During Hispanic Heritage month, it is almost impossible not to talk about one of the most famous traits of Hispanic culture: Dance. Dancing has always been a huge part of Hispanic culture, regardless of the country, and so has music. Like all things Hispanic, these dances were born through diversity. It has gained influences from American, African, European, and local dances, becoming one of the most admired dance styles in the world.
Hispanic dance is a broad term, especially considering the number of different countries and cultures it encompasses. There are countless Hispanic dance styles and variations, coming from all different countries. Some have become more widespread, such as Salsa, Bachata, Reggaeton, Merengue and Mambo. Others are particular to certain regions and cultures, passed down from generation to generation.
NSU’s associate professor and dance program Director Elana Lanczi has lived in Mexico City and had experience participating in popular dances such as Salsa and Merengue. Lanczi’s time in Mexico taught her that there are regional dances for every state.
“[These dances] are studied in school and it is definitely a big part of the culture,” said Lanczi.
“For any kind of celebration [in Mexico], birthdays, weddings. There’s always a big dance that takes place and everybody gets involved, from the kids to the grandparents. It is a way to pass on those traditions and pass on elements that are very important to the history of that particular country and that culture, and with social dances, it is a way for the community to come together and celebrate and connect,” said Lanczi.
So, if everyone participates in these dances, how hard can they be?
Although most of these dancing styles do not require perfect skills to be performed socially, steps can become complex, and some dancers dedicate their lives to practicing them. Lanczi highlighted that dances that require partners can be a little trickier.
“[For] Salsa, or Cumbia, there are many different [dances that] are very intricate rhythmically and there is a lot of different movements, turns, quick shifts of weight, there is a high level of difficulty in many of the dances, not all of them,” said Lanczi.
Kandy Lopez is a associate professor and director of the arts and design program at NSU, both her parents are from the Dominican Republic, and she vividly remembers her mom teaching her the steps and hip swings of Merengue since she was very young.
Lopez added that, “[Dance] is fun. There is music on. It is a nice way to celebrate whatever it is you are celebrating, or to get some of that stress out.”
But Lopez confessed that, “it is easier to dance to [her] culture’s music, just because [she] knows all the steps and how to move, and that is something your parents teach you.”
Hispanic dances are all about passion, feeling the rhythm, and connecting with the partner and the community, performance comes second.
Hispanic dances bring people together, and not only Hispanic people. For Lopez, Hispanic dances even adapt to other cultures, especially American music, which she notices is influenced by Hispanic music as well.
“Our music adapts to a lot of other pop culture music,” said Lopez, “I could see the connection between Reggae and Reggaeton, just because they have the same kind of influences and these kinds of dances affect the way that we move, especially the rhythm and the beat.”
These dances attract people to Hispanic culture and create interest and admiration. Lanczi considers dance “an entry point” to Hispanic culture.
“There’s an excitement and interest to watch it, and when you do it can be really fun. It’s a good entry point to then learn more about the culture, hopefully, and be able to appreciate it,” said Lanczi.
Especially during Hispanic Heritage Month, dances play a major role in attracting eyes to the culture, which is also one way of creating awareness of Hispanic influences and history.
Curious to experience Hispanic dances for yourself? Check out some events in the South Florida area:
Salsa Sunday – Free Bachata Class (every Sunday) Boteco – 916 Northeast 79th St, Miami, FL 33138
Salsa Thursdays (every Thursday) Aficionados Gastro Bar, 1200 Brickell Bay Dr STE 105, Miami, FL
Salsa Thursdays – Salsa and Bachata (every Thursday) Tucandela Bar Kendall, 8405 Mills Dr #STE 208, Kendall, FL 33183
Salsa Bachata Wednesdays (every Wednesday) Hollywood Live Restaurant & Lounge, 2333 Hollywood Blvrd, Hollywood, FL 33020
La Rumba (every Friday) Pub52, 5829 Southwest 73rd St, South Miami, FL 33143
Latin Thursdays – Free Salsa and Bachata Class (every Thursday) The Casino @ Dania Beach, 301 East Dania Beach Blvrd, Dania Beach, FL 33004
