The best dances in Cuba. Cuban dancing

One of the most popular dances in Cuba is salsa - a dance that is notable for its bright, energetic movements and swaying to fiery, intense music. This style emerged in the 1960s from a mixture of Cuban mambo and Latin jazz, while partially borrowing the choreographic and stylistic shades of Puerto Rican folk dances. In Colombia and Venezuela, salsa immediately became popular among marginalized people. People fell in love with salsa because its dancers constantly changed movements and invented something new. Unlike strict ballroom dancing, salsa was created for fun. In fact, this dance broke barriers of ethnicity and class and became a symbol of Latin America. By the 21st century, salsa had become a worldwide hit.

The dream became the national dance of Cuba before the Cuban Revolution (1959), but the government of Fidel Castro preferred to see national dance rumba because it supposedly emphasized Cuba's "African heritage". Rumba has three different shapes: Yambu, Guaguanco and Colombia. Yambu is a dance in which a single couple dances slowly and sedately within a circle created by conga drummers, singers, dancers waiting their turn, and spectators. Partners rarely touch each other, except when the man moves towards the woman and places his hand on her shoulder.

In Guaguanco, a man and a woman always dance facing each other, since this type of rumba is symbolic sexual game. Colombia is a dance for men who take turns entering a circle and competing with each other. They may use candles to balance on their heads or dance (performing semi-acrobatic movements) around a bottle or hat placed on the floor.

As for dark-skinned Cubans, their ritual dances formed a huge separate group Cuban dances They can be divided into four main groups, according to where the ancestors of the Africans who sailed to Cuba came from: dances of the Congo-Angolan peoples of west-central Africa, Arara (descendants of the Fon people and others ethnic groups from what is now Benin and Togo), Yoruba dances (mainly from Nigeria) and carabales (dances of people living along the Calabar River in Cameroon and Nigeria).

The most famous dances dark-skinned Cubans - a Yoruba dance called Santeria and La Religen Lucumi. Santeria is a mixture of African and Roman Catholic religious dances. Both men and women dance, and the musical accompaniment is provided exclusively by men playing the sacred bata drums. Santerías dance to please the orishas (deities) and persuade them to join in the celebration.

Cubans believe that if the deities pay attention to the dancers, they inhabit them. From the outside it looks like falling into a trance - the dancers’ movements change sharply, instead of the previously slow steps of the dance, the dancers suddenly almost fall to the ground and begin to shake. Then the rhythm of the dance becomes sharp and very fast.

Cuban dancing originated on the street and therefore they do not have complex supports or choreographic combinations, but they have amazing music, plasticity and speed of movements. Dancing is ideal for anyone who wants to try dancing from the very first lessons and not wait for competitions or tournaments.

What do you associate with the island of Cuba? Island of Liberty, black rum and quality cigars, a portrait of CheGuevara on all available surfaces. Traditional Cuban dance clearly reflects all these motives; it is, first of all, the motive of unspoken, forbidden freedom. From this we conclude that the dances should be as simple as possible, but very energetic, in order to convey the mood of the revolutionary-minded people.

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If your heart asks to go to Cuba, but now there is no way to escape, we invite you to real Cuban parties. Bright and fiery melodies, rhythmic and simple dances will appeal to absolutely everyone without exception. Come and experience Cuban culture and experience the spirit of freedom and revolution from within!

Cuban dancing in Moscow

Like all Latin dances, Cuban dancing in Moscow are now at the peak of popularity, we teach the following dances:

• salsa,

• bachata,

• reggaeton

• solo latina

• kizomba

Now they are danced everywhere: in many nightclubs and discos. There is no person who has not heard about them and less people today, who has never tried to dance them! If you haven't tried your first dance moves yet, we highly recommend giving it a try. At our school, a trial lesson is free.

Dancing is the best and simplest antidepressant that gives you a great figure, good mood and lots and lots of communication. And considering that all Latin dances are famous for the short distance between partners, rest assured that you will leave happy, fresh and truly rested.

Cuban dance training in Moscow, despite its popularity, is now not danced in every school, our studio provides you with the opportunity to try what kind of dancing it is in a trial lesson. Our trainers are true professionals in their field, they will help you master the technique, develop a sense of rhythm and technique, and those who continue their dance path will be taught new techniques and tricks that will make the dance a dance, and not a simple set of movements. This is what will give you relaxation, mood and teach you to open your emotions!

The Cuban dance training method turns any training session into a celebration and a real party. No to harmful and boring trainers, monotonous and long sessions in the gym, monotonous movements and exercises! Yes - fun good mood, great figure, informal communication and the atmosphere of a friendly club!

