Central America

Central America, Colombia, and Venezuela

By Hector Bustamante, Kahala

Culturally and historically, Central America shares much with the surrounding regions, including the strong remnants of Mayan dancing. There is also the religious dramas of Moors from Spain and Christians from all over, marimba-accompanied folk dances, and cumbia.

"The challenge is to be yourself in the world that is trying
to make you like everyone else."

Uniquely Central American, however, is the Punta of the Garifuna—a cultural group of mixed Amerindian and African origin, that is, not from Africa but from the long time descendants of the original slaves. This is found on the Caribbean coast of Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and Nicaragua.

"Ven, Devorame Otra Vez" por Esteban Morales

Punta is a social dance of joy and festivity, as well as an emblem of cultural survival. Much of the new modern made for sale dances take many styles from this particular area. In its festive aspect, Punta allows dancers to interact with the drums as couples or individuals who try to outdo each other with shaking hips and buttocks. This is all being lost in the modern Latin styles that are more athletic and use the arms extensively. Where as in its ritual aspect, Punta is a ceremony for the dead, a celebratory send-off to a better life in the next world.

A poignant moment in the dance occurs when a dancer shuffles through the sand in the direction of the Caribbean and leaves two markers for the path the spirit must follow to return home to its ancestors.

Pub's Side Note: We can love hearing old Latin songs that we use to love, because they are like memories that we can always go back to. Actually, this can apply to all the oldies but goodies.

Rolling All Over

This blog still looking for its definition. I simply to not know and nobody else does either. when we get a steady Information Contributor, that person will make the difference.

"A person's true wealth is in the good they do in this world."

For one thing there have been name changes on some of our blogs. I am trying to reflect what the reader/dancers seem to be developing there. And there no doubt that I have over diluted the available readership. Let them go the way they want to, they are developing slowly and Information Contributors will make their own twists.

"Life is a one way street and we are not coming back this way again."

One thing is certain, the experienced social dancers are enjoying two dances more than ever, Rumba and Waltz. And this is where the younger generation is losing interest. They are more interested in athletics and arm tricks in their dancing. Rumba and Waltz have some of the most beautiful music ever written for listening and for moving to it. Not only in social circles but also in exhibition and competition dancing.

"Hawaii Aloha" by Loyal Garner

Platinum Horseshoe seems to be developing very nicely. It is now very comfortably in second place behind Town Dancer blog in average hits per day. They have been covering what little action there is very nicely. And it covers a nice territory. The left side of the Horseshoe coming down from Makaha, and cutting over to Ewa Beach for the bottom of the Horseshoe. Then going up all the way to the North Shore for the right side of the Horseshoe.

"I've Heard That Song Before" by Harry James and His Orchestra

We are picking up a few evangelists, to promote the West and it seems that "evangelist" is now a secular, mainstream job title. The trouble is that most are into advertising and making da bucks. And that is a horse of a different color, we don't do any advertising.

We do not copyright anything that we publish in our blogs. We borrow freely from everyone and they borrow freely from us. We do get some information clearly marked, "Copyrighted, All Rights Reserved." And we certainly will respect. If we make a mistake at any time and someone objects please let us know in writing and we will apologize and promise to never, ever bother them again. For everyone else our sincerest thanks. We work together for the benefit of everyone.

"Frenesi" by Artie Shaw

Since not many people are really familiar with blogging, we must constantly make the effort to clarify the entire enchilada. The communication by blogging of dancing news on this island to the reader/dancers. We must also tie it in as Social Media to involve many people so that each blog can become an independent entity expressing the common interests of the bloggers and the reader/dancers in that particular blog.

We will continue to mention the need for Information Contributors, and as per usual, the invitation is for everyone, and everyone makes their own decision to participate or not to participate. Some will make the decision for their entire clubs. We in turn should respect those decisions.

