In this video blog, we feature bachata, dancehall, kizomba, salsa, and swing dance videos of performances by top Latin, Afro and swing dancers world wide. What is the allure of the Latin dances like salsa, merengue and cha cha and the Afro-Caribbean dances including bachata, semba and kizomba? And what do they have in common?
(Adrian & Anita at Latin Festival Ludwigsburg 2010 YouTube)
An interesting fact about dance today is that all the dances now are infused with elements of the other dance genres. The West Coast swing, kizomba and salsa have all been evolving since they originated. For example, it is interesting that the kizomba is sometimes referred to as African tango. This is because it uses elements from the Argentine tango. So why are we so attracted to the Latin dances? (Read the answer below)
Bachata
Simone & Serena Italian dancers/choreographers@ World Bachata Masters 2013
The Bachata has been one of the most popular dance genres for over a decade in the United States and abroad. It has roots in the Dominican Republic originating there sometime int he 1950’s. It arrived in New York in the 1990’s and has spread worldwide. There are many different styles of bachata including the traditional bachata, Italian style bachata, Madrid style, Uran bachata, bachata rued, bachatango and bachata solo.
Read All About the Bachata here!
Dancehall Performance Group
Demarco – No Dirt – choreographed by A NI Mal
A Ni Mal is a world renowned dancer and choreographer. He was born in Ivory Coast and lived in French Guyana for years before moving to Paris. A Ni Mal began dancing at a young age, preferring street styles and trained in Dancehall, Passa Passa, Hip Hop, Breaking, Popping, Locking and traditional African dance. He has co-choreographed on So You Think You Can Dance (SYTYCD) and has performed in videos, TV shows and live on big stages. A Ni Mal travels extensively offering dance workshops in many countries including Brazil, USA, Russia, Italy, Sweden, France and other countries. He has been invited to collaborate with many well -known musicians including the Black Eyed Peas. He was exposed to dancehall culture at a young age when it spread from Jamaica to other countries.
Kizomba
Danca kizomba with Yami & St’Effy – Niums
Kizomba originated in Angola, West Africa and spread around the world. In addition, it is sometimes called the African Tango due to its sensual movements. Also, it has been influenced by many different dances as it evolved including the bachata, salsa, merengue, samba and the lambada. Moreover, unlike the Tango, the Kizomba uses fluid hip and lower body movements. Lastly, it has been skyrocketing in popularity across the United States and spreading globally.
Read and watch more videos on Kizomba here & watch some Semba & Kizomba videos here!
Salsa
Adrian y Anita at the Latin Festival Ludwigsburg 2010
Salsa dancing has maintained its popularity since it originated in the late 1970’s to early 1980’s. Moreover, dancers in the Latin dance clubs worldwide enjoy these dances. The salsa evolved from mambo and cha cha and has some characteristics of mambo. In addition, dancers today dance it both on count one and count two, sometimes called “salsa on 2.”
Read more about the Salsa dance here!
West Coast Swing
West Coast Swing with Diego Borges & Jéssica Pacheco 2014
The West Coast Swing evolved in the 1960’s on the West Coast of the United States in Southern California. In addition, of the partner dance genres, it allows more freedom of expression than any other partner dance. Moreover, it is called a “living dance” since it continues to change with contemporary music. Also, this dance genre can be danced to many different types of music including R&B, soul, blues, ballads, country western, beach music, rock, pop, funk and hip hop.
Read & watch more videos on West Coast swing:
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