Gainey Dance is proud to be one of the few ballroom dance studios in the Scottsdale, Phoenix, Paradise Valley and Cave Creek areas offering affordable Salsa Dance Lessons.
Many of our new students taking ballroom dance lessons for the first time are interested in learning to dance salsa. Salsa is extremely popular in Arizona because there are so many places to go salsa dancing in the Phoenix area. There are many reasons why people learning to dance want to learn Salsa. Many people have heard salsa is a fun, upbeat dance that you can actually use socially and most find the slick arm movements and fast turns impressive. While the salsa basic is quite simple, it is one of the fastest partner dances.
Since the 1970's, artists such as Celia Cruz, have helped the growth of the salsa sound and the dancing that goes with it. Cubans, Puerto Ricans, and Dominicans were just a few of the Hispanic immigrants moving into the Spanish sections of New York City in the 1960's and 70's. Because of this, as much as some would like to argue otherwise, Salsa does not stem from one nationality alone. Salsa with its upbeat Latin beats and timeless social appeal has a way of bringing people not only in Hispanic Countries or the United States together, but people from all across the globe, from Holland to England to Japan.
The Salsa Dancing Technique
Salsa dance is characterized by compact, fluid movements, with many two-handed turns and arm over the head movements. It can be danced together in closed frame, a two hand hold, or completely apart. When a couple dances apart while facing each other, it is called a "shine." When the partners both face the same direction with one behind the other, it is called "shadow" position. Because of a salsa club 's crowded atmosphere dance students will notice that many more "shines" will be used than steps in the "shadow" position for the simple reason that it is easier to navigate oneself and one's partner with a visual connection. Apart from the turns, the cuban hip action is a technique seen in the club and in the dance studio. It is an integral part of all Latin Dances.
If you are thinking about learning Salsa, you may also consider learning, the two Dominican dances Bachata and Merengue. These two easy-to-learn dances will add to your repetoire with ease and increase your time on the dance floor as the latin music changes style throughout the evening.
Remember, Gainey Dance offers private dance classes in Merengue, Bachata, Salsa and of course, Competitive Ballroom Dance. Join our mailing list to be notified about our group classes, special offers, places to dance and dance news.
