Why You Should Learn Salsa: 6 reasons

“Dance is the hidden language of the soul” ― Martha Graham

Martha Graham knew what she was talking about when she said that. Dancing is one of those skills that you can start at any time in your life and enjoy it any day and every day. There are many kinds of dance styles, and each has its own technique and rhythm. The salsa is a fast paced dance that originated in Latin America, and made its way to the clubs of New York. It was at its peak in the seventies. Now, salsa is back with a bang and is all the rage these days and here’s why:

1.  A new and interesting pastime

Learning something new keeps you young and healthy, mentally and physically. It is always good to take on a new challenge as it gives you a goal and purpose in an otherwise dull  and routine life.

2.  A good exercise

Some people run, some walk, some go to the gym and some others just dance their way to good health. Almost every dance has a technique and style to it. It may seem daunting when you watch other people dance the salsa, but with a good teacher, you will master it. Salsa dancing burns calories faster than most other kinds of dances because of the quick pace.

3.  Great fun and stress buster

There’s nothing more relaxing at the end of a long day than to go out and dance. The rapid step of the salsa in a nippy weather is sure to take your mind off the stress of the day, and provide loads of fun. You can let your hair down and concentrate on the steps. By the end of your salsa dance lesson, you won’t remember what you were worrying about earlier.

4.  Betters your reflexes and timing

Salsa has a repertoire of movements, intricate and complex. A good dance instructor will take you through the different levels of salsa training, and help you master a routine before moving on to the next. Soon, you will find that your posture has improved, your walk is more graceful and your reflexes are uncannily fast.

5.  Bonds you closer with your partner

Salsa is one of those dances that couples can attend together. A lot of salsa steps depend on the swift reflexes of both partners. You have to learn to trust your partner and work on the rhythm and technique together to perform the salsa well. Many couples who are overwhelmed with the boredom of everyday life find that their passion and attraction for each other gets re-ignited, as they learn the sexy salsa.

6.  Helps make new friends

The salsa is a dance for which you need a partner. In a good dance class, you will find people of all ages and types, but they will all have one thing in common. They are adventurous and want to learn something new. You will meet and befriend many like-minded people.

So, go on, sign up for a salsa class NOW!

Dance classes for kids

Dancing is a fun activity for all age groups. There are many YouTube videos of toddlers jigging away to music in their playpens. Children do not have the inhibitions that adults have and therefore childhood is the best time for teaching children how to dance. You probably wonder at that logic, since when attending a club or a party, you will find adults untrained in dancing, swaying quite rhythmically to the music. But ask any one of them to do a waltz or something faster, like a salsa or tango, and they would fail miserably. Like swimming and cycling, trained dance movements are like a sport. It is learnt best when young, and once learnt, never forgotten.

Why is dancing a good form of exercise for kids?

Many kids have different passions. It can be for a sport, like football or tennis or in other areas in the academic field. They could be good singers or writers. But nearly all children like dancing. It is a fun activity. If your child is passionate about a sport, let them take that up. But if it is more about you as parents, pushing them into the sport, take a step back and pause. Most children, unless they’re passionate about a sport, give it up after a while and become unfit. Instead introduce them to dance. They can dance even later in life when they get busier, though they may not have time to continue with a sport.

Children who are more into academia or the arts get very little exercise. And all children need some form of exercise to not only keep them fit physically, but also to increase focus and concentrate better. Dancing is a good way for them to unwind whatever their age is and they can continue de-stressing through dance, even after they have become adults. 

Structured dancing is helpful

Dance classes for children do not mean a large room with loud music, with a whole lot of children shouting and screaming as they jump about. As in any other sport or any other kind of exercise or activity, structure is important, especially for children. Having a structured class helps them learn the importance of learning a level well, before moving on. This increases focus and concentration and makes them fitter mentally. 

Of course, children should have fun. So, most dance classes mix a lot of fun activities as part of the structured programs. Some of the steps are also taught in a way that would make it fun for children. The goal in these dance classes is to make dancing a recreational activity for the children, while learning a new interest. At the end of the day, the whole point is lost if the dance class becomes a stressful activity for the child rather than a fun activity.

Appreciate your child’s efforts

When your child comes home from their dance class, and wants to show you what they learnt that day, take the time to watch it. Do not belittle their dancing. Remember, boys can dance too. Some of the most famous dancers in the world were men. Be happy that your little boy likes to dance, and applaud him when he does well.

Find a good dance class for your kid

Where your child learns to dance is important. The dance class should have a well structured program with a good element of fun thrown in. Make enquiries about the dance class and try and speak to someone who sends their children there for lessons. In fact, most dance classes will give you references, if you ask them. When you want your child to learn a new activity, make sure that they’re going to the best place to learn it.

Tips to get ready for your Quinceanera

The Quinceanera is a traditional Mexican dance. It can be compared to a debutante ball, as it is a coming of age dance. Young women practice for months, even years for their first Quinceanera. The actual celebration is more like a debutante’s ball where the girls who are of age are presented in society by parents. Though it seems quaint in this day and age, it is an age old and much loved tradition. 

