Våre Danser/Our Dances
We have many dances available to us thanks to our diverse and talented dance instructor. In our first year we introduced many new dances for the first time to Tromsø and of course some old favourites: Waltz, Foxtrot, Rumba, Cha Cha, Swing, Tango, Mambo, Samba, Bossa Nova, Modern Jive, Bug, Viennese Waltz, Merengue, Casino Rueda, Quickstep and Hustle.
This year we are introducing a more structured learning program. This is so learners can progress onto higher levels. Six dances will be in focus from the beginner level: Waltz, Foxtrot, Swing, Tango, Rumba and Cha Cha. Why so many dances? Because you need all of them to be able to keep dancing in Tromsø! Through out the year there are many dance events and socials which use at least one of these dances. We found that our club members were able to dance at every event to every song because of their diverse learning. But there is an even better reason below!
Why aren’t we teaching Salsa?
Tromsø has a very strong Salsa scene. In fact, most of the events that we attend are Salsa related. So why don’t we teach Salsa? Because Salsa is so easy you can pick it up on a club dance floor. If you attend Salsa events (and socialise, make friends etc) many of the dancers will help you learn. We want to encourage you to get out into the Tromsø dance scene and know the locals. At these dance events you will be able to also practice your Cha Cha and Rumba.
However, we do teach classic Mambo (which is the first ‘Salsa’) in preparation for major Salsa events in the year. We will be introducing classic Mambo as warm ups in classes and ‘borrowing’ steps from its sister dances – Rumba and Cha Cha. (So make sure you come to these classes if you really want to Mambo/Salsa).
Why is it good to learn more than one dance?
If a person learns to dance only one dance from the beginning they can get ’stuck in style’ – meaning it can be very difficult for them to learn other dances. From the beginning, if you learn the six basic dances you will learn faster and become a better dancer. Learning six dances at first can be a little daunting, however they are all connected and each one compliments the other. In professional dance studios this is the mode of learning because you are not just learning how to Rumba, Foxtrot or Tango – you are learning how to dance.
The Waltz teaches balance and control. The Foxtrot, which developed from Waltz, teaches leading/following and floorcraft. The Tango, which is a Latin Foxtrot, teaches musicality and timing. The Swing, which developed from Foxtrot, teaches how to freestyle and play. The Cha Cha, which developed from the Rumba, teaches strength and speed. The Rumba, which also developed from the Waltz, teaches Cuban Motion and mood.
At first it seems like all these dances are very different from each other, however, they all have the same elemental steps. The real things that create these dances are mood, rhythm and character. Therefore, learning all of these dances together will make you six times better than a person only learning one dance.