Salsa, da new

By Aristides Raul Garcia AKA El Intruso, New York
Salsa continues
The core of salsa is the Afro Cuban "son". Not from Africa but from many bits of influence from long generations of Africans in Cuba. Many styles such as guajira and guaracha developed from the son. As far as I know, mambo is a fusion of "danzon", "son", and big band jazz. The styles progressed from one to another. Then the Nuyoricans and Puertoricans (on the island) began to preserve those rhythms. Remember that the rhythms were still in an early developing stage. Why should it surprise anyone that they improved the rhythms? That should be obvious.

"When we hurt to look back, and we are afraid to look ahead,

we can look around us and we can see our friends."

This all happened over a period of decades, not overnight. With almost 50 years, the rhythms should be better. That's what happens over time. Plus, I've heard many traditional Los Van Van, Adalberto Alvarez, Isaac Delgado, Bamboleouban guarachas and sones that resemble modern day Salsa closely. True, there is an improvement, but it's not a huge dramatic difference. It has to do with additions and modifications, not a complete change in the basic structure of the son/guaracha.

"Cuando Quieres, Dejame" por Pandora

And what about modern Cuban music? Aside from the traditional rhythms that are still played, the Cuban's experimentation has led to some seriously progressive music that's over the heads of many traditionalists. It shows that they're capable of updating their own rhythms, and they have. Los Van Van, Adalberto Alvarez, Isaac Delgado, Bamboleouban, they all show that the Cubans haven't exactly been sitting still.

Individually, Mambo, Pachanga, Danzon, Rumba, and Bomba may not be "Salsa", but they definitely are some of the styles that make up Salsa. "Salsa" may have started in NY, but it was strongly based on rhythms that have been around for a long time and not only in the Caribbean.

“Sorry, but I forgot all about my Amnesia Anonymous meeting!”

We should appreciate the positive contributions that many cultures have made to the music. I, for one, am grateful. And no one should question the great contribution that the Puertoricans from NY and from the island have made to the development of "Salsa".

The Neighbor Islands.

A long time ago we lost contact with the neighbor islands because someone told someone on Maui that I was printing their personal email. How about that? I asked where, when? And of course the silence was deafening. No one ever told me where it was or what it was or anything, just the accusation. And furthermore no one has ever apologized for the accusation. I just cut them all off. Someone sure did them a good favor. That brought things to a screeching halt.

"We dance because there is no greater feeling in the world than moving to the music
of our choice and letting the rest of the world go by."

Now I am going to try again. Perhaps I can find some nice caring people that will see through any scams that arise.  I will try with the closest islands, Molokai, Lanai and Maui. And they are grouped pretty close together and some people have been known to swim to the other islands.

The same journalistic rules apply such as in everything submitted is for publication. If some thing is noted as "not for publication" "off the record" or some such, it would be so honored. Our main aim is communication to our reader/dancers but we must be discreet.

Poster on the left from Madrid,
They will have Polynesian Dances and if the Spanish have an interest in Polynesian dances, why not us?

I will continue to make the attempt of making our blogs into social media. We accept photos and any tidbits of information that the reader/dancers may want to share with their fellow dancers, friends, relatives and neighbors. Colorful posters are usually accepted because in addition to the color they lend  to the blog, it usually comes with compact information.

"The Wonder of You/Mama Liked the Roses" by Elvis Presley

When I can get more regular information I can gradually include more of the writing from the Information Contributors in the blog. Who knows? One of them will volunteer to be a Guest Author. At the moment the most important are our Information Contributors which also includes photos. No singles or couples please. Groups are sorely need to more accurately reflect our dancing people on the neighbor islands.

"Maui Waltz" by Loyal Garner

With time, and enough contributors, the most involved Guest Authors can just take over the Blog. I can resign (I have enough to do) and they can make their own rules. Complete Independence. Would be nice to have at least one from each island. But we sure have to build this one up first, communication is crucial and we must distribute as much of that as we can.

"If We're Lucky Enough to become a Family .... We will be Lucky Enough"

Latino? Vas iss?

