Salsa in Salamanca

I know you know by now that I spent a lot of time in Salamanca dancing... and not just any dancing... Latin dancing! I was vague enough before (and in the title of this post) to simply say Salsa dancing, but it was much more than just Salsa. Here's a little bit of what I learned about Latin dancing while in Salamanca (compliments of Zayrho De San Vicente and El Savor).

Salsa.

Salsa has its roots in Cuba but has many different styles from many different countries all over the world. The most important thing in Salsa music is the clave rhythm, which can be performed by many instruments, but is usually performed by congas, bongos, piano, or a few other instruments. Some think (and I would agree with this) that the best part of a Salsa song is the "venom" where the music changes from something more timid to something with bite. It really is beautiful. The most important thing in Salsa dancing is to never stop moving your feet and to keep stepping the next step (don't forget while turning!). The focus is in the steps and what the feet are doing, not necessarily the hips and turns (though that do make it very nice to watch). Salsa can be danced solo, in couples, or in groups, choreographed, free-style, or very close to follow the leader.

Cumbia.

Cumbia is a dance from the Caribbean coast of Colombia (yay Colombia). Originally the dance style was created by African slaves. The slaves often had chains around their feet, so the dance involves movement of the hips much more than the knees or feet, and the feet are usually pretty close together. In addition to Cumbia, Vallenato also come from Colombia.

Merengue.

Merengue is from the Dominican Republic, but of course its popularity has spread all over. It's quite different from Salsa and Cumbia because the beat is very different and the steps are quite different. I haven't decided if it's more simple or more difficult than Salsa, but it's certainly different. In my experienced, it is more easily danced close with a partner because you can feel where the leader will take you next with the steps. The music is generally fast, fun, and energetic.

Well, there is much more that I learned, but that's probably enough to chew on. Since I don't want to forget these great dance skills, I'm going to try to find some place with Latin dancing back here in Seattle, but at least I get to enjoy a few more weeks of dancing in Colombia when I go there next month. I can't wait!

Catch me later :)