May 10, 2005
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My New Passion: Ballroom Dance (Part I of many…)
“If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.”
(Henry David Thoreau – Walden – chapter 18: Conclusion, paragraph 12).
About a month ago, I started another dance course. This time it is “Ballroom Dance”. The course consists in the practice of several rhythms that can be danced by couples as Gafieira, Bolero, Salsa , Cha cha cha, Country, Merengue, Lindy Hop, Waltz, and others… So far I have learned some Merengue, Forró and Samba. I shall describe some of them here and in the future, post some more pictures. Below, a description of samba and merengue.
Samba
Brazilian ballroom samba, samba for short (since I am Brazilian and this is about ballroom, when I say samba I mean Brazilian ballroom samba) will be described. How to describe a dance with words? Beginning by the rhythm of the dance (not to be confused with the rhythm of the music) followed by the steps them selves, which are compared to other known dances. Actually, first of all the rhythm of the music itself must be discussed.
The basic ideas of the samba music, the rhythm of the dance and one of its basic steps are covered. This will give an idea of the movement. Very important, but not covered here are the posture, the leading, the musicality and all the little features that give what we call in Portuguese the “ginga” and which may differ very much from other dances. Briefly, take the waltz posture with some more of hugging (quite more indeed) and do not look to opposite sides, but to each other or both to the left side of the gentlemen, cheek to cheek.
Merengue
Hot! Hot! Hot! It’s Merengue, sometimes called the sister dance to Salsa, Merengue originated in the Caribbean around the 1850′s and has grown in popularity as a worldwide dance due in part to the simplicity of the dance. It is a very easy dance for beginners, probably the easiest dance you will ever learn. The Merengue basic is danced as a walking step with a step taken on every beat of music. While hip movement is a must for Merengue, the amount of hip movement varies with personal preference.
Comments (18)
These dances sound amazing – rhythmic, energetic, and fun-filled. Thanks for the awesome descriptions of samba and merengue - I would love to try to learn them myself!
I’ve been trying millions of times to learn SAMBA, and now i know i little bit …… it’s a really har to learn that kind of dance ………… so, do you how to dance it ?
wow! i would love to learn how to dance the samba and merengue!
Dance, girl DANCE! Hey if the redeemed have no reason to dance, WHO DOES? Someday, we shall dance with the greatest dancer of all times: David, LOL! Boogie on, my girlfrand!
OOH! FUN FUN! @-}-}–
I want to learn too!
a dance class would be so fun. if i had time i would do it. one of these days. have a wonderful weekend!
sorry that I didn’t write sooner. I live in Salem, Oregon, USA. My husband was born in Brazil. Daniel (my husband) left Brazil when he was 2years old with his family. I want to learn more about Brazil. And I want to learn Portugese. I know some words, I can count to 20, and I know the ABC’s. I would love to learn how to dance. Before my husband and I got married we learned Swing dancing. My name is Gayle
sorry that I didn’t write sooner. I live in Salem, Oregon, USA. My husband was born in Brazil. Daniel (my husband) left Brazil when he was 2years old with his family. I want to learn more about Brazil. And I want to learn Portugese. I know some words, I can count to 20, and I know the ABC’s. I would love to learn how to dance. Before my husband and I got married we learned Swing dancing. My name is Gayle
Hey! It’s been so long, but it’s woderful to see your site. It’s so vibrant!! Hope you are having lots of fun with the dancing…i was learning salsa and love it!
It’s a pleasure to be here…hope you are very happy
LOL! oh my god jannice style foi comedia…… ela nunca mais apareceu, né? estou na 8a temporada e não vi mais ela… ela era engraçada…..
I am glad to see u update^_^
wow~~nice~ I don’t know how to dance ,that’s great~~
wish u learn it quickly and enjoy it^_^
I would dance with you if you’d wear steel capped boots…
i did the Merengue with this girl with a really thick accent from latin america … she had to go early … but i am totally hooked. i need to find classes in LA
Wow.. thanks for the info. Recently a friend suddenly asked me if I wanna join this Salsa or Swing class, and I was like skeptical because I can’t imagine myself dancing.. but.. it does seem tempting.
what I like brazil is Sanba music ! and I love Vira Robos guiter music../N *
Heyyy sweetness where have you been? It has been more than a mouth since we heard from you here lol so wanted let you know, your posts are appreciated by us.
Hope all has been well with you honey. May I ask you, are you on vacation already?
Several kisses
Take care
Hi…as a retired professional dancer, I miss doing these fabulous steps. I’m glad that ballroom dance has survived in the new world.