What are those other dances I've seen at Anuba?
Most Salsa clubs do mix in some other dances - the most popular in the UK currently are Bachata, Reggaeton, Merengue and Kizomba. Workshops in these dances will be available during the year, and at the annual OUSS Ball. or, just ask someone at Anuba to show you...Bachata: Comes in many varieties, including Italian and Dominican. For some examples of the different styles see....here and here.
Like Salsa, the music can range from very traditional, through to thoroughly cheesy pop, so there's something for everyone. Some popular artists you will hear at Anuba and other clubs include: Bachata is what you make of it - you will see some people dance nothing but the basic step in close hold for a whole track, and others doing a more intricate, energetic dance with complicated turn patterns, perhaps even incorporating some Argentine Tango styling (known as Bachatango). Like Salsa, Bachata varies depending on your mood, the music, and your relationship with your partner.
Reggaeton:
Think latin-hip-hop-freestyle... Reggaeton has no set footwork or any structured moves like salsa or bachata, but instead is focussed on body isolation and movement, and musical interpretation. You can dance it with a partner (although I sometimes think dancing Reggaeton 'at' a partner is a better description), although seeing couples social dance reggaeton is fairly rare (at least in Britain!). You can also just dance it in a big group - useful for girls when there aren't enough partners but you all want to dance:-)
Many salsa dancers incorporate Reggaeton-style moves into their Salsa and Bachata, using them as styling, or as shines. So even if you don't fancy dancing Reggaeton directly, learning just a few moves is a great, easy way to add a bit of spice to your salsa:-)
Some salsa parties may feature a 'Girls Vs Guys Reggaeton Battle' towards the end of the evening. These involve the girls and guys forming 2 lines facing each other and taking turns to see which group can produce the best moves and essentially 'out-flirt' the other... if you ever see one of these do jump in - they're great fun!
Here's Janet Fuentes demonstrating some typical Reggaeton moves.... enjoy!
Think latin-hip-hop-freestyle... Reggaeton has no set footwork or any structured moves like salsa or bachata, but instead is focussed on body isolation and movement, and musical interpretation. You can dance it with a partner (although I sometimes think dancing Reggaeton 'at' a partner is a better description), although seeing couples social dance reggaeton is fairly rare (at least in Britain!). You can also just dance it in a big group - useful for girls when there aren't enough partners but you all want to dance:-)
Many salsa dancers incorporate Reggaeton-style moves into their Salsa and Bachata, using them as styling, or as shines. So even if you don't fancy dancing Reggaeton directly, learning just a few moves is a great, easy way to add a bit of spice to your salsa:-)
Some salsa parties may feature a 'Girls Vs Guys Reggaeton Battle' towards the end of the evening. These involve the girls and guys forming 2 lines facing each other and taking turns to see which group can produce the best moves and essentially 'out-flirt' the other... if you ever see one of these do jump in - they're great fun!
Here's Janet Fuentes demonstrating some typical Reggaeton moves.... enjoy!
Other Styles
Kizomba
Zumba
