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