We are still looking and it is still looking good. Known for its sensual hip action and sexy flair, Latin dance is gaining popularity on dance floors everywhere. At one time accepted as one package but now in its popularity, the choices are increasing.

"You can't change the way people feel about you, so don't try.

Just live you life doing good and be happy."

The term "Latin dance" as used in this century is now in three divisions. The Salsa for the young, the regularly accept Latin dances by the experienced dancers and the International styles which are designated by a Dance Organization.

"Dime" por Mauricio Alberto

The one with the most hype throughout the world at the moment is the Salsa - Bachata phenomena which is mainly for the young. And for them fads will come and go. Remember the Lambada? The Reggaeton came and went nowhere and now they have Zouk, and Kizomba waiting in the wings. And yet Mambo music and dance lingers on.

Then there are the original dances, beginning with Rumba, Samba and Tango. They later absorbed, Cha Cha Cha, Latin Waltz, Mambo and Merengue. And it is the basis of most Latin clubs in the world today. Any other type of Latin dances are just an extra added attraction for the night.

Then the category of International style ballroom dances which consist of five designated dances - Cha-Cha, Rumba, Samba, Paso Doble and Jive. Paso Doble is European and Jive is American and yet these dances are now performed all over the world as Latin-American dances in international DanceSport competitions, as well as being danced socially on large dance floors.

"Moliendo Cafe" por Azucar Moreno

Movies about Latin dancing, ones that portray the beauty of the art of Latin dancing, seem to be favorites among dancers and non-dancers alike. They lend themselves easily into the Acrobatic and Carbaret Divisions. Besides being a staple in the ballroom, many Latin dances are also being taken to country-western dance floors. Learning Latin dances is fairly easy, as most of the dances are made up of the same basic foot steps. How about a Rock Step and a Chassé?

Country Waltz

Waltz is gradually coming back into the limelight all over the world. And in all of the Latin Countries the more experience dancers are accepting it as a Latin dance. And the music has alway been there. The young are still more interested in the acrobatic and maybe a little Rap.

"To dance is to reach for a word that doesn't exist - To sing the heartsong of a

thousand generations - To feel the meaning of a moment in time."

At any rate, Country Western Waltz has been doing very well and provides a great deal of freedom of movement that includes the other forms of waltz and is danced to about the same tempo as American waltz. Many dance educators believe that this form of waltz is very similar to the American style waltz and easily intermixed.

While this is a reasonable assumption, the country western waltz uses movements that are not particularly common in American style waltz. Dancers frequently dance in shadow position, whereas in American the majority of movements are done in a one hand hold in closed, promenade or outside partner position. The country western waltz also uses running progressive steps more often than the other forms of waltz.

"The Tennessee Waltz" by Patti Page

Most of the movements in American waltz can be done in country western waltz. And they can co-exist very nicely on the same dance floors and exchange partners because the women are marvelous in both and are so good at following a good lead. The main difference is the music, that is, country western style waltzes.  (and maybe boots)?

Maui

With the Rail Catastrophe affecting so many residents of Oahu in a negative way, many are moving to Maui, which is bigger than Oahu and is known as the “Valley Isle.” Maui is dotted with quaint towns, artist communities and local favorites that have been around for generations.

"Just because the past did not turn out the way we wanted it to, does not mean that
our future can't be better than we ever imagined."

Maui has three centers of economic activity, Kahului on the North and Kihei and Lahaina on West. Those that are more interested in country can find Paradise in the Eastern side of the Island.

Kahului, is the capital and hosts Maui's main airport (Kahului Airport), deep-draft harbor, light industrial areas, and commercial shopping centers. The population, together with Wialuku. is growing and will be close to 50000 soon. Kahului is the retail center for Maui residents and there are several malls and major stores. Kahului is not generally considered a tourist destination but does feature the Alexander and Baldwin Sugar Museum, Kanaha Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary, Kanaha Beach County Park, and the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. And there is dancing all over the place.

