| Dance has been an important part of rituals, | | | | defying physics to carry out all the complex |
| celebrations and entertainment since before | | | | manoeuvres they have integrated into the |
| the birth of human civilization. In the | | | | dancing. Their remarkable twisting body |
| beginning, before we had written language to | | | | movements and natural sense of rhythm will |
| record things, the purpose of dance was often | | | | dazzle you. If you have the right technique, |
| to tell stories and to pass them down to | | | | Cuban Salsa is easier to learn than many |
| future generations. The story of dancing in | | | | other forms of dance. The basic footwork is a |
| Cuba In Cuba, as in ancient times, dance | | | | fairly simple walking motion, pausing every |
| tells its own story. The passion and energy | | | | fourth beat, and there are some six basic |
| of Cuban dance reveals the strength and | | | | steps you can follow to make sure you're on |
| conviction of the Cuban people, determined to | | | | the right tracks. 1 Relax To dance Cuban |
| enjoy life despite 'la lucha' (the struggle) | | | | Salsa well it is important not to rush, but |
| of living in a strictly regulated country | | | | to relax into the steps. Movements should be |
| where the average monthly wage comes in at | | | | precise and deliberate in addition to being |
| around 400 pesos - less than £10. The | | | | flowing and smooth. 2 Walk with purpose Salsa |
| richness of Cuban music and dancing also | | | | dancing involves a continual circular motion. |
| tells the story of Cuba's melting pot of | | | | Couples walk around each other with an |
| cultures. From the high-stepping flamenco | | | | imaginary axis between them. This makes turns |
| brought by the Spanish settlers in the 15th | | | | look smooth and effortless. Walking gives |
| century to the frenzied tribal dances of the | | | | time to untangle your arms after each turn. 3 |
| West African slaves, dancing is in the blood | | | | Have confidence in your lead The leader |
| of the Cuban people. From the teenage girl in | | | | (usually the man) should have constant |
| denim shorts to the cigar-seller on the | | | | tension in his arms, while his hands guide |
| street corner, Cubans are given to break into | | | | his Salsa dancing partner around the floor. |
| spontaneous dance steps. Furthermore, the | | | | There is no need to clamp onto each other's |
| people dancing on the streets of Havana are | | | | hands, only to use the right amount of |
| likely to be just as good as the | | | | tension to provide a leading signal. 4 Be |
| professionals, because in Cuba dancing is | | | | flexible when following In order to follow |
| simply a way of life. The variety of Cuban | | | | well, ladies should try to match the tension |
| dances Cuba boasts a huge range of dances | | | | of their partner. The exception to this is |
| including classical ballet, contemporary, | | | | when arms need to be relaxed and flexible to |
| flamenco and folk dancing. But it is the | | | | complete arm-twisting Salsa moves without |
| partnered routines that appeared in Havana | | | | injury! 5 Keep balanced when you spin The key |
| dancehalls between the 1920s and the 1950s - | | | | to all the spectacular spins in Salsa is not |
| Salsa, rumba, mambo and cha-cha-cha - that | | | | to lose your balance. One way to do it is by |
| can be seen in every Cuban bar, club and | | | | spotting while you spin - focusing on one |
| street. Of these, Salsa is the most popular | | | | spot at each turn - an age-old dance |
| dance internationally. Since the name 'Salsa' | | | | technique. 6 Use your body In Salsa dancing, |
| (it's Spanish for 'sauce') was coined, Salsa | | | | ladies should make use of their body and be |
| dancing has exploded in popularity in Latin | | | | sensual, playful and creative. This can |
| America and across the world. Salsa dancing | | | | involve some creative arm movements, going |
| classes are now hugely popular but to really | | | | with what feels right and basically showing |
| get into the swing of it a Salsa holiday in | | | | off a bit. Enjoy! |
| Cuba itself is a must. Tips for Cuban Salsa | | | | |
| dancing If you do take yourself on a Cuban | | | | Emma Lelliott is the general manager of |
| holiday, you'll have the unique experience of | | | | Captivating Cuba, an independent Cuba holiday |
| watching Cubans Salsa dancing. It sometimes | | | | specialist. With offices in Havana and the |
| appears that by some genetic aberration they | | | | UK, Captivating Cuba can offer top quality |
| have been born with super flexible joints, | | | | Cuban Salsa holidays to Havana. |