A sneak peek at some of the exercises we'll be doing in our next Latin Barre Class, "The 7 Latin Walks | Part 1". To access the full lesson, copy and paste this link:
vimeo.com/ondemand/latinbarre7walkspart1
As Latin dancers, we generally say there are 7 different types of walks. If you include all of the variations, of course there are many more. But the 7 basic types of Latin walks will cover the vast majority of your movements. In Part 1 and its twin, "The 7 Latin Walks | Part 2", we will go through each Latin walk, including some of their common variations, with an in-depth explanation of their mechanics and accompany each walk with an exercise designed to train your body to repeat this technique like second nature.
The lesson is available for rent or purchase through our Vimeo page and can be used separately or in conjunction with our other Latin Barre classes. Access the video here:
vimeo.com/ondemand/latinbarre7walkspart1
What is Latin Barre?
Latin Barre is a technique class for ballroom dancers focusing on Latin technique, in the form of a ballet barre class.
One of the major differences between the approach to learning how to dance between ballroom and ballet is in the style of learning. Ballet uses a class format that emphasizes repetition of basic movements to train the body irrespective of step patterns or combinations. Their philosophy maintains that by focusing on movement first, the technique will be present and visible when step patterns are introduced. Ballroom dancing tends to teach the other way around. In other words, ballroom dancing is a form of dance that originated as social dancing or party dancing, and therefore, learning step patterns had a much heavier importance than the nitty-gritty mechanics of movement. Technique was then taught secondarily, and only based on the individual steps a dancer had already learned.
There are pros and cons to both methods of teaching. Latin Barre is a way of borrowing from the ballet format of teaching movement in order to train mechanics into second nature. Designed for the competitive dancer and serious hobby dancer, Latin Barre is a series of exercises done "at the barre", or more or less in a stationary manner, in order to maintain a focus on the mechanics alone.
It's not necessary to have a barre of your own! Any stationary object will suffice as a makeshift barre. Use the back of a chair, your kitchen counter, even a wall. The important thing is the focus on body mechanics, irrespective of step patterns or combinations.
Your host, Kora Stoynova, is a professional latin dancer who competed with her husband, Simeon, for 20 years prior to filming this video. As a competitor, she was 3 times Bulgarian National Champion, 3 times American National Vice-Champion, and a World Finalist. She is also 5 months pregnant at the time of this filming, so excuse the bump! ;)