"Maui Waltz" by Loyal Garner

Kihei is beach-combing territory on Maui’s southwest shore, the sunniest, driest end of the island. Kihei features six miles of beaches, which offer clear views of Kahoolawe, Molokini, Lanai and West Maui and you may even spot a giant humpback whale spouting or breaching the ocean’s surface.

The town, with a population of 22000 and growing, has a collection of affordable accommodations, with condominiums, small hotels and cottages to choose from along Kihei’s beach road. You can also browse small shopping malls, a bustling farmers market and a spate of restaurants, all of which cater to residents and visitors alike. Nightlife here includes karaoke spots, dance clubs and sports bars ensuring your Kihei nights are just as much fun as your days.

"Somewhere Over The Rainbow" by Bruddah Iz

Lāhainā is often called the “Jewel in the crown of Maui,” and it has a rapidly growing population of about 12000. Lahaina is a destination that is experienced by two million people, or 83% of all Maui visitors, annually and is the second most visited spot on Maui after beaches. Lahaina has provided a home for many cultures over the centuries, always welcoming visitors to its inviting shores. Maui has it all, from shimmering beaches and sacred Iao Valley to migrating humpback whales and sunset on Haleakala, it’s not surprising Maui is almost always voted the Best Island by it's many visitors.

American Waltz is included in most Ballroom Dance Lessons on Maui. To introduce dance students to the basics of Waltz, ballroom dance instruction includes the Waltz box step, turning box, hesitation and standard timing, lead/follow technique, rise and fall. These movements, elements and techniques are used in all the rest of the social, performance and Dancesport dance genres. It’s a great way to learn the essential elements of dance and build a great foundation. The American style waltz is danced in most social ballroom dance venues and Night Clubs on Maui.

Mexican Pop

This type of romantic music produced in Mexico is called Mexican pop, and it began one thousand years ago in Mexico. And actually the Indian Civilizations had dicovered the "tragedy" one hundred years before the Greeks. Now it is a music genre particularly intended for teenagers and young adults and usually danced in a fox trotted rumba.

"Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection,
we can catch excellence."

Mexico is the country that exports the most entertainment in the Spanish language. Mexican pop was limited to Latin America until the mid-1990s, when an interest towards this type of music increased after Luis Miguel, Selena, Gloria Trevi, Thalía and Paulina Rubio surged throughout Latin America and before the mainstream USA audience.

"Contigo A La Distancia" por Luis Miguel

During the 1960s and 1970s most of the pop music produced in Mexico consisted on Spanish-language versions of English-language rock-and-roll hits. Singers and musical groups like Angélica María, Johnny Laboriel, Alberto Vázquez, Enrique Guzmán or Los Teen Tops performed cover versions of songs by Elvis Presley, Paul Anka, Nancy Sinatra and others.

But now, one thing is for sure is that Mexican pop, originally from Mexico is becoming the most predominant music in Latin America and being accepted in the rest of the world for translation. And the new Latin dances that will be coming will be from the great diversity of Mexican dances that are being danced now. The Latin Waltz will be one of the first in this century, beautiful music just calls for dancing.

"Try to enjoy life, it is not a rehearsal."

Waltz Cross Step

By Steven Yoshisaki, Kahala

Some of the most beautiful music ever created on this earth and we can dance to it. Cross-step facilitates creativity and is specially useful if you use the KISS method (keep it simple, stupid.) In most waltzes, dancers face each other squarely and dance directly toward their partners on the downbeat, or back away from them, whether rotating or not.

"Dancers know that in life if we don't step forward we will stay in the same place."

In cross-step waltz, the dancers essentially travel side-by-side at the musical downbeat, count One, because their rear foot crosses through toward the direction of travel, placing them briefly in promenade position. This parallel traveling allows an infinite array of variations that easily travel past and around one's partner and keeping it simple it is pure fun and very enjoyable.