The Cuban dance school in Moscow trains beginners and professionals who have been practicing their chosen dance style for a long time. We will help overcome stiffness, supply basic equipment and train complex feeling rhythm, we will teach you how to improvise and perform complex combinations and lifts so that your dance becomes a real masterpiece. Please know that when you come to our school, you do not stand on the sidelines, do not leave with bad mood. You dance from the first lesson, have fun and enjoy the result! There is no need to wait long to check your progress. The school regularly organizes parties and get-togethers for students and potential clients, where you can easily show off your skills, take part in master classes for invited guests and surprise your friends. Start dancing with us!

Cuba is unpredictable, it's a different world. At first it seems to you that if you love and dance salsa, you can well imagine the atmosphere on the island. Only after visiting it, you will understand how many unexpected and interesting things you still don’t know. It was only after a trip to Cuba that I truly discovered salsa and began to look at it completely differently.

Cuba is one of the most expensive resorts in Latin America. This place is clearly not suitable for backpackers.

The article is just a description of my personal experience, which I received in nine trips to this extraordinary world. I am not a professional in many matters, I cannot judge different aspects of the economy, culture and others, but I will tell you what I saw, heard, did, how I rested and enjoyed the trip to the fullest.

The first city I will talk about is, of course, the capital of Cuba. A place where rhythms are heard at every step national musical instruments .

Havana - the dance capital

Beautiful Old city, it’s very nice to get lost in the streets, stroll along the Malecon promenade and breathe in the fresh ocean air. Dilapidated colonial-style houses appear before us in all their glory. And even despite the lack of maintenance, they impress with their beauty. Repair work is being carried out, but if you compare the budget of Cuba and necessary work, then it will be clear that it is simply impossible to do everything.

El Paseo del Prado is the widest avenue in the center of which there is a large square with many benches and trees. A wonderful place through which it is pleasant to walk from the center to the sea.

Music can be heard everywhere on the streets. If it's not a band playing on a restaurant terrace, the sounds are coming from the slightly open window of an ordinary apartment. And in general, if we talk about Cuba as a whole, most likely the main word that determines the character of the area will be music. Fundamental musical direction The island is certainly a dream. And newer, but no less popular style here is the child of the dream: timba. You can get acquainted with the rhythms of the island in more detail in the article about Cuban music. Here you can find such old musical instruments like marimbula and botizha.

When it comes to food and housing prices for tourists, Havana can be easily compared with major European cities.

You can’t visit Cuba without seeing how world-famous Cuban cigars are made. The cigar factory is one of the most... interesting places. There is some law that is not entirely clear to me, according to which I could not officially enter the factory. But the guard near the entrance, for a small fee and with great pleasure, let us through and even conducted a small theoretical master class on cigar production.

Another cliché of Cuba is, of course, cars, hybrid creatures made in the United States, enhanced by Soviet diesel engines, apparently specifically for traveling on poorly funded Cuban roads.

Salsa dancing places in Havana

Most main reason Arriving on the island was, of course, a big deal for me. Therefore, here are a few places where you can relax, dance, and recharge your Cuban mood.

The next city on my route is Trinidad

On the way to Trinidad I admire beautiful scenery. Crossing the plains used for cattle breeding, colorful landscapes open up before your eyes, it seems that they were copied from old postcards.

Trinidad is a very old city. Its story is mentioned in all books about Cuba. The city held an important position during colonial times and is known throughout the world for its countless wrought iron works. Beautiful beaches almost surrounded by hills perfect shape, decorate the tourist city. On weekend evenings the city streets are filled with Cubans and Europeans. Bars and restaurants are crowded with lovers and those simply interested in listening to traditional Cuban music. Few people dance here as the space is small. But sometimes you can see demonstration Salsa and Rueda performed by local amateur dancers dance schools. Spectators watch with rapture what is happening, enjoying a traditional mojito.

Santiago de Cuba - the heart of culture

And finally, about my favorite city, in which there are many pleasant moments and happy memories. This is where I spent the most time of all my travels. Santiago de Cuba is cultural capital islands. This is very small town, it’s very easy to get acquainted here local residents, plus the city is small and every day you meet your friends in the same places on the streets, parks, markets...

On my first trip, I met a doctor who was renting out the second floor of his house. A large area of ​​almost a hundred square meters: two separate rooms, a bathroom and a huge roofless balcony overlooking one of the local markets. I returned here more than once on my subsequent trips.

