Some Basics of Learning Latin Dance Style

<h1>Some Basics of Learning Latin Dance Style</h1>

by Angie Leighsmith

<div align=justify>Looking for a way to add a little excitement and romance into your love life? Let me make a suggestion then. Forget about all of those pills that promise to fix anything and especially put down that relationship book. Instead, tie up some good workout shoes and take up dance lessons. Countless couples have benefited from taking dance lessons. Many singles and couples say that it has created more romance in their lives. It has raised their self-confidence because of all the health benefits and lost weight. They also love the way they look and feel when out on the social dance floor. No other dance style truly fills all of these compliments than learning the Latin dance styles. Latin dance music is sultry and physical. It gives the dancer the appearance of being full of fire and life. No wonder why it has helped people’s love lives. Here are some basic rules to follow when starting off learning how to dance this way. 
<UL> 
<LI>It’s all in the hips - Any student of Latin dancer will tell you that to truly learn this style of dance you will need to start with your hips. It’s ALL in the hips. To get your body moving freely like it is supposed to, relax your muscles and sway your body to the music. Latin dancing is not steps or feet positions unlike other styles of ballroom dancing. It is a completely different way of moving your body. First, sway your hips without moving your feet. Feel yourself reacting to the music. Once you do start the basic steps, don't forget to let your body relax. If you don’t, you’ll look tense and jerky. Let your movements slide into each other, and move your shoulders as you dance. Once you get the body movement down right, your feet should follow. 
<LI>Beat it – Despite what many may think, Latin music is more complex than basic Rap or Pop music. Getting to know the beats is important for starting on the right foot and not getting lost. Some Latin music relies on its downbeat, while others have a changing emphasis. Be able to correctly identify which beat is stressed in the song and which to start on. Don't get frustrated if you get lost and need to stop to find the beat again. If you do get lost, try and keep dancing while adjusting your steps. Stopping in mid-dance will break your rhythm, and make it harder to find the beat again. 
<LI>Heads up – For a beginner dancer like yourself, your first instinct is to look down at your feet, making sure you’re doing the right movements and not stepping on any toes. You need to fight the urge and keep your head up. It gives you a much more balanced feel. Instead of concentrating on your feet positions and movement, get a feel for how your whole body is supposed to move since Latin dancing is a whole body experience. Keep your hips loose and straighten your back. Easily hold your partner, not pulling them too close, and move your arms with the music as you move your feet. 
<LI>Follow one another – Unlike other types of ballroom dance, Latin dancing is an exchange of energy between two people. It doesn't matter if you're the guy or the girl, both people should learn from each other and know when to anticipate the other's movements. If you have a partner that is more experienced than you, make them lead. Try and do what they are doing, or let them take control and lead your movements. Maybe you can learn some new moves and movements. 
<LI>Be different – Never be afraid to try new things. Dancing is all about having fun no matter what style of dance you are learning. Don’t be afraid to try new things or make mistakes. Try things out that you've never done before. By adding a new twist or turn, the entire experience will be eve more pleasant and a little unexpected. Even the most experienced dancers started off making mistakes. What makes you think that you’ll be any different? </LI></UL></div>

Article source: <a href="http://www.ArticlePros.com/arts_and_entertainment/dance/article-85846.html">ArticlePros.com</a>
 
<table align=center width=550 cellspacing=1 bgcolor=silver cellpadding=5>
<tr bgcolor=antiquewhite>
	<td>
		About the author
		Just for Kix provides quality programs, services and products with a "shining" quality that's second to none. Find out why everyone raves about our <a href="http://www.justforkix.com">dancewear</a> and <a href="http://www.justforkix.com">cheerleading shoes</a>. Visit Just for Kix at <a href="http://www.justforkix.com">www.justforkix.com</a>.
		<a href="www.justforkix.com" target="_blank" title="will open in new window" class=blue>www.justforkix.com</a>				<input type=button class=asubm value="Other articles by Angie Leighsmith" onclick="document.location='http://www.ArticlePros.com/author.php?Angie Leighsmith'" style="height:20px;cursor:hand">
	</td>
</tr>
</table>