"The Tennessee Waltz" by Patti Page

Both dancers can travel laterally together, as in promenades or grapevines. The Follow role can pass in front of the Lead role or turn independently, as in swing. Similarly the Lead can pass in front of the Follow or turn independently. Or the dancers can face each other and rotate as in traditional waltz. And these variations can be done right at the count-One downbeat of the musical phrase, without a delayed maneuver to "break out of the frame." This enhances spontaneity and musicality, lending a nice variety to your present Waltz repertoire.

"Maui Waltz" by Loyal Garner

The flexible frame of cross-step waltz also allows dancers to travel laterally in the opposite direction (counter-promenade position) on the secondary cross-step, count 4, doubling the directional possibilities in every turn of the waltz. Every Basic Step offers an easy opportunity to travel "out the front door" (in the direction of the primary cross-step) or "out the back door" (toward the secondary cross-step).

Because of this multidirectional flexibility, cross-step waltz combines … the rotation of waltz, the lateral travel of tango and foxtrot/quickstep, (dancers travel together), underarm turns and figures of swing and salsa (dancers travel independently.) For some of us it can be a beautiful new world to explore.

"Till I Waltz Again With You" by Theresa Brewer

Pub's Side Note: In Hawaii, dance blogs are enabling hundreds of dancers to express their opinions with reduced political risk simply because of the sheer number of like-minded opinions online. Facing these independent voices, the old clique machine starts to crumble and there will be new dance clubs.

Johnny Pacheco

From Johnny Pacheco, Miami

I've been following the discussion about the origin of salsa with Musico, New Yorker, etc. I agree with a lot that's been mentioned. I agree with the classification that many give to salsa. Salsa is not one particular rhythm, but a fusion of Afro-Caribbean rhythms that are definitely not from Africa. There was a large influence from fourth and fifth generation African descendants who had lived in the Americas for years.

"Choices, Chances and Changes, You must make the choice to take

a chance or your life will never change."

These styles can be alternated and interchanged at the musicians' will. Many salsa songs may start out with a "bolero" beat, then turn into "guaracha".  Or, who hasn't heard a tune that starts out as a "guaguanco'", then turns into a standard "salsa". And what about the sections of plena or bomba. It doesn't really matter in which country the rhythms developed, the common factor is still Cuban styles, bomba/plena de Borinquen, afroamerican, jazz/r&b,etc.

"Moliendo Cafe" por Azucar Moreno

True, the term salsa was a word that arose later to describe a fusion of many rhythms that already existed (with additions and modifications). Nuyoricans did the world a musical favor by preserving and updating the rhythms. They preserved and promoted salsa, and look where salsa is today. And this was because the Cubans were forced out of the picture in '62. Politics.

Before then, they were in the picture. Still, a lot of people try to say that Nuyoricans and Puertoricans made the music better. I agree, but this doesn't mean that Cubans were incapable of improving their own music. And of course we have not taken into account the Mexican influence on present music in the Latin sphere. There are hundreds of different styles and all waiting for the right moves and they are moving steadily south all the way to Argentina.

Pub's Side Note: There some in the dance community that do not wish to be into blogging for whatever the reason. I should, I will respect and try to avoid bothering them. If they do not want it they shall not have it. But the sign on the door I leave open still says welcome.

Universe Two

In Hawaii, most feel right about their own kuleanas. And somehow big city consciousness has taken hold and they have to build a rail from West Oahu to Honolulu. Just about everyone in the West knows we don't need it.  I think like many of our fellow dancers and we could be more aware of what is outside our kuleanas. It is good for everyone and that thinking is coming about slowly.

“Efficiency is doing things right. Effectiveness is doing the right things.”

Now coming to the big planets and we do mean big. Some have moons bigger than Pluto our smallest planet. Perhaps we could get one of those big chunks of ice and head it straight to Venus and cool that planet down a little. Then a lot us can move over there.

No earth did not shrink, it is just a comparison with the other planets in the our Solar system that makes it look that way. Those other planets are really huge. But of course, you ain't seen nuttin' yet. We must go farther still, a couple weeks.

"Somewhere Over The Rainbow" by Bruddah Iz

“More often in life, we end up regretting the chances in life that

we had, but didn’t take them, than those chances that we

took and wished we hadn’t.”

