Learning Outcomes
The course is addressed to beginners / interested dancers. It aims at learning the technic of basic steps and dancing figures of the social dances Salsa Cubana, Bachata and some other less known but globally widespread dances, who have their roots in the Cuban tradition, while familiarization with their music and particular rhythms is also a goal.
By gaining experience and successfully completing the course, students will be able to:
• recognize and discern musical motifs of Salsa Cubana, Bachata and other related dances,
• be able to dance the dances taught either individually or in a couple or group circle,
• to pass on the knowledge and skills they have gained to other interested parties for the same kind of dances, who are at a beginner level.
Course Content (Syllabus)
- Basic concepts, historical elements, Orishas, musical instruments and evolution of the traditional Social Dance of the Cuban Salsa. Festivals and dancing competitions in the world and in Greece. Correct dancer behavior of both sexes on the dance floor (Dance Etiquette), Dancers Hygiene. Preventing injury risks for the dancers, dance partners and co-dancers.
Teaching methods of SALSA CUBANA
- Familiarization with the basic step, step combinations with directional changes, open and closed dance stance.
- Turns for the Lady and Gentleman.
- Simple figures (Reversala, Enchufla, Setenda, Paseala, etc.) for the pair with on-spot execution and/or free movement on floor.
- Introduction and practicing the correct execution of "Dile que no".
- Clave Rhythm and -Step learning, counting 6, or 8 steps (Timba).
- Rumba steps in a solo performance, both for the Lady and for the Gentleman.
- Introduction to Rueda (de Casino), simple figures and "arriba – abajo" -moving. The "Cantante" and his commands to his co-dancers.
Teaching methods of BACHATA
- Familiarization with the basic step, step combinations with directional changes.
- Open stance, closed stance in a loose frame and closed stance with specific contact points between the dance partners.
- "Single", "double" and "quadruple" rhythm and swings.
- Turns for the Lady and Gentleman, separately and simultaneously.
- Simple figures for the pair with "cross" movement and then motion all over the place.
Elements of teaching methods of other Cuban group-dances.
Keywords
Salsa Cubana, Bachata, Rumba, Merenque, beginners, Dance Etiquette