When I walk around the city, my feelings are difficult to express in words. This is great! I can't say that the city is very beautiful. It's an ordinary, typical Cuban town. But there is something that pulls you here again and again.

The big minus is that it’s immediately obvious that I’m a tourist. Beggars pester me, treat me very kindly, and then trick me into luring change out of my wallet.
There are many Cubans who offer to buy cigars, rum, lobsters... but more on that later.

People live poorly, for example, the doctor with whom I stayed earns 18-20 dollars a month from renting out the second floor.

At first, it’s annoying that Cubans see you as a big wallet with legs, but over time, as you get to know each other and communicate, you can notice another side of their life. Locals do not know what stress, anxiety, sleeping pills, antidepressants and other products typical of our European consumer society are. Cubans have a big inner world, and what I understood while communicating with them is that it is much richer than our material one.

Salsa in the city

The place I love to go to in Santiago is Casa de Artex. Every day from 4 to 6 o'clock wonderful traditional music is played there. talented group"Son de Amores" The music is very rhythmic and fiery. There are also a lot of dancers in this establishment, mostly the same regulars. There is also a place called “Сlaqueta”, groups are rare here, but you can always find dancers. The program often includes salsa, reggae and merengue (in the style of Elvis Crespo). Why reggae? Because there are a colossal number of Rastafarians here.

There are many places where you can dance. WITH traditional music: Casa Artex, Casa de la Musica, Casa de los Abuenos.

As you know, Cuba is the island of cigars, rum and lobsters. But, no matter how strange it may sound for European tourists, it is not so easy to buy these products on the island.

A Quick Guide to Harvesting Fresh Lobsters

On every corner, in crowded places, you can easily find people who whisper in your ear and offer to buy lobster. More precisely, such people themselves will easily find you, they have a special nose for tourists. It is forbidden to sell or catch lobsters in Cuba; anyone caught will pay a huge fine and will have problems with the law, since this product is intended only for export.

But, if you really want to enjoy this delicacy, I advise you to go straight to the fish market. There you can order any number of lobsters directly to the fishermen, and the next morning you will receive a delicious breakfast from the freshest gifts of the ocean (if you know how to cook fresh lobsters). Of course, the order must be made very carefully, without unnecessary ears, one on one with the fisherman. During my last trip, one lobster cost about 3-4 dollars.

When it comes to popular homemade Cuban rum, it’s best not to trust strangers. It’s best to ask where you can buy it from people you live next door to, rent a house with, or communicate with. The main thing is not to forget to take containers with you. One and a half liters of rum cost me less than $1.

Something from the memories...

Cuba is a world so far from our understanding that it’s even strange. Life goes smoothly, calmly, without stress. People are always friendly, smiling, happy to help and give advice. It's easy to breathe here.

I walked along a small, narrow, descending street, among unremarkable typical Cuban houses. Music was heard from all corners and open windows. And suddenly, among the many sounds, I heard a thin, sad melody coming from Cespedes Park, which the street abutted. I walked through the park and saw a man behind big box, vaguely reminiscent of a barrel organ. The music was so beautiful that I dared to ask what it was called. I had to explain in my broken Spanish that I wanted to know the name of the song because I really liked it. The man answered me with a smile. He had to repeat the word three times before I remembered it. This is a word I've never heard before... "This is Bachata."

It was 1994. I hastened to write it down and quickly learn more about bachata. But, you yourself understand that the word Internet means ordinary person even in Europe at that time it was new, and in Santiago the Internet was only at the city’s central post office. There were two old computers, next to them were a bunch of wires and huge boxes with the inscription 56K. I don’t remember how much time I spent to find something similar to the name of music that was new to me, but, unfortunately, I didn’t see anything like it, because the Internet base was also not rich. Upon returning to France and several years later, I began to study bachata dance, adopting the character of the dance from Cuban teachers with each visit to Cuba. Bachata was still little known in Europe.

Everything about traveling to the wonderful island of Cuba is magical! I advise everyone to visit the island at least once in their life. And for those who dance, and especially those who teach salsa, this is extremely necessary!

I would be glad if someone writes to me about their impressions after a trip to Cuba. I'm waiting for answers!

Cuba is an island of freedom, hot sun and passionate temperament! Only here could incendiary and rhythmic dancing, known as common name"Latino".

