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Posts Tagged ‘dancing’

Known for their energy and passion, Latin dances are really popular nowadays. Originating in the Latin American and Caribbean cultures, dances like salsa, merengue, bolero, samba, tango, rumba, paso doble, cha cha, and mambo became internationally popular and are danced worldwide.

Latin dances are sensual, dynamic, and filled with desire. They express emotions, love, creativity and passion. Most Latin dances are spot dances (with the exception of samba). Spot dances are those where couples move on a small area on the dance floor.

Latin dances developed from a mixture of indigenous (native American), European and African dance forms.

Samba, the most famous Brazilian dance, was the product of slaves bringing their African music and dances into Brazil. This happened in the 16th century when Portuguese imported slaves from the regions of Angola and Congo. Today, samba is the most widespread dance in Brazilian culture and known all around the world.

Rumba also has African origins and was brought to America by the African slaves. It developed in Cuba in the 16th century. Rumba became internationally popular in the early 20th century and is known for its erotic hip motion, turns, breaks and rolls.

One of the easiest Latin dances to learn is merengue. Merengue has African and European influences and is a combination of African slave dances and French Minuet. It originated in the eighteenth century in the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

The cha cha cha is another dance that originated in Cuba. It became widely popular in the United States in the 1950′s. Cha Cha Cha is characterized by flirtatious movements and it catchy rhythm – one, two, cha, cha, cha.

Latin dances, like all things, have evolved through generations. From the pastimes of African slaves to worldwide popularity.

Latin-American dances are dances originating from Latin American and Caribbean cultures. They include samba, cha-cha-cha, rumba, salsa, tango, mambo, paso doble, merengue, and bolero just to name a few. Latin dances are very popular today and are danced all over the world.

Latin dances are sensual, dynamic, and filled with desire. They express emotions, love, creativity and passion. Most Latin dances are spot dances (with the exception of samba). Spot dances are those where couples move on a small area on the dance floor.

Many Latin dances evolved from African slave dances and dance forms of poor Europeans. Dancing was always an important part of African, European and indigenous cultures.

Samba, the most well-known Latin dance, originated in Brazil. When Portuguese imported slaves from the African regions of Angola and Congo in the sixteenth century, they brought their music and dances with them. Samba evolved from the African slave dance forms. Today, it is the most recognized dance form from Brazil.

Rumba, today one of the most popular ballroom dances, originated in Cuba in the 16th century and has African slave origins. It is believed to be a mixture of flamenco and the rhythms of the African slaves music. Rumba is a very sensuous dance, characterized by the Cuban motion or hip sway.

One of the easiest Latin dances to learn is merengue. Merengue has African and European influences and is a combination of African slave dances and French Minuet. It originated in the eighteenth century in the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

Cha cha, like rumba and mambo, also originated in Cuba. It’s a very famous ballroom dance that became very popular in the United States in the early 1950′s. It was developed by Cuban composer Enrique Jorrin. Nowadays, cha cha is popular worldwide both as a casual and competitive form of dancing.

Latin dances have changed a lot from their African slave origins. Like all things, they evolved and today, they have very little in common with their predecessors.

Belly dancing in Istanbul is big business for the tourism market. The nightclubs of Istanbul offer belly dancing shows that are special for tourists to the country. It is not just meant for the tourists, however. Belly dancing has been a part of Istanbul’s culture and tradition for centuries. It has changed over time, but the dance that is seen today has its roots in culture and history of a rich and diverse country.

Belly dancing in Turkey has many characteristics that make it unique to this country. It started out as a dance that was meant for women to view. It has its roots in ancient fertility rituals. Women in Turkey danced for the benefit of other women.

The Costumes

The costume that is traditionally worn in Turkey has a long skirt with very high slits. The leg is shown off and emphasized in a Turkish belly dance routine. The belly dancers of other countries will typically perform their routines without shoes or anything on their feet, but in Turkey it is quite different. Although some of the dancers wear a slipper for their dance routines, many women wear high heels and platform style shoes.

A Turkish belly dancer will often play finger symbols while they are performing their dance routine. These tiny cymbals are called zils. It has been said that the skill of a dancer can be determined by her ability to dance and play these cymbals at the same time. It is not easy to play four cymbals and dance at the same time.

There are not as many restrictions on Turkish belly dancers as there are on Egyptian dancers. There are restrictions on the movements that the belly dancers in Egypt may perform. There are no such restrictions in Turkey and you will frequently see dancers using pelvic thrusts among other restricted moves. The dances of Turkey are very energetic and physically challenging while other countries use a more slow dance.

The Modern World

Belly dancing is an integral part of Turkish culture today. Weddings will often have a belly dancer perform at the celebration. Circumcision ceremonies are another venue for a belly dancer. There are a number of famous and celebrated belly dancers in Turkey. They appear on television and all over the country performing their art form.

Turkish and Egyptian belly dancing are dramatically different. When you get a chance to view a Turkish belly dancing performance you will be taken away by the show. It is a show that is based on flexibility, grace and great showmanship. It will be a fun time for everyone when you decide to take in a show. Be careful, when you view a show you might just want to learn this art form yourself.

Dancing is my greatest passion. Perhaps that passion is larger than my dancing ability but if you have a dream driven by passion it is difficult to relent. DanceSteps-n-Dancing is a new forum for everyone with a love of dance. Here you may express your joy and share your every thought.

My mother was a lover of Dance. She was a Dancing Coach and developed her own Dance classes and also coached at a prominent Melbourne studio. I was borne in Melbourne and at an early age my mother would encourage me to join her dance classes. At this time in my young life dancing held little interest for me and I was soon to reject her requests. That is now a sad memory as my mother died young to only see the early days of my manhood.

As several decades past my interests began to change, I again clumsily graced the dance floor and have been doing so regularly , perhaps without so much clumsiness. I would like to think that I am now graceful and that some of my mother’s teachings are with me. My wish is that she will know.

Dance and its appeal to our heart and soul is an echo of primal instincts. Many centuries have passed since man began his influence on this planet. As we developed our senses of sight and touch we started our journey forward and when we stimulated recognition of sound we found rhythmic dancing patterns were driven to our feet.

My love for dance and the friendships and the meetings of so many people have brought me to think of dance almost as a way of life. Sometimes in conversation I need to remind myself that others may have differing interests. Interests they might like to talk about too! How dare they! We are all different and that is what makes our world’s go round.

My website is not in memory of my mother. She is just there. Perhaps with a guiding hand. DanceSteps-n-Dancing with Dance moves too is a site for you to come and experience the dance thoughts of others. You may post about anything related to dance, tell about your dance steps and dance moves experience, or just tell us your thoughts and memories.

It has a commercial aspect too. Links to sites with free and paid DanceSteps-n-Dancing videos and a special guide on how to build a blog like this one for pleasure or income are scattered through the pages. Here you can preview the different dance styles and find one of your liking.

Developing self confidence has been a wonderful benefit of my learning to dance. My self esteem has grow to new levels and I have acquired skills for many joys in life. Dancing to music removes your boredom of silent activities for you can change your environment simply by changing the dance music. Dancing is a great exercise routine too.