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latin dancing and dance lesson videos

step-by-step dvds that break down the hottest latin steps using quick, easy drills and the latest styles for the clubs... within minutes you'll be dancing the salsa, cha-cha and others with confidence thanks to videos that are much easier than just picking it up.

"in preparation for my cousin's wedding my husband and I learned the basic steps of the salsa along with a few fancy moves that added some flair! after following along with the dvd we felt very comfortable dancing with the salsa experts in the room." R. Wood '08

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.

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Hot & Spicy Salsa for Beginners: Lead & Follow Salsa, Front & Back Basics, Cross-Over Breaks, Underarm Turns, Cross-Body Leads and more!
Beginner Cha-Cha (Cool & Classy): Front/Side Basics, Underarm Turns, Cross-Over Breaks, Cross-Body Leads, Sliding Doors and more!
Latin Combo 2 Pack: Beginner Cha-Cha (Cool & Classy), Hot and Spicy Salsa for Beginners
Wedding Party Pack (Latin): Dance Lessons 101, Party Line Dances, Slow Dance for All Occasions, Hot & Spicy Salsa for Beginners and Beginner Cha Cha (Cool & Classy)

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.

Our brand new Dance Lessons 101 is designed with the absolute beginner in mind. You’ll get the basic steps, posture tips, hand and foot positions, and even some moves to ensure your continued excitement as you wow all those who had no clue that you could dance so well.

Eventually you’ll want to start adding more moves to your arsenal. Our Latin Combo Pack is designed for just that. This set goes over the basics again, and you’ll learn great moves like the underarm turns, cross-over breaks, and more!

Hot & Spicy Salsa for Beginners
 
Hot & Spicy Salsa for Beginners: Lead & Follow Salsa, Front & Back Basics, Cross-Over Breaks, Underarm Turns, Cross-Body Leads and more!

A hot new DVD offering instruction in Salsa that burns up the floor for nearly 90 minutes. If you need help with the basics and not just someone showing off in front of you, then this DVD's for you.

Click here to view a sample from this DVD

Learn more about Hot & Spicy Salsa for Beginners...
 
Cha Cha for Beginners
 
Beginner Cha-Cha (Cool & Classy): Front/Side Basics, Underarm Turns, Cross-Over Breaks, Cross-Body Leads, Sliding Doors and more!

Learn the basics of Cha-Cha in the easiest possible format with the Beginner Cha-Cha DVD. In 90 short minutes, you'll learn everything you need to get out on the floor and be comfortable

Click here to view a sample from this DVD

Learn more about Cha Cha for Beginners...
 
Latin Combo
 
Latin Combo 2 Pack: Beginner Cha-Cha (Cool & Classy), Hot and Spicy Salsa for Beginners
You'll get the Hot & Spicy Salsa and the Beginner's Cha Cha in this 2 pack. So get the combo and Spice up your night!
Learn more about the Latin Combo...
 
Ballroom Starter Kit
 
Ballroom Dancing Starter Kit: Slow & Romantic Dance Sampler, Country Western Dance Sampler, Ballroom & Latin Dance Sampler
Ballroom Dancing Starter Kit (3-DVD Set including the Ballroom & Latin Dance Sampler, the Slow and Romantic Dance Sampler, and the Country Western Dance Sampler). So Get your Dancing started off on the right foot.
Learn more about the Ballroom Starter Kit...
 
Wedding Party Pack Latin
 
Wedding Party Pack (Latin): Dance Lessons 101, Party Line Dances, Slow Dance for All Occasions, Hot & Spicy Salsa for Beginners and Beginner Cha Cha (Cool & Classy)
This great collection of Dance Lessons on DVD include the Hot & Spicy Salsa for Beginners, the Beginner's Cha Cha, Slow Dance for All Occasions, Dance Lessons 101, and Party Line Dances. You can be sure that you're covered for any occasion!
Learn more about the Latin Wedding Party Pack...
 
Dance Lessons 101
 
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Dance Lessons 101: The Ultimate Couples Dancing Instruction Video for Beginners is the recommended starting point in Shawn Trautman's Dance Collection. If you've never danced in your life, this video will have you dancing the Two Step, Waltz, Cha Cha, Salsa, Swing, Slow Dancing, West Coast Swing, and the Hustle; each in a matter of minutes. Dance Lessons 101 let's you experience Shawn's instruction on a wide variety of dances and get started quickly and easily!

Click here to view a sample from this DVD

Learn more about Dance Lessons 101...
 

It's easy to learn Latin dancing in the privacy of your own home with
dancing instruction from Shawn Trautman's Dance Collection.


If you're looking for some great music to go with your favorite dance, please check out our Song List page. You'll find recommended Latin dance music for each dance featured on Shawn Trautman's dancing DVDs.

*Read more on our Free Same-Day Shipping page!

 

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