In these dances one can clearly see the mixture cultural traditions peoples of different continents. The rhythmic beat of African drums is complemented by the melodic sound of the guitar. Music is born that excites the blood and makes you dance. Cuban dances are well known to everyone:

Cha-cha-cha – inimitable and popular
- danson - rhythm with special charisma
- salsa – dance of love
- sleep – incendiary and exciting
- rumba – amazing and amazing
- mambo - who conquered the whole world
- tango - a dance that has become a classic

Even the rhythms of the hot Brazilian carnival have a Cuban feel.

History of rhythms

The roots of fiery Cuban rhythms should be sought in Africa. Its original inhabitants, brought by slaves to Europe and North America, remained faithful to their own in a foreign land, protected traditions and passed them on to future generations.

Latin American music and Cuban folk dance are based on religious connotations, and the beating of the drums was intended to please the African gods. To this day, there are secret communities on the island that preserve and carefully pass on hundreds of drumbeats that were used in religious ceremonies.

In the 19th century, American soldiers came to Cuba and became very imbued with the culture. national rhythms and introduced them to all of America. Prohibition in the United States also contributed to the spread of rhythmic movements to Latin music - Americans came to Cuba en masse, where alcohol was freely available. American radio stations soon began broadcasting Cuban music. And soon dance rhythms came to know and love the whole world.

Varieties of Latin style

It is difficult to say which dance is a Cuban folk dance. All Latin American styles intertwined, complemented each other, and gave rise to new ones. dance moves. However, despite this, the following are considered Cuban: merengue, samba, tumba, mamba, cumbia, bolero, rumba, Cha-Cha-Cha, salsa, tango and bachato. Cuba's dances are varied, but united by sensuality, passion and clear rhythm.

In the 20th century, Latin American rhythms entered the program of dance tournaments and competitions. It is considered prestigious for participants to take top places at these competitions, showing his skills as a real dancer in emotions and fiery movements.

Cuba is famous for its dancing. I close my eyes and a picture of sun-drenched Havana and dancing Cubans appears in front of me, the sight is simply mesmerizing... Cubans are wonderful dancers, you look at them and involuntarily start dancing, because it’s impossible to resist...
And so Dancing

Salsa - national Cuban dance, one of many Latin American dances, containing interesting combinations, liberated and passionate movements, fun and flirting, flirting with each other. Salsa is a dance of love and freedom.
There are several versions of the origin of the name "salsa". It is common knowledge that salsa means "sauce". According to one version, one evening in a small club in Miami a group performed Cuban music, and this music “turned on” the people present so much that everyone began shouting in unison: “Salsa! Salsa!”, implying that the music was just as spicy and hot, like the sauce that seasoned the dishes in this establishment.
Unlike ballroom Latin American dancing, which is essentially a sport, salsa is accessible to people of different ages and various physical training. It's more of a means of communication. In salsa there are no permanent pairs; changing partners allows you to learn mutual understanding in dance between completely strangers. And having learned this, you can dance salsa in any club in the world, communicating with your partner in universal language dance.
The dance pattern is dominated by the circle and is danced on the 1st count of the bar. The partner performs many characteristic alardes (flashy hand movements that simulate smoothing or combing hair) and interlocking turns. The difficulty of dancing with a partner lies not so much in the technique of the legs, but in the ability to dance with relaxed, with light hands. For most dancers, Cuban salsa style is about mastering a style that is so difficult for non-Latin dancers to portray. On social level, very modest requirements are placed on the technique of turns and footwork of the driven partner. Salsa Casino is the “most social” style, it is very popular in countries where this dance has appeared quite recently.
Cuban salsa like musical style(salsa cubana) is closest to the original source - Cuban son. Its rhythm is fast and hard, with a very clear rhythmic pattern.

Rumba - Cuban couple dance of African origin. Distinctive feature rumbas are erotic smooth movements connected with wide steps. The most famous rumba melody throughout the world should be considered the famous “Guantanamera”, written by Joseito Fernandez and quickly becoming a rumba classic.
Rumba was originally wedding dance. Many of his movements, perceived as erotic, meant simple and uncomplicated actions in the household.
The rumba dance gradually became popular. In 1933 he came to the USA, and before World War II to Europe. The Americanized rumba is called square, time signature 4/4. Characteristic This dance is that each step comes with a delay in transferring the weight to the stepped leg. The weight is transferred to a slightly softened leg at the knee, followed by its straightening. This moves the hips from side to side, known as the Cuban movement.
There are two modern versions Rumba - Cuban and American (square). The first is used in sports ballroom dancing, the second in social, i.e. dancing for yourself and for everyone. Now Rumba is called the pearl of Latin American dances or the dance of love.