via DVD if you're looking to get into
Latin Dancing. Learning via DVD allows you to
work on the steps and timing individually prior
to making large investments in lessons where
you'll have to learn the same steps. When
you're ready for live lessons, you'll be able
to find Latin dance instruction at many
ballrooms; however, once you have the hang of
the basic timing and the foundational moves
found in Shawn's DVDs (see product images below
or latin starter pack above), you might want to
broaden your horizons.
If you want to learn the truly Latin
versions of the dances and dance in the
subculture, you might be better off seeking out
a specialized dance studio or a freelance
instructor who teaches salsa, meringue,
bacchata, or cha-cha at a local Latin nightclub
or even restaurant. The dress code might be
dictated by where you are learning to dance and
whether you will be staying out dancing to
practice following your lesson. That being
said, you should strive to be comfortable when
learning the Latin dances; you will be getting
an aerobic workout, especially with salsa. When
learning, wear as comfortable of shoes as
possible. Save your feet for when you go out
dancing.
where to dance
and attire for going out latin dancing
Salsa clubs are the most popular place to go
out Latin dancing. Prepare yourself for a
high-energy evening followed by a day of very
sore feet. When Latin dancers, particularly
salsa dancers, show up to party, they get down
to business and go until the wee hours of the
morning. Be prepared to dress to the nines in
your club wear—ladies, this is the only
dance subculture where strappy sandals are not
only acceptable, but the norm for footwear. A
few words of caution for the ladies regarding
footwear: Try not to twist or break your
ankles, and try to protect your toes from
errant feet of other dancers. Gentlemen, dress
sharply and wear polished shoes. Your clothing
will most likely be dictated by your local
climate and the season for both ladies and
gentlemen.
the most
popular latin dances
The most popular Latin dance is the salsa.
There are several types of salsa out there,
some of them being “called” dances,
similar to a square dance, except they are
performed in a circle (no corners necessary).
However, the rumba, tango, meringue, bacchata,
cha-cha, mambo, and samba also fall into the
Latin dance category. You might just want to
give a few dances a try while you're out at a
nightclub and then head to a lesson or get
started with the dance below that you most want
to learn:
- Salsa (the ALL-TIME classic for
Latin Dancing)
- Cha-Cha (also a classic, and a
dance for all occasions)
- Rumba (a nice slow dance to get
started with)
- Tango (an intriguing escape from
the normal couples dances)
of special
note regarding latin dancing
As you dive into the Latin
dancing subculture, keep in mind two key
descriptive terms: fun and sensual. The Latin
dances are often described as the most fun and
sensual of all four social dance subcultures.
As with any of the dance subcultures, it is
important to be sensitive to cultural
differences as you get out and embark upon new
communities of people - everyone is out dancing
to have a good time. If you are not Latin
American by birth or heritage, keep in mind
that you are immersing yourself in a corner of
someone else’s heritage for the evening,
so be respectful of that.
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