Product Search: Shopping Cart
Learn to Dance
Ballroom
Country
Latin
Line Dancing
Weddings
Dance Videos
Cha-Cha
Foxtrot
Hustle
Line Dances
Nightclub Two-Step
Polka
Salsa
Slow Dancing
Swing
Triple Two-Step
Two-Step
Waltz
West Coast Swing
Dance Lesson Deals
Clearance Items
DVD of the Month
Special Offers
More Dance info
Dance Articles
Dance Instruction Book
Song Lists
Shawn's Newsletter
Special Discounts, Dance
News, Videos & more:

Latin Dance - Salsa Dance, Attire

 
What is Latin Dance?
by: Shawn Trautman
 
Latin couples dancing is the hot and spicy corner of the dance world. Just as the dances and subcultures vary in different parts of Latin America, so the Latin dances and related dance subcultures vary across the globe. The Latin dances include Cha-Cha, Salsa, Mambo, Samba, and several others.
 
Where to Learn and Attire for Learning
You can find Latin dance instruction at many ballrooms; however, once you have the hang of the basic timing and some of the foundational moves, you might want to broaden your horizons. If you want to learn the truly Latin versions of the dances and dance in the subculture, you might be better off seeking out a specialized dance studio or a freelance instructor who teaches salsa, meringue, bacchata, or cha-cha at a local Latin nightclub or even restaurant. The dress code might be dictated by where you are learning to dance and whether you will be staying out dancing to practice following your lesson. That being said, you should strive to be comfortable when learning the Latin dances; you will be getting an aerobic workout, especially with salsa. When learning, wear as comfortable of shoes as possible. Save your feet for when you go out dancing.
Where to Dance and Attire for Going out Dancing
Salsa clubs are the most popular place to go out Latin dancing. Prepare yourself for a high-energy evening followed by a day of very sore feet. When Latin dancers, particularly salsa dancers, show up to party, they get down to business and go until the wee hours of the morning. Be prepared to dress to the nines in your club wear ladies, this is the only dance subculture where strappy sandals are not only acceptable, but the norm for footwear. A few words of caution for the ladies regarding footwear: Try not to twist or break your ankles, and try to protect your toes from errant feet of other dancers. Gentlemen, dress sharply and wear polished shoes. Your clothing will most likely be dictated by your local climate and the season for both ladies and gentlemen.
Most Popular Dances
The most popular Latin dance is the salsa. There are several types of salsa out there, some of them being called dances, similar to a square dance, except they are performed in a circle (no corners necessary). However, the rumba, tango, meringue, bacchata, cha-cha, mambo, and samba also fall into the Latin dance category.
Of Special Note
As you dive into the Latin dancing subculture, keep in mind two key descriptive terms: fun and sensual. The Latin dances are often described as the most fun and sensual of all four social dance subcultures. As with any of the dance subcultures, it is important to be sensitive to cultural differences as you get out and embark upon new communities of people everyone is out dancing to have a good time. If you are not Latin American by birth or heritage, keep in mind that you are immersing yourself in a corner of someone else's heritage for the evening, so be respectful of that. 
 
Grab these hot selling dance videos and start dancing today!
Dance Lessons 101
Line Dance 101
Swing Starter Pack
Ballroom Starter Kit
Line Dance 6 Pack
Customer Service
Toll-Free: 877-DANCE-01
Email or Contact Us here
Rave Reviews
  • "I was inspired to learn line dancing when I saw all my relatives doing it at my nephew's wedding reception. I wanted be up there with them. I got Shawn Trautman's Line Dancing 101 DVD and now I'm ready! He makes it so easy to learn. He takes you step by step, just at the right tempo. He shows the steps from different angles so you don't have to guess if you're doing it right. He took me easily from from one dance to another and I got a great workout. I'm 64 years old, and I only wish I had found Shawn Trautman earlier."
    -Isadora (CA) Line Dance 101

  • "What a GREAT DVD that simply teaches you the most popular line dances. Even my 11 year old son quickly learned the Party Line Dance steps and confidently used them at his 1st school dance. Thanks Shawn!!"
    -D. Daugherty (GA) Party Line Dances

  • "My favorite thing about Shawn Trautman's DVD's is the instruction provided individually for the leaders and the followers, so that each person learns what they should be doing."
    -M.C. (Florida)

  • "Great DVD. Shawn's DVD make learning to line dance easy and fun. His methods of instruction get an A+ from this teacher."
    -C.S. Boyd Essential Line Dances

  • "These dances are indeed complicated. But as he does in other DVDs, Shawn presents the steps in segments that can be easily learned and he encourages you to repeat them over and over to make sure you've mastered them.."
    -R. Jenkins (FL) Smokin' Line Dances

  • "Wow, we really liked this one! This one gives a number of specific dances to go through with a partner that are like line dances for couples. The Sweetheart Schottische and the Ten Step are fun to do and are the same dances they do here where we are. We found the instruction to be very easy to learn from and liked the speed of the teaching."
    -R. Sheldon (KY) Hot Country Dancing for Couples

  • "I have many swing dance DVD's at home but this one is by far the best. The instructor breaks down each step, arm position, and dance position into its most basic form allowing a person who has never danced before to master the basics. Each step is repeated many times so that there is no need to stop and replay each section. Split camera angles are used effectively to show the proper position of each partner. I highly recommend this DVD for anyone who has no prior experience in dance."
    -C. Blalock (OR) Swing Dancing for Beginners

  • Customer Login
    Username
    Password
       

    HACKER SAFE certified sites prevent over 99.9% of hacker crime.

    Get involved in one of Shawn Trautman’s dance lesson DVD programs and reap great rewards!
    Learn line dance, ballroom, country, swing, salsa, and more with Shawn Trautman’s Dance Collection!