Last updated 3 days ago
The sound of salsa is unmistakable and irresistible—just try to keep your feet and hips from moving when you hear the beat! Salsa dancing has grown in popularity in the U.S. and all over the world because of its rhythmic, pulsing beat and contagious energy. You can catch the fever when you enroll in salsa dance lessons at a San Jose dance studio. The history of salsa is quite interesting, from its grassroots beginnings to modern-day salsa. Keep reading for a look inside salsa dancing fever.
The Origins of Salsa The origins of salsa music can be traced back to West Africa, where people would play rhythms and dance as part of their culture. The slave trade brought those rhythms to Latin America where they meshed with Spanish-influenced music. For many years, salsa dancing was passed down through families and communities, and there was no formal training involved. Each region had its own dance style, as people came up with their own ways of moving to the music. It was only as recently as the 1980s that salsa dancing achieved mainstream popularity. Traditionally, the lyrics to salsa songs had a political bent, but changed to a more romantic tone making them accessible to those outside of the Latin community.
A Growing Fever As salsa dancing became more popular, dance schools popped up in Latin America as well as in the U.S. Since the dance was traditionally taught informally, these formal schools allowed a wider audience to experience the joys of salsa dancing. The basic pattern of salsa dancing taught today is six steps over eight counts of music. This consistent pattern allows for both complex partnered steps and improvisation by experienced dancers. The most important parts of salsa dancing are to get moving and have fun!
Salsa dancing fever is one fever you’ll want to catch! Call Arthur Murray Dance Studio of San Jose at (408) 899-5354 to find out about enrolling in salsa dancing lessons. You’ll learn the many different styles of salsa while getting a great workout and socializing with your peers.
Last updated 10 days ago
Salsa is an exciting, rhythmic form of dancing that combines a pulsing Latin beat with complex movements. Watch this video to see salsa dancing in action at Arthur Murray Dance Studio of San Jose.
In this video, you’ll see a couple dancing to “I Wanna (Shall We Dance)” by Gizelle D’Cole. This fiery song is the perfect backdrop for this couple as they shake, twist, and spin together on the dance floor. As you can hear, the crowd is very appreciative of their dance skills, which is just another part of what makes salsa dancing so exciting.
If you’ve always wanted to try salsa dancing, contact Arthur Murray Dance Studio of San Jose at (408) 899-5354 to inquire about enrolling in dance classes. We offer flexible scheduling to accommodate your busy life!
Last updated 16 days ago
You don’t have to be a professional dancer to enjoy ballroom dance. Like many things in life, it’s what you bring to the dance floor that makes you a fun person to dance with. Dance can be thought of as a conversation between two people, even if they don’t speak the same verbal language. If you want to be a success in dance, try ballroom lessons at a reputable San Jose dance school. Here are five tips to help you succeed on the dance floor.
Connection If dance is a conversation, then it takes two people to keep the conversation going. A conversation does not work if it is only one person speaking and the other listening. The same is true in dance: You must connect and “listen” to your partner’s style of dancing in order to make the experience enjoyable for both of you.
Responsiveness In ballroom dance, one partner leads and one partner follows. Both of these roles require skill, practice, and an ability to respond to the other partner’s movements. The leading partner must have good timing and attention to detail, while the following partner must respond to and accept the lead.
Musicality One of the most interesting aspects of dance is that a piece of music can be interpreted completely differently by different dancers. An appreciation and knowledge of music will help you succeed in any ballroom dance.
Momentum Just as songs don’t usually start with the most exciting part, dancing does not either. The song and the dance work together to build momentum and excitement. The intensity of the music and the movements will grow as the song goes on.
Presence Perhaps the most important part of a successful dancer is the ability to be present in the moment. When dancers are present and enjoying themselves, it’s obvious to anyone watching. If you are getting great enjoyment out of the dance, this is contagious for your partner, as well.
The expert dance instructors at Arthur Murray Dance Studio of San Jose can help you learn the skills you need to be successful at ballroom dance. Call us at (408) 899-5354, and don’t forget to bring your enthusiasm for dance!
Last updated 24 days ago
Whether you were born to dance the Tango or your refined, laid back nature is better suited for the Viennese Waltz, you can find your ideal ballroom dance style here at Arthur Murray Dance Studio of San Jose. To learn more about your dance type, be sure to read through the informative articles that we’ve shared below.
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Every experienced dancer knows that stretching is key to preventing injuries. Learn how to properly stretch your feet in this Discovery Health article.
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Could square dancing be the perfect dance style for you? Find out by reading through this guide to square dance from the Country Dance and Song Society.
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In addition to being fun, ballroom dancing is also beneficial to your health. Learn more by reading this Live Strong article.
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Are you sick of going to the gym to break a sweat? If so, then be sure to check out this MSNBC article to find out how to get fit in ballroom dancing lessons.
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If you could use a guide to help you distinguish the different types of ballroom dance from one another, then be sure to check out this page from USA Dance.
Give us a call at (408) 899-5354 or visit our studio to set up your free introductory lesson.
Last updated 1 month ago
The West Coast Swing style of dancing is a contemporary style of dance developed in California. In fact, San Jose residents can take pride in knowing that this exciting, smooth dance is actually California’s state dance today. While the West Coast Swing can trace its origins back to the Lindy Hop, today’s dancers march to their own beat. Read on for a history of the West Coast Swing.
Early Origins The West Coast Swing actually evolved out of the earlier Lindy Hop, which in turn traces its roots to the popular dance known as the Charleston. While the West Coast Swing can also be danced to blues and ragtime music, the newer dance involves more improvisation and can be danced to everything from country music to disco. The West Coast Swing was developed in the 1940s in a “slotted” style that encouraged dancers to move in straight lights to stay on camera.
Lasting Style The West Coast Swing is distinguished by both the slot and the anchor step. The slot is actually an imaginary and relatively small area on the dance floor wherein the leader confines his partner. The anchor step is made when both partners place their center point of balance behind the heel of their forward foot. Instead of rocking back, the follower actually walks forward on each “1” and “2” count.
Sophisticated Swing Did you know that the West Coast Swing was first called the Western Swing? In fact, Arthur Murray national dance director and instructor first documented the “Western Swing” dance in a handbook for other dance teachers. Through the 1940s and 1950s, the dance title changed frequently, until California officially declared the West Coast Swing its state dance in 1988.
If you are considering signing up for dance lessons, call San Jose’s acclaimed Arthur Murray Dance Studio today at (408) 899-5354. Whether you come alone or with a partner, prefer swing to salsa, need one-on-one ballroom dance lessons for your first wedding spin or favor the sultry tango, our instructors will make sure you have the confidence and skills necessary to have fun on the dance floor.