Like a debutante’s ball, the girl’s first dance in the Quinceanera is with her father. Then she will dance with the person who is escorting her. She can give the following dances to whomsoever she may wish. The Quinceanera dance is usually choreographed these days and the girl who is being presented will definitely go to a choreography class for months before the Quinceanera. It is a big event for the entire family and everyone who is of importance will be invited. 

History of the Quinceanera

The Quinceanera is as popular today among the Mexicans as centuries ago. Its origins seem to stretch as far back as the Aztecs. Legend has it that girls were considered ready for marriage around the age of 15 in the ancient Aztec community and the Quinceanera was the way that girls were introduced to the community as ready to be married. The ancient Quinceanera dances may have been performed by girls to entice young men and get a suitable male to marry and be looked after for life.

Different kinds of Quinceanera

There are different levels of Quinceaneras. There are communal ones where many girls are introduced at the same time to society and the cost of the event can be shared among the parents. Wealthier families have Quinceaneras for their daughters where she is the main attraction. These Quinceaneras can be quite extravagant. Sometimes the girl being introduced dances a Quinceanera, but there may be many choreographed dances by hired dancers as well. It is entertainment for the entire evening and the dances can be difficult but absolutely stunning to watch.

The Quinceanera event

There are many parts to a Quinceanera event. The music and dance are one part of it. Many people get well known Quinceanera bands to play popular Quinceanera songs for the dances. There are many mixed tapes of popular Quinceanera bands. Then there is the food, drinks, going home gifts, gifts for the young girl. It is as splendid as a sweet sixteen party. The Quinceanera dress is an event in itself. All young girls want to have the most breathtaking, unique Quinceanera dress that can be bought and months are spent designing the perfect Quinceanera dress.

Choreography for the Quinceanera event

People take the choreography for the Quinceanera event very seriously. The type of dancing and the group that performs reflects the status of the family, so no effort is spared. 

What to look for in a Quinceanera class?

Remember, when you sign up for a Quinceanera class, it is tough and you need teachers who will be able to coax the best out of you. Joining a bunch of dancers is fine, but if you are performing for an audience, you may need a one-on-one class. The same dancers who choreographed your dance will choreograph your dance with your father, your escort or anybody else you wish to dance with. They will be more than willing to send their troupe to dance at your event. You could probably get the whole deal as a package. 

So make sure that the Quinceanera class that you sign up for is referred and you know that they are good enough to make your Quinceanera a resounding success.

So you want to dance?

Dancing as an art form and as a form of exercise has become quite popular. With many T.V. shows and movies being made about dance competitions, people now want to get in on the act and learn some moves themselves. The craze cuts across all ages. Children want to join dance classes, learn dancing and participate in different dance competitions. Adults view dancing as a form of exercise or a new skill to learn. You even have senior citizens who have always wanted to learn new forms of dancing and didn’t have the time, joining classes, now that they do have time. 

Benefits of dancing

For children

Do you know that three in five children under the age of ten are predicted to be overweight by 2050? Dancing is a great way to keep fit. There are many types of dances and children find dancing fun. Every style of dance is disciplined and has techniques involving precision and control that will have to be learnt. Dancing will build your child’s flexibility, coordination and posture. It gives them an all round enjoyable experience. It is a great way to expend all their energy. Most dance classes have group dance lessons too and they learn all about teamwork and how to stay focused.

Being good at something new gives their confidence a great boost. Not all kids in school know how to dance and having a special talent is always helpful wherever they go.

For adults

Dancing is a great stress buster. Moving to music at the end of a long day is a great way to relax. Joining a dance class also opens new opportunities for you. Most dance classes will know about competitions being held for different types of dancing and if you are a sporty person and have a competitive steak, this is a great way to explore those possibilities.

In a dance class, you get to meet a whole lot of new people who share the same love for dance as you. When dancing with other people, you are motivated to step up your game. Dancing tones your body, makes your posture better, makes you more graceful and is a great way to keep in shape. Instead of going to the gym and working out by yourself alone, you get to work out with others and end up having the time of your life.

For seniors

It is never too late to learn a new skill. Dancing is one of the most popular hobbies that senior citizens learn. It is amazing to see sprightly, old men and women doing the most nimble work with their feet and doing an even better job of it than youngsters. Dance classes have become a fun way for the elderly to remain fit. It is a place where they can make new friends and pass their time in a fun environment.

Dance the blues away

The benefits of dancing are many. It is a fun way to stay fit and healthy. It tones your body in a different way than working out at a gym does. It is an aerobic form of activity that strengthens important core muscles and shapes the body more than muscling it up.

It is a great way to meet people and many a fruitful friendship has been born in a dance class. It is a group exercise and doing anything in the company of others is much more fun than doing it alone.

It adds grace to your movements, aids your posture and makes you more nimble. It is an all round fun activity!