Learning Outcomes
Upon gaining experience and the successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
• recognize and distinguish musical motifs of Salsa Cubana, Rumba Guaguancó, Bachata, and other related Latin American dances,
• perform basic steps, and figures of other current, and world-wide spread dances rooted in the Cuban tradition,
• dance independently the dances taught either individually or in pairs,
• be integrated into a dance group that dances basic figures in a “Rueda”, following orders from a “Cantante”,
• teach basic knowledge and skills acquired, to others interested in the same type of dance, 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. Merengue, Cuban Cha-cha, Pilon.
Keywords
Salsa Cubana, Bachata, Rumba, Merenque, beginners, Dance Etiquette