Keep the Country, Country. We have heard that forever. Why? To keep the prices of the "available" land in town for building as high as the market will bear. That is pure Capitalism. Fifty years ago it made some sense, but now Oahu is an urban island, like it or not. With all the vast land out there doing nothing, plus the military taking a large part of it, the "available land" has been doubling in value.

The estimates in the cost of the Rail Disaster keep increasing, naturally, Property Taxes will double. And the rents will go down in price, Ha! It's the dough, Moe. The big money will make more money and the lower classes be damned. Many small businesses will simply go out of business. We are already in deep doo doo. So Who Cares?

"Through these blogs read the most informed dancers in the Pacific."

Cha Cha Cha

Cha Cha has the distinction of being one of the most dominant "pop" rhythms of the last 50 years and is generally accepted as being "Latin Music and Dance." Also generally accepted as a combination of the Mambo and the American Swing and is characterized as having an upbeat, infectious rhythm, which creates a sense of playfulness and flirtation.

"Sometimes we have to give up on people. Not because we don't care,
but because they don't."

In the slow Mambo tempo, there is a distinct sound in the music that people began dancing to, calling the step the "Triple" Mambo. Eventually it evolved into a separate dance, today known as the Cha Cha Cha and consisting of  a Rock Step and Chassé. These two basic movements in dance were established by the Olmecs in Mexico about 2000 BC.

"Mambo Guajiro" by Rene Touzet

Any Latin Night Clubs on Oahu with "Latin" Dancing?

Cha Cha's continued popularity can be heard in the music of Ricky Martin, Marc Anthony and Carlos Santana.in 4/4 time with the rhythm being counted as 2, 3, 4 & 1. The lead "breaks" on the 2, rocks back on the three and chassés on the 4 & 1, Most dancers do a fine job with it. For sure it will last for the rest of this century and it will remain Latin and danced in the coming new Latin Dance Clubs.

Pub's Side Note: It is slowly forming all by itself, a new dance force on Oahu, for Truth, Inclusion and Innovation and made "of the dancers, by the dancers and for the dancers." All the dancers? Of course not, they do not all wish to be involved and we must respect.

Latin Dance on Oahu

We are still looking for it and we should realize that many will just take some experts opinion and be quite satisfied with that. Most have us have an idea but we are not very sure.

An Optimist: "Someone who knows that taking a step backward after

taking a step forward is not a disaster, it is a Rock Step."

The American (Arthur Murray) Rumba seems to be the outstanding social dance in the Latin sector. It is the preferred style at social dances, private parties and night clubs. Though in night clubs you may have more variance. The basic may be the Fred Astaire basic and some may use the alternate basic which is similar to the International style.

"Eso Es Mi Cha Cha Cha by Rene Touzet

International Rumba is also danced socially but it mostly done for practice and they must constantly better themselves because they will be inevitably judged by those that know. Much of the music is lacking that essential non musical clicks and clacks that is particularly Latin but it can be danced.

"Por El Amor De Una Mujer por Julio Iglesias

The American Cha Cha Cha is firmly in second place and it really is considered a fun dance. Most dancers have become accustomed to music that has the beat without the Latin clicks. The real Latin dancer knows the difference in the music. One "can" be danced to a Rumba or a Cha Cha Cha, but the other "must" be danced to a Rumba or a Cha Cha Cha. One type is a dancer that can dance and another type of dancer that is really just a mover to music. No hu hu, just a little understanding and each can enjoy whatevah.

The Internationals have their version and I believe the Country style has their version too.

The Waltz

Even from World War II, years ago there has been a difference in where the Waltz was danced. Kids under 20 did not dance Waltz. Most of the dancers in their twenties were good Waltz dancers and enjoyed dancing in the 3/4 tempo tremendously. By the Seventies, the Waltz became an over 30 dance.

"It should be the possibility that keeps us going, not the guarantee."

