The Fragile Salsa Dance Will Be Turning Into Contagious
Everywhere you look, be it on television, movies or your favorite bar, the Salsa dance is exploding. Full of Latin American and Western influences, the saucy or spicy technique focused on during the dance, is where the name came from. Due to the sexy flowing movements and the passion emitted from the music, this style of dancing has become so contagious, it is exploding in every culture.
Blaring trumpets, the thumping of conga drums and the sounds of cowbells are what give the music the passionate and sultry beat it is known for. The dancers and the music, when performed properly, melt together in to a beautiful mosaic art. Every movement and beat of music emitting sensuality.
The dance is performed by the lead dancer starting with his left foot, followed by the right, then left again. Then pausing or tapping his foot. Following the pause he will respectively step with his right foot then left, and once again to the left foot. These moves are done to a four-beat pattern. It is counted out one, two, three, pause, then five, six, seven, again pause, and so forth. Each step is completed with a transference of all the weight to the foot to be used next. Creating a mirror image, the partner performs the same steps, however the steps are shifted by four beats.
Many different styles have emerged from this beat pattern. Instead of using a four-beat pattern, an eight beat pattern can be used. This simple variation is known as On Clave. It can either be a 2-3 or a 3-2 style, and is known as Son on Clave. New York has a style all their own, the difference being, directional changes are made during the breaks. As with all things, Los Angeles has a flashier version. This can be traced back to early 1990s and 2000s. 90-degree turns are the most noted difference. Incorporating many different techniques, from many of the other music flavors of today, such as funk, hip hop and even the soothing samba, we derive the many different forms of the dance.
Another stand apart feature of this form of dancing is the outfits associated with them. Sparkling sequins and colorful beads and rhinestones embellish these outfits. Mini dresses add a certain sexy flare. Long dresses or skirts with slits up the whole length of the leg add another layer of sensuality to the performance, but also provide a level of comfort for the dancer. The appealing slits allow the dancer the freedom required to perform the complex leg movements. Instead of the skirt or dress, the Palazzo pant with the slim fitting waist and hip, flaring towards the bottom of the pants also creates a fluid motion when the dancer is moving. Whether wearing a skirt or the pants, combining a shimmering halter top completes the sensual appearance of the dancer. The male partner usually keeps it simple, wearing perhaps a simple formal shade of black or brown, as opposed to the hot tones of reds, pinks and purples worn by the female partner. However, to spice it up a notch, shimmering materials or material with a sheen can be worn.
However, this more formal look may not be what you are looking for for a night out on the town. At a club or other establishment you may choose to tone down your look. Halter tops and tank tops work well, if you do not intend to bend over to much. And if you are going for the look where your skirt flares out when you spin or turn, you may want to consider wearing shorts under the skirt. Long hair should be worn up either by wearing a sparkling head band or a scrunchies. Ponytails should be avoided as they tend to whip around while turning and may cause injury to your partner.
Salsa dancing is one of the most romantic and sensuous dances performed today. The pulsing beat of the music, the beauty of the body movements, and the implied intimacy takes your breath away. It is said to be contagious. Watching this spicy dance leaves many people wanting to try it themselves. And more and more people are looking to learn this sultry dance. After all, we all want to experience romance and passion. Salsa dancing gives us the ability to do so, even if only an occasional Saturday night at your favorite Salsa Club.
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