In How to Identify Dance Music, Part 1, I covered some timing definitions and how to identify music for smooth dance styles. Now I will finish this series with latin and swing styles.
Tango
Timing: 4/4 Time (usually) Tempo: approximately 120 beats per minute Beat Representation: tap tap tap tap drum-roll that leads into repeat pattern count: sometimes taught vocalizing the steps with the letters T, A, N, G, O
Tango music has a distinctive style and is probably one of the most easily identifiable. It is most often defined by the staccato nature of steps and the unique instrument (bandoneon similar to accordion) played.
This West Coast Swing group class will provide a comprehensive introduction into the basic techniques of West Coast Swing.
West Coast Swing
This class is intended for the beginning dancer or someone who dances West Coast Swing but has difficulty maintaining rhythm and timing during social dances. I will be introducing some simple techniques for learning the basics or improving your understanding of basic timing and rhythm.
The objective of this class is to get you dancing West Coast Swing on your first lesson while understanding the basics of the unique timing of the dance.
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Group Lesssons on May 8, 15, 22 2010
11:00 am to noon.
While at a dance this week, I was engaged in a discussion about dance styles and music. The lady I was talking with said she never knew what dance she was supposed to do until either the style was announced or she could see what others were doing.
I told her it would take some time to begin to hear the underlying rhythm pattens but it would happen. Looking back, I wish I had put more thought into my answer so I’m going to try to give a better answer to her question here.
Have you ever stopped to consider how much your head weighs? On Average about 12 pounds. That may not sound like much, but when it’s sitting on top of your body it can have an exaggerated impact on your balance and the way your body moves.
Your head can influence your body in two primary ways.
Argentine Tango and West Coast Swing have, over the last couple of years become my two favorite dances. On the surface they appear very different.
The dance styles are very unique. Tango has its origins in the brothels and bars of Argentina and is an intimate dance, sometimes slow and sultry, sometimes fast and dramatic.
WCS is a lively,fun, even sexy dance that can be danced to a number of different styles of music.
West Coast Swing
If you were to watch the two side by side, you might say they couldn’t be more different. The truth is, they have more in common with each other than they do with most ballroom, latin or swing dances.
I will explain with a few things they have in common
Partner Communication is critical to effective lead and follow. The link is to an eHow video that gives a decent description of partner communication and a few exercises you can use to improve your lead and follow. Partner Communication Video
In this video, you will learn the basics of partner communication techniques.
Argentine Tango has had a significant impact on my life and I have written about it a number of times here. Months back I wrote an article called In Tango As In Life where I detailed a number of lessons I have learned.
Today, I found this article about Tango and it’s impact on the authors business life and it is something definitely worth reading.
Argentine Tango – Improve your decision making ability
If you think of Argentine Tango as a dance where latino guys with greased hair drag sexy woman in tight dresses over the dance floor, performing all kinds of weird rigid steps (things you never would consider to do in your life) you´re probably asking yourself “How can this improve my ability to make decisions?”
Has Tango Impacted your life? I would love to hear your story.
In How to Identify Dance Music, Part 1, I covered some timing definitions and how to identify music for smooth dance styles. Now I will finish this series with latin and swing styles.
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