From salsa to jazz, this summer break unleash your dance skill

Dance is a beautiful art form that transcends cultures, languages, and boundaries. It is not only a means of self-expression, but also a great way to stay fit and have fun. So, this summer vacation, students can embark on a dance journey and get their feet tapping. Here is a list of 10 mesmerising dance forms from around the world that will ignite your passion and leave you craving for more. Let’s dive in!

1.Salsa: Originating in the vibrant streets of Cuba, Salsa is a fiery and energetic dance style that combines elements of Afro-Cuban rhythms and Latin partner work. With its contagious beats and sensual movements, Salsa is sure to get your feet moving and hips swaying.

According to Avitha D Poojari, a dance teacher at Apeejay School, Kharghar, “Salsa is a dance style that originated in Cuba and incorporates elements of Cuban dances such as Mambo, Pachanga, and Rumba, as well as American dance styles like swing, tap, and break steps. It also includes solo moves called shines. Salsa is typically danced to music with a pattern of three steps for every four beats. For students, choosing to learn Salsa, it is a great cardio workout and improves circulation and respiration. It also strengthens various muscles and bones while keeping the joints flexible. Salsa involves shimmies, leg work, arm work, body movements, spins, and body isolations, which enhance overall body coordination and flexibility.”

2. Hip Hop: Hip Hop is a dynamic and urban dance style that emerged from the streets of New York City. Known for its freestyle and improvisational nature, Hip Hop incorporates a wide range of movements, including popping, locking, and breaking, making it an exciting and high-energy dance form.

3. Ballet: The epitome of grace and elegance, Ballet is a classical dance form that originated in the courts of Italy and France. It emphasises precise technique, poise, and storytelling through graceful movements, leaps, and pirouettes.

4. Bollywood: Bringing the glitz and glamour of Indian cinema, Bollywood dance is a fusion of various dance styles, including classical Indian, folk, and modern. With its vibrant costumes, energetic choreography, and infectious music, Bollywood dance is a celebration of joy and expression.
Pragati, a Dance Teacher at Apeejay School, Faridabad, beautifully describes Bollywood dance as a vibrant tapestry of emotions, storytelling, and cultural expression. She says, “It’s a fusion of traditional Indian classical dance forms with modern influences, creating a captivating spectacle that celebrates life and ignites the spirit. Through Bollywood dance, we not only connect with our roots, but also transcend boundaries, inspiring a sense of unity and celebrating the beauty of diversity.”

5. Contemporary: Contemporary dance is a versatile and expressive form that blends elements of various dance styles, including ballet, modern dance, and jazz. It encourages dancers to explore their emotions and push the boundaries of movement, creating unique and captivating performances.

6. Flamenco: Hailing from Spain, Flamenco is a passionate and rhythmic dance form that combines percussive footwork, intricate hand movements, and soul-stirring music. It is a powerful expression of emotion and storytelling deeply rooted in Spanish culture.

7. African Dance: African dance is a vibrant and energetic art form that varies across different regions of the continent. It celebrates community, culture, and spirituality through rhythmic movements, intricate footwork, and expressive gestures.

8. Jazz: Originating in the early 20th century, Jazz dance is a fusion of African rhythms, European influences, and American jazz music. It is characterised by its syncopated rhythms, improvisation, and dynamic movements, making it a popular choice for musical theatre and commercial performances.

9. Tango: The passionate and sensual Tango originated in the working-class neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Known for its close embrace and intricate footwork, Tango embodies intense connection and storytelling between partners.

10. Kathak: Kathak is a classical Indian dance form that traces its roots back to ancient Hindu temples. It combines intricate footwork, graceful movements, and expressive storytelling through facial expressions and hand gestures, known as mudras.
Further, highlighting the benefits of this classical dance form, Avitha D Poojari mentions, “Classical dance styles in India are characterised by expressive and graceful movements, set to rhythmic patterns. These dance forms contribute to improving balance, coordination, flexibility, strength, focus, discipline, creativity, and self-confidence. Dancers wear traditional costumes and ornaments, including ankle bells called gungroo, which add to the visual and auditory richness of the performances.”

 So, waste no time and make the most of your summer vacation by exploring any dance form of your choice. Dance can open up a world of creativity, self-expression, and cultural appreciation for you. Put on your dancing shoes, immerse yourself in the music and let the magic of dance take you on a captivating journey of rhythm and expression.