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