Each of the Latin American countries has several dances of its own. However, they have a lot in common - they all appeared on the same continent, becoming a kind of fusion of several cultures - Spanish, Indian and African. They were originally considered dances for the poor and were performed at parties and folk festivals. It wasn't until 1930 that Latin American dances began to spread in the United States and Europe. But since then they have enjoyed unchanged popularity.
Instructions
Step 1
For all its diversity, modern Latin American dances are divided into two main branches. The first includes classical or ballroom Latin American dances: samba, rumba, cha-cha-cha, paso doble and jive.
Step 2
Samba is a rhythmic, fiery dance of passion. It originated in Brazil as a result of the fusion of African dances with Spanish and Portuguese dances.
Step 3
Rumba and cha-cha-cha are dances that originated in Cuba. Rumba is a beautiful dance of love, which is considered the main one in the Latin American program. Cha-cha-cha is a playful "dance of coquette", with typical Cuban swaying of the hips.
Step 4
The Paso Doble is a dance of Spanish origin, its plot is a reflection of the traditional bullfighting. In this case, the partner plays the role of a fearless bullfighter, and the partner - his bright red cloak. Many of the movements are borrowed by Paso Doble from the famous Spanish flamenco dance.
Step 5
Jive is a very energetic, fast and fun dance. It originated in the southeastern United States in the nineteenth century, according to various versions, it is believed to be Indians or Africans. Some elements of jive are borrowed by him from rock and roll.
Step 6
The second, much more numerous branch is made up of club dances. The most popular of these are mambo, salsa, merengue and bachata.
Step 7
Salsa is considered the queen of the Latin American dance club. She appeared in Cuba at the beginning of the twentieth century. Translated from Spanish, its name means "sauce". Salsa combines choreographic traditions from different countries of Latin America. The dance is somewhat reminiscent of rumba, but in a slower and more elegant version.
Step 8
Mambo is also of Cuban origin. Certain changes in the character of the dance took place in the 40s of the twentieth century under the influence of jazz rhythms. Mambo dance not only in pairs, but also solo, and even in whole groups. The famous film "Dirty Dancing" brought wide popularity of mambo.
Step 9
Merengue is a fast, energetic dance that originated in the Dominican Republic. Couples dance it embracing, which gives the dance a very erotic character. Another Dominican dance is bachata. It is considered the most romantic of the Latin American dances in the club.
Step 10
In different cities of our country, there are many schools and studios for children and adults, where you can master the most popular modern Latin American dances. Classes with them not only form excellent posture and freedom of movement, but also cheer up, bringing real joy to dancers.
