If you’ve been anything like the rest of society during this time of self-isolation, you have been binge-watching endless movies and TV series at home. My personal recent favorite has been watching crime shows, and I must have subconsciously been hearing them say, “…but what’s the connection?” So, an idea popped in my head one day to show YOU how some unlikely dances are connected.
With every dance in the world, how do we remember them all? All the patterns, all the music, all the rules… It’s a wonder we don’t all go MAD! There has to be a connection to make remembering all these dances easy, right?
Well… YOU ARE IN LUCK!
Arthur Murray developed a method of learning known as the “Interrelated System” where dances and patterns are connected through a manner of different elements, rhythms, & fundamental ideas to make learning easier for everyone. He found that students learn most effectively on a scholastic basis where content & concepts are shared between dances.
Some connections are straightforward, while others may be a bit of mystery. So let’s do some detective work and uncover some hidden connections between unlikely dances!
Waltz & Samba
Did you know that Samba is sometimes called the South American Waltz? The angelic movements of Waltz and the pulsating rhythms of Samba have more in common than you might think.
Both travel around the room following line of dance.
Both focus heavily on using precise footwork to create the necessary techniques and styling.
Both use three weight changes to create their basics. Although Waltz uses a “1-2-3” timing, Samba uses the syncopation “1-a-2” to create the three weight changes.
Both have similar traveling patterns like change steps, chasses, promenades, and box steps.
Both use shaping and body sway to create more movement and powerful statements.
Why you should learn both dances:
If you enjoy the aerobic movements and shapes of Waltz, you will love the same challenges in Samba. Pristine footwork, athleticism, and partner presentation are important aspects of both dances. If you love a physical challenge, these two dances are for you!
Fox Trot & Merengue
These two seem like a very unlikely pairing but actually go together like steak & potatoes. There are reasons these two dances were a hit during the 50’s & 60’s social dance scene.
Both are wonderful “first impression” dances. Meaning, using these two dances show great dance etiquette for first-time partner encounters.
Both use simple walking steps and side steps to create their basic movements, such as walking, rock turns, boxes, & promenades.
Both use uncomplicated timing making leading and following easy to anyone of any level.
Both can become very rhythmic & musically playful using marching steps, hesitations and syncopated rhythms to accent the music.
Both evolve past your initial first impression. Just wait until you dance Fox Trot and Merengue at a SILVER level!
Why you should learn both dances:
As far as social dances go, these two cover a lot of ground, meaning you can keep the dance simple and social without going overboard. If you want to be the best leader or follower possible, work on Fox Trot & Merengue.
Peabody & Country Two Step
What could a popular Jazz dance from yesteryear and a Western dance staple have in common? Both are dripping with Americana charm full of carefree exuberance… that’s what!
Both could be nicknamed “Swing on the Run” as they embody the spirit of Swing while traveling around the room.
Both travel line of dance, so get ready for some cardio while you run a lot of laps around the ballroom!
Both move quickly, are high energy, and are extremely entertaining to watch.
Both use similar walking steps, pivoting actions, spins, & turns to create the dance.
Both rely heavily on their genres of music to dance effectively and authentically.
Why you should learn both dances:
If you love Swing, then give yourself the added challenge of dancing “Swing on the Run” with Peabody and Country Two Step. You don’t have to love Country music or old-timey Jazz to appreciate these two enthusiastic dances. If you love Swing, you will love these... Guaranteed!
Tango & Bolero
These two dramatic dances are dripping with characters out of a romance novel. If you thought soap operas were intense, just wait until you experience a Latin love story up close and personal with Tango & Bolero.
Both are full of drama from the long stares and intensity of waiting, to the dancer’s own physicality and impressive shapes.
Both tell a story. If you dance these back to back, it’s like a live story-telling of relationships, starting with the romance of Bolero to the passion of Tango.
Both use similar counts of slows and quicks to help create stunning movement and suspense.
Both use close body contact, leg wraps and crawls, and contra body movement.
Both have Flamenco influences and similar musical backgrounds.
Both are incredibly emotive and powerful using animated music to help the audience become more immersed in the dance.
Why you should learn both dances:
If you are the type of person that is a bit more theatrical, then Bolero and Tango are for you! Embody the characters of Spanish Flamenco dancers, bullfighters, & ladies playing hard to get. These are great dances to work on your showmanship or to help you step outside of your comfort zone.
Nightclub Two Step & Salsa
One is Latin and the other is not. But together, Salsa and Nightclub Two Step make a fine duo to learn at the same time if club-style dancing is at the top of your wish list.
Both use similar rock basics, chasse basics, and cross basic actions.
Both use the same turns, spins, and hand changes to create the bulk of the patterns.
Both use the same Quick Quick Slow timing.
Both are built for for small dance floors, but can expand to become a much bigger spectacle.
Both are essential to becoming a successful leader and follower on the social club scene.
Why you should learn both dances:
Why not? The main structures of both of these dances are too similar to not learn at the same time! Although the tempos and music styles are different, you will be surprised at how many patterns are interchangeable between Nightclub Two Step and Salsa. So next time you go out, and you are trying to choose between a Salsa club or a Country/Blues bar, it won’t matter to you because you will know how to dance at both!
Photo credits to Unsplash.com & Pexels.com.