Here in Latin America, they love to kick up their heels (=dance) to a good tune. Since I arrived in Mexico 5 years ago I’ve attempted all sorts of dance styles – salsa, samba, bregga, reggae (here it’s a couples dance), merengue, cumbia, punta, forró … and I’ve not been particularly good at any of them. The rhythm I have, but the moves and style I do not.
Samba no pé is very popular here in Brazil, and is danced solo. There are 3 steps per measure, and the foot movements (step-ball-change) with an outturning of the toe result in a rather provocative swaying of one’s behind.
Here in the state of Pará, reggae is danced in couples, with the man’s knee locked between the woman’s thighs. The music is in 4/4 time and follows a kind of left-right-left-pause, right-left-right-pause movement. it is generally danced in quite a sensual way.
Salsa is my favourite, since it can be danced up close with someone you’re intimate with, or at an arm’s length with a stranger. There are many styles of salsa, but I particularly love it when it involves a lot of spinning and fun under-the-arm moves! Dancing salsa is a really popular form of socializing in Colombia and many other Latin American countries.
In Honduras I discovered the Punta – possibly the sexiest dance I’ve ever seen which involves seductive rapid gyration of the buttocks and hips while the upper half of your body stays still.
Do you like to dance? What are some popular forms of dance in your country?