Spice. Flare. Attitude. And yes, a pinch of sensuality. These are the main ingredients of the finest Latin dances. I say sensuality because people who dance the Salsa or the Paso Doble (Pass-oh Dough-blay) have this attitude and confidence about them that says "All I think about is my partner. I want to dance beautifully for them and only them, while also showing them to the world." But they also have this tension about them that makes you wonder what's going to happen next? Are they going to kiss? Are they going to separate and never look at each other again? Is he going to give her the "good ridance" dip and leave her laying on the floor at the end, as if he killed her? My head starts screaming each time I watch a dance like this, because it is so beautiful and so masterful, but for the life of me I can't figure out what's going to happen!
I would say there is one exception to these Latin dances. The Rumba (Room-bah). This is known as "The Dance of Love", and has much more than a pinch of sensuality! It is also possibly one of the most difficult, because of the attitude that comes with it. Technique-wise the Paso Doble is the hardest, but the Rumba is the most difficult to make look good.
In my dance class this last week we learned the Salsa. A guest instructor - Jose Santa Maria - came and taught us the basics. I was one of the few who brought a dance partner - my friends little brother Bobby. He's really not that little (6 feet) and my arms were really tired afterwards because he is so tall and he had a difficult time getting the proper form. But once Jose turned on the music, man, I could've cared less how my arms felt! It was a lot of fun. I hope to learn more soon!