Most organization do not recognize age, but the young have established that age as the end of youth. I heard it in my youth many years ago, "You can't trust anyone over 30." Most adults have accepted that age as the proper division. Fortunately, most of the people into social dancing are over 30, so the Waltz should be there. But it is losing a little ground to the Peripherals, Argentine Tango, Salsa, Line, Swing etc.

Of course, the International is danced only in closed position and it has become the norm to see that in exhibitions. When was the last time you saw an American Waltz in an exhibition? Most cultures have a form of waltz dancing to three beat rhythms but the accepted on the Island of Oahu is the Waltz in Country Western, Viennese Waltz, American and International Waltz.

"Maui Waltz" by Loyal Garner

Cross-Step Waltz is the newest social dance form, spreading quickly because it's easy to learn and endlessly innovative. It can be satisfying for both beginners and the most experienced dancers and can be integrated very easily in either American or Country styles. It travels and rotates like traditional waltz but the addition of the cross-step opens up a wide range of playful yet gracefully flowing variations. Some of the real social "leaders" of dance on Oahu already do some of the movements and the ladies are super and follow divinely.

The New Year has arrived

It us my hope that I can get rid of my best and first blog this coming year. I want to see those that get in, run it up to the heavens in hits. First as Two Centers by emailing info and photos. Then when they are ready, as Guest Authors and they can get in whenever they damn well please. I may continue but only for a while and then only in an advisory capacity. I got work to do in my junk blogs.

"We believe in Aloha and Kindness, Ohana first, meaningful Friendships,

counting our Blessings and Helping others."

They can write what they want, post all the photos they want, save, publish and close, without saying "boo" to anyone. They can write to please themselves or their very good friends, among their neighbors, fellow dancers and the entire dance community. And we will accept that none of us are clones of the others, each is their own individual self.

"Tiny Bubbles" by Don Ho

The Biggest group remains the Social Dancers for want of better terminology. They are very nicely mixed with night club dancers, party dancers and the various social dance clubs on the Island. The rest are peripherals, such as Tango, Salsa - Bachata, Swing, Line and perhaps International Style of Dance. All can be friends except when some begin to feel that they can look down on the hoi polloi. The social part deteriorates from that point.

At any rate, the situation is no longer in doubt. This blog is definitely improving and with one Information Contributor and one Guest Author it would put them in front and ready for independence. At any rate, we are all going to have a very good year.

Latin Dance

"For us oldsters that have really lived: We can admit that we've have failed.

We have been devastated. We have been broken. We may even have gone

to hell and back. But we have also known joy, passion, friendship and

love and possibly look forward with anticipation of a happy new year."

We are starting the New Year just fine with a growing interest in Latin dance, which we all know is merely a general label. It has become a useful term in partner dance jargon.

It refers to types of ballroom dance and folk dance that originated in Latin America. This has included many that were made up from outside and introduced as Latin Dance. The Lambada for instance.

"Green Eyes" (Ojos Verdes) by Jimmy Dorsey. 1941

Bob Eberly and Helen O'Connell on vocals.

Social Latin dances at present in the year 2015 include Bachata, Bomba, Cha Cha Cha, Mambo, Merengue, Plena, Salsa, Samba, Rumba and two different tangos, American and Argentine. And there are subdivisions according to the territory. Five or six dances seems to be just about the right variety but that remains to be determined. And who should decide? You guessed it.

There are many dances which were popular in the first part of the 20th century, but which are now only of historical interest. And there are perhaps 100 others in existence throughout Latin America. The Waltz is the best example. And there are several new ones in the process of developing in the younger set.

Latin folk dances of Argentina include the chacarera, gato,escondido and zamba. Typical Bolivian folk dances are the morenada, kullawada, caporales and in Colombia one of the typical dances is the cumbia. We have a new dance world unfolding for the aficionados. And take another look at the Waltz.

"Maui Waltz" by Loyal Garner

And taking into consideration of the growing recognition of the "Oldies But Goodies" it will all be decided by the older more experienced dancers. The young are akamai, they will learn.