The need for speed

What's more exciting?  Watching movement in slow motion or fast motion?  The answer is, it depends.  Depends on the character of the dance.  In rumba we're attempting to create contrast between fast and slow.  In cha-cha, we're trying to show speed of action.  In samba, we do contrast and also fluidity of motion.  

Watch the following videos to identify which action is appropriate to which dance:

Samba (also contains routine)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUSQEVI9hRI

Cha-cha

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iRJtT_ZK2o

All:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZysO4vDHd8

As contrast, check out a amateur couple

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vjEctvHWgw

Dance Chemistry: The Midas touch

We know what chemistry means when it is between people in a dating relationship, but what about in a dancing partnership.   Dance chemistry is a connection, a feeling that the dancers create in the minds of the audience.

Watch the following videos and see which ones have "chemistry" and why:

Dirty Dancing:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6Kho3qfrms

Matej Krajcer & Iwona Golczak Rumba

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vT3BfIFT40M

MIT Amateur Rumba

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QudVLEHMUac

Direction, Rythmn, Height Changes, & Design

We can divide the elements of latin dancing into four elements: Direction, Rythmn, Height Changes, & Design.  Let's look at each element separately.

Direction - The creation of a a line which can be up/down, side to side.  

Rythmn - In dancing, we want see rythm changes.  A cha cha basic can be danced with normal timing or with guapacha timing.  There are also a number of other rythmns which can be used

Height Changes - The couple can add a height dimension to their dancing.  One partner can be high and another low for example.

Design - Dancing should be interesting to watch and design is a crucial element of this

Watch the video below and try to pick out these various elements:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EX4kcfaRqU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwojSojFrl8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lY1nsTEXwzk

We'll use the video below as our syllabus routine for cha cha and incorporate these various elements:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ngz4hPC328

Rumba - Dance of lines and hips

Rumba is characterized by lines, hips, and speed changes.   The body needs to demonstrate a definable line as perceived by the eye.  Also, the hips accentuate the sensuality of the dance with a cuban motion.   The top of the body, from hip to head, is generally still.  Finally, we want to demonstrate a strong change in speed.   Lastly, we want to show a chemstry with our partner to engage the audience.

Watch these videos for a top level couple and identify the various qualities of rumba.

Matej Krajcer & Iwona Golczak Rumba

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vT3BfIFT40M

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jb_BkycuV7w

Let's look at a simpler model and build a routine:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imrpmkdrmuM