Cuban Body Styling, this page gives the revision notes from previous Ladies Cuban styling workshops which where held over a 5 week period. Notes for the mens and girls Cuban styling will follow at some point soonish !

 

 

 

Other Cuban Dance Styles

  • Rueda
  • Son
  • Rumba
  • Orisha
  • Reggaeton

     

    cUBAN BODY STYLING

  • These workshops are designed to give those ladies that can dance the extra body movements that can make the difference between looking as if you are just going through the moves or looking as if you are dancing the Cuban Salsa with an inner Passion. Even putting right small errors with hip movement can make a world of difference to what you look like. Some times you can be shy about putting style into your dancing because your not sure if it looks Ok. These workshops will show you how and give you the confidence to blow your partner away !


     .............................................

     

  • LESSON 3 - REVISION

     

    The Spirits we touched on were Elegua and Ochun. Some background knowledge of the Orisha will help you to understand the passion and meaning that 
    you can put into your dance.Elegua, the playful and mischievous boy, but still a strong guardian.Ochun, Spirit of the sweet waters ( think about your hands and how to hold them), love and fertility. These are the emotions you need to feel and make show in your dance to Ochun. If you have the track by Adalbero Alvarezy Su Son ,  Y Que Tu Quieres Que Te Den . Listen to it you will hear the names of several of the Orisha listed on our Dance Styles page.  The song opens with emotive lines         such as "from Africa came and we were those warriors" This is one of those beautiful tracks everyone should have. For the chest movement, hips still, move side forward side back and then in circle. Only start adding hips once you have the chest movement isolated.Raise chest once then double time, feel the nipped tension in your upper back between shoulder blades. Keep your lower back tucked in to help protect your back Mambo step, forward tap with twist of hips and opposite arms forward. Keep low to help increase the hip movement.  Not forgetting a shimee on the shoulders.
    Every now and then take a look at your shoulders to see how wonderful they are.
      Think about the opportunities you get to put a little something in a dance, but never give it always at once. Keep a movement in those arms and hold the hands as I showed you. ( don't want to give it all away to those who didn't come do we ).

     

     

     

     

    • lESSON 1 - REVISION

    Posture & Walking, Shoulder Isolation

    Figure of 8 on the shoulders, the movement is coming from the centre of your upper chest.Try doing this on the

    1 2 3 when you are being picked up from your left.On the back step (the 1) lower yourself slightly by flexing your knee &
    remember to keep your weight fully transferred to the ground through your feet     ( put your heel down ). If you are moving your shoulders or arms sometimes look at them by turning your head.Practice your torso isolations, hips stay still, move your torso from side to side lifting the shoulder slightly to the side you are moving.If you are having problems concentrate on trying to move your shoulders towards the junction between wall and ceiling of the room alternately on each side. When you have this sorted try moving your torso movement big small small big, etc 123 567.& Next add in the hips (week 4), opposite  side to the torso. Arms up as in close hold, walk with grounded feet, dip with knees as you change direction and you are just about there ! Next  week we will go through all of this but will concentrate on the beautiful arm movement of Cuban Salsa, Don't Miss it. 8th May 2008.

     

    .................................................................

     

    LESSON 2 - REVISION

     

    This Thur the 8th of May we looked at the beautiful Cuban arm movement as well as going over the first week.When you move your arms, move the elbow out first then work down your arm through all the joints to your finger tips. Do not lift your shoulder. When bringing your arms back in frame your face or your lovely body shape. Rumba step, use your opposite arm. Your other hand bring to your front
      below waist level (All with be explained in the last workshop with the Cuban Rumba !!! ) Use your partner to spot on when turning. Plus it gives the dance a connection between you two that Cuban Salsa needs to look good. Step around a turn we have all the time in the world. Just watch your partner and when you cant see him quickly turn your head around to spot on     him. ( Head last to leave first to arrive.) Hand on head, hands on head in a turn. Both Arms up or just one. Again outline your shape with your fingers. As you raise your arm above your head keep it very close on the way up Remember to keep a small movement in your arms, don't look as if you have a dead arm. Most important, constantly change your movement and look. You can have the most fantastic look but it will look boring if you don't vary it.

    .................................................

    These girls have only 20 mins of reggaeton workshops take a look of how there where in full public view !!