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The four ballroom dances I chose exemplify the four distinct quadrants of human behavior--In looking
at and listening to the dancers one can observe certain characteristics. Waltz --
A standard slow waltz is a 1-2-3 steady beat that doesn't change. Watching the smooth dancers flow easily
over the dance floor reminds us of those endearing people that waltz through life who want things to be easy and they go with
the flow.
Tango -- This dance comes from Argentina and
has several variations. All have in common intense, sometimes slow, cautious movements, acentuated by quick, rigid body
positons. They are focused on each other, they are inward, but there is a lot going on inside, you just don't
see it overly displayed.
Salsa -- Salsa is really an umbrella term
for a hot, latin, explosive set of dances that include the mambo, merenge, cumbia, salsa, cha cha, etc. Many of these dances
have an African and Carribean influence. Countries like Puerto Rico, Cuba, and South America have elements of Salsa. When
you look at a salsa dancer, first of all, you can't help to look at them. They command attention. Hot, fiery,
quick, explosive, intense, like tango, but very outward--sometimes in your face energy!
Swing
-- Swing is another set of dances, this time from the big band era. Lindy Hop, Jive, East Coast Swing,
and Balboa fit in this category. Like the extrovert Salsa, Swing is less structured and a lot more FUN! Swing dancers whip
around with a flexible feeling, in fact they are all about feeling and "showing off"!
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Wow! This picture is a great example of how to examine the dancers and get the characteristics
of someone who would "Tango" through life. Look at the intense, inward look on the gentleman's
face. |
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(Other photos of all the dances coming soon...please email your
favorites to FunSpeaker@msn.com)
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