A Slow and Steady Bolero Wins the Race

The Slow and Steady Bolero Wins the Race

The Bolero is recognized as having a slow and steady rhythm with dance moves to match.  If one would characterize the Latin language as the language of love, then the Bolero would be characterized as the dance of romance. In fact, the main theme song from the hit romantic movie Titanic was written by Celine Dion and is called “My Heart Will Go On.”  This song is considered perfect for the Bolero and provides a perfect example of what the dance is all about.

The idea of the dance is one of smoldering, warring of emotions that are not over the top, but rather just beneath the surface of the dance and the beat.  Through the moves you say, yes and then no, or I love you and can’t live without you, followed by go away and never return.  The dance closely resembles the Rumba, and many people who watch the dance find it hard to distinguish the two, although the music of the Bolero is just barely a little faster.

As with most of the Latin dances the posture is one of closeness and rounded lines.  The elbows are not jutted out as they are in the waltz, but are rounded instead to give off a softer more intimate vibe.

The counts are slow, quick, quick, and where the slow pulse is held for effect before moving forward.  There is a rock step forward and backward inserted between a side step, and many of the moves contain a rise and fall where the body lifts and extends on the slow steps. This dance is one of five competitive rhythm dances for American style Ballroom, and as anyone can attest is nothing short of hypnotic to watch.  As a viewer, if the dancers really have the look and feel of this style, you will feel as though you have stepped into something that would normally be a very personal and private moment between partners.

My name is Jeremy Guzman, and I want to bring the flavor and fun of ballroom dance to the city of Las Vegas.  If you cannot come to me or one of our professional dance instructors, then I will come to you if you are curious to see what it would feel like to dance this romantic style dance with the partner of your choice visit my home page at http://ballroomdancespot.com/contact.