Dance Program
Spring semester 2024 - Start week 9
Our Classes
What is Bachata?
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Bachata is a genre of music and dance that originated in the Dominican Republic. It has its roots in the rural areas of the country and initially gained popularity in the working-class neighborhoods of Santo Domingo, the capital city. Bachata music is characterized by its distinctive guitar-based melodies, rhythmic percussion, and often features themes of love, heartbreak, and everyday life.
Bachata dance, which evolved alongside the music, is a partner dance that incorporates hip movements and connections between the dancers. Over the years, bachata has gained international popularity, and its influence can be seen in various Latin American and global music and dance scenes.
What is Salsa?
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Salsa refers to a diverse and popular genre of dance music that originated in the Caribbean, particularly in Cuba and Puerto Rico. It incorporates elements from various musical styles, including Afro-Cuban rhythms, jazz, and other Latin American genres. Salsa music is known for its lively and energetic beats, syncopated percussion, and a wide range of instruments, such as the conga, bongo, timbales, and brass instruments.
In addition to being a music genre, salsa is also a dance style that developed alongside the music. Salsa dancing is a partner dance that involves intricate footwork, spins, and dynamic movements. It is characterized by its quick, syncopated steps and the close connection between the dance partners.
Salsa gained international popularity in the mid-20th century and has since become one of the most popular Latin dances worldwide. It has influenced and been influenced by various other dance styles and music genres, contributing to its dynamic and ever-evolving nature. Salsa is not only danced in social settings but is also performed on stage and in competitions, showcasing the skill and creativity of dancers.
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What is Urban Kizomba?
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Urban Kiz is a modern dance style that originated from Kizomba, a popular partner dance originating from Angola. Kizomba itself is a sensual and romantic dance that emerged in the 1980s, combining influences from Angolan semba dance and various other African and Caribbean dance styles. Urban Kiz, on the other hand, developed later, particularly in European cities like Paris and Lisbon, as dancers began incorporating elements of urban dance styles such as hip-hop, dancehall, and contemporary dance into Kizomba.
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Urban Kiz retains the close connection between partners and the slow, rhythmic movements characteristic of Kizomba, but it adds more intricate footwork, body isolations, and a greater range of motion. The music accompanying Urban Kiz can vary but often includes a mix of traditional Kizomba music with contemporary urban sounds, such as R&B, hip-hop, and electronic music.