Five Dance Styles From Around the World You Can Learn At LaVida

by Natasha Maltseva on 03/09/17

At LaVida Dance Studio, we experience song and dance from a few continents every day. From Argentine Tango to Zouk, our team teaches a number of different dance classes with roots in a number of different languages and cultures. Whether you’re a ballroom dancing expert or you want to learn to Cha Cha for the first time, check out these global dance styles we teach at LaVida Dance Studio.

Tango, Argentina Style

We’ll start our global dance tour in South America in Buenos Aires, Argentina’s capital city. This dance style has been developing over the last hundred years. Argentine Tango is a close-knit partner dance where the dancers will cultivate connection between each other and the music. One of the main differences between Argentine Tango and ballroom tango is the orientation of the two partners bodies, typically in a closer embrace. At LaVida we hold public weekly Tuesday practice dance socials and monthly 4th Friday Milongas or formal tango socials, and offer classes for all levels.

From our Cuban Neighbors: Salsa and Cha Cha

Salsa dancing developed in Cuba in the 1920’s and 1930’s. This dance grew out of the more traditional Cuban Son dance style. Many people associate the start of salsa and its growth in popularity with Cuban musician Ignacio Piñeiro. When he added a trumpet to the traditional sounds of Cuban music, it marked the beginning of salsa, mambo, and Latin jazz. At LaVida Studios, we offer multiple levels in salsa dancing, so whether you’re a beginner or have lots of experience, we’ll have a class for you. We also offer Salsa Party Dance Socials on the first Friday of every month and participate in other social salsa events.

The Cha Cha, also called the Cha Cha Cha, gained popularity in the 1950’s. Musician Enrique Jorrín is known for developing the genre of music and dance that grew in popularity throughout the Cuba, the U.S. and beyond throughout the 20th century and continues to be popular today. Because of Cha Cha’s rhythm, it's great not only to dance to traditional style music, but also to contemporary pop music. Our Cha Cha classes are tailored to multiple levels, and no partner and no experience is necessary.

Dating back to 18th Century Europe: The Waltz

The Waltz dates back to Europe in the 1800’s, cultivated and studied principally in Austria, Germany, France, and England. At the time, some found the dance risque, because of the close proximity to your partner and frequent spinning and turning. At LaVida Studios, we teach International Standard Waltz, which means the partners remain in a close embrace throughout the entirety of the number. Our classes are typically offered in a four week series and focus on social partner dancing that’s fun, a good workout, and practical to learn before weddings, parties or cruises.

Rooted in Brazil and the French Caribbean: Zouk

Zouk has evolved both in the French Caribbean and in Brazil. The music style brings together sound and rhythm from the Caribbean, North America and Africa to create a fun and energizing dance you’ll keep coming back to. Much of the music features French Antillean Creole language, which showcases the dance’s close ties to that community. This style’s slow rhythm is great for all ages and a lot of fun. We also offer multiple levels of Zouk classes and Zouk dance socials the first and third Wednesday of every month.

Dance is a great way to learn about music, rhythm, and movement from other parts of the world. Whether you’re an experienced dancer or considering trying it for the first time, our classes are a great workout and a lot of fun. To learn more about LaVida Dance Studio or to sign up for your first class, visit our website today!

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