MODULE: 5 South America & Northeastern Dances

Learning Objectives

At the end of the lessons, the students will able to:

1. Explain the history, steps and pattern of the different dances from South
America and Northeastern countries;
2. Show appreciation and respect the values, tradition, beliefs and culture of
South American and Northeastern countries; and
3. Perform any dance from South America and Northeastern countries with
mastery.

1. ZUMBA (South America Dance)

Origin: Columbia

Zumba is an aerobic fitness program featuring movements inspired by

various styles of Latin American dance and performed primarily to Latin American
dance music.

Zumba is a form of aerobic fitness exercise based on Latin American dance

rhythms. Participants are taught some basic easy-to-learn movements; they do not
have to learn complicated balance techniques or body poses as in yoga. The
simplicity of the movements is part of the program's appeal. In addition, participants
do not need a partner to learn or perform the basic dance steps.

This dance consists of combination of steps and moves, derived from variety
of dance forms such as the Salsa, Samba, Soca, Hip-hop, Meringue, and Mambo.
Also, Belly dancing and Reggaeton moves add a bit of zing to the choreography.

Zumba is open to everyone despite their age, gender and level.

History or Origin of Zumba

Zumba is originated in Cali, Colombia, in the late 1990s with the dance and
fitness instructor Alberto (Beto) Pérez. On his way to teaching an aerobics class one
day, he realized he had forgotten his usual music tapes. He improvised by playing
salsa and meringue music recorded by various popular bands. The class enjoyed the
dance music so much that they did not want to go back to the rigid aerobics tapes.

Pérez moved to Miami, Florida, in 1999 and began teaching his new
combination of dance and resistance training there. In 2001, he was approached by
entrepreneurs Alberto Perlman and Alberto Aghion to create a worldwide fitness
company based on his new approach to exercise. In 2002, the company began to
advertise, resulting in wide demand for Zumba classes across the United States. The
need for a large number of new instructors led the company to develop its training
workshops. Zumba expanded into the Hispanic market in the United States in 2003
and 2004 and went worldwide in 2007. Since 2004, it has offered CDs and DVDs for
people to use at home.

After opening classes in Asia, Europe, and Australia in 2007, Zumba

continued to expand into Latin America and Africa. Between 2012 and 2016, the
number of different types of Zumba classes grew also; by 2017 there were 13
different types of classes.

6 Kinds of Zumba Dance Workouts to Choose From

1. Zumba Fitness
This is the basic high-intensity, high-energy cardio workout with Latin
dance steps which builds fitness, enables weight loss, and increases stamina.
2. Zumba Gold
This programme caters to the needs of the active, older people, and
beginners. Basic Zumba steps and moves are modified to suit the pace and
needs of the participants.
3. Zumba Toning
This programme mixes toning and body-sculpting exercises with a
high-intensity cardio workout. Participants can work on the muscles of arms,
abs, glutes, and thighs with toning sticks.
4. Aqua Zumba
Aqua Zumba is a combination of traditional water aerobics with Zumba
moves to ensure a body toning cardio workout that is fast paced, fun, and full
of energy. Classes are held in a swimming pool, and instructor leads the
students with Zumba fitness moves from the poolside.
5. Zumbatomic
Zumbatomic is a kid-friendly programme designed exclusively for the
age group of 4 to 12 years. This child-friendly routine attracts youngsters due
to the great music and fun element of dance.
6. Zumba in the Circuit
This is a 30-minute programme that mixes a high-intensity Zumba
workout with circuit training. Zumba circuit requires participants to move from
one exercise station, to another in quick succession, alternating cardio with
toning moves. Circuit dancing is a high-intensity workout designed to burn
calories and strengthen the muscles, in a short duration of time.
Basic Steps of Zumba

1. Salsa move
The basics of Salsa is one of the very common steps of Zumba. Begin
with your feet together and step one foot on the side and place your weight on
that foot. Bring that foot back in the centre and come to the first position with
your feet together. Do the same movement with your other foot.

https://youtu.be/Uzsbg2UPA5w

2. Merengue
While doing Merengue, the important thing is to step on every beat of
the music. Start with your feet together and step your foot to one side and
then drag your other foot in that direction. Bring both feet together in the
centre and do the same with your other foot on the other side. Another step of
Merengue that is common in Zumba is, moving your hips to the right and then
stepping on the left foot. Then move your hips to the left and step on the right
foot.

https://youtu.be/KO_hobER7SU

3. Reggaeton
Stand with your feet apart. Take a big step with your left foot and tap
your right foot next to your left foot while leaning to the right. Do the same
thing with your right foot and lean to the left. In another move, you stand with
your feet apart in a wider stance and then jump back with your feet together.
Again jump to stand with your feet apart, followed by jumping and standing
with your feet together

https://youtu.be/RvMMZxrcsec

4. Cumbia
Also called a shuffling move, the basic step of Cumbia involves you
stepping forward with one foot and then placing your weight on that foot only
for a moment. Then you step your other foot in either right or left direction.
Bring the first foot to the middle and again step forward to perform this move.

https://youtu.be/zdqZxuDGqkk

5. Cha-Cha
 The basic step