Invitation to Dance: Latin Dance
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DVD details
Brand: BCI ECLIPSE LLCPerformer: Nancy Hays
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Original Language)
Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 87 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2003-05-20
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Bci / Eclipse
DVD Reviews of Invitation to Dance: Latin Dance
DVD Review: Recommended, with a caveat
Summary: 4 Stars
I find it strange that there was only one review of this DVD before I added my two cents. But here it is...
You really can't go wrong with this DVD, especially given its very reasonable price. You also get a music CD in the package, but it's nothing to write home about (I find it makes a handy drink coaster). Buy it for the DVD.
You are taught four steps in Tango and five steps for Rumba (or Rhumba) in part 1. This is followed by five steps for Cha-cha (or Cha-cha-cha) and five steps for Salsa. You start with the "basic" step in each case. The first three dances are done in the American ballroom style (i.e., what Arthur Murray and Fred Astaire dance studios teach, the latter being where I burned though a lot of money - but I digress!). It is not International style. If that doesn't mean anything to you don't worry about it. The Tango, in particular, is not Argentine Tango.
With respect to Salsa...well, this is not your father's Salsa. I'm not sure what it is, as it looks to be based on what is known as the Cumbia back step, which comes from Colombia. I would have expected the Mambo basic from ballroom instructors, which is the basis of the popular "linear" styles of Salsa such as LA and New York. The rest of the Salsa steps they teach look like they derive from Mambo or Cha-Cha-Cha. Note also that what they are teaching is not Cuban or Miami style, such as you'll find on the "Quick And Dirty Guide to Salsa" series. Far from it.
I would, frankly, ignore the Salsa instruction on this DVD and buy something like Hot Salsa Lessons Vol 1 for that (a DVD I rate highly, by the way), assuming you are an absolute beginner. Still, whatever you call what the instructors Greg Cale and Nancy Hays are doing here, they are obviously enjoying themselves. During the Salsa practise segment where they dance together to music they do execute some moves I recognize as "traditional" Salsa, including the cross-body lead (which is fundamentally the same in several latin dances, of course). The cross-body lead is taught back in the Rumba segment but another common Salsa step they execute is not taught anywhere on the DVD. Too bad, as it's the best one.
In general, the instruction is good. Greg first demonstrates the leader's steps alone, with his back to you as if you are standing directly behind him, while the camera concentrates on his footwork. Then Nancy joins him to show the follower's steps. As they dance together, Greg also describes and shows the upper body and arm movements, and the leading. After showing all the steps for each dance they review them in order and then, during a practise segment set to music, show how they can be combined (i.e., they actually dance). I should note that the DVD does not teach much about technique - you really only learn the steps. Unfortunately, Greg Cale's technique while generally sound sometimes seems a little on the sloppy side, so you might pick up some bad habits.
Overall, I recommend this DVD with the exception of the Salsa instruction, which you would be better off learning from one of the better dance instruction DVDs dedicated to Salsa, such as the aforementioned Hot Salsa Lessons or the series put out by SalsaCrazy.
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Description of Invitation to Dance: Latin Dance
Entertainer Nancy Hays and award-winning instructor Greg Gale join forces to bring you easy-to-learn basics of the most popular Latin steps for the hottest Latin dances including Salsa Cha Cha Rumba and Tango. These dances are great for the Latin music of yesterday as well as the hot new songs by today s biggest Latin artists. Learn these sensuous dances in the privacy of your own home and on your own time. In just a few hours you ll see how easy it is to gain the confidence to dance in a nightclub ballroom or any other social situation. Practice music includes Latin standards and the Salsa music of Samuel Del Real and his orchestra. Join the fun and see why new generation Latin dancing is so Hot! Hot! Hot!The Latin Way1. Limba Limba Lambada2. Beijo Danado 3. Febre4. Mariazinha5. Salario Pobre6. Lamada II7. Meninos8. The Latin Way9. Danca Canones10. Move Your Body11. Barra MansaSystem Requirements:2003 BCI ECLIPSEFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: INSTRUCTIONAL UPC: 787364482092 Manufacturer No: 44820-9Jazz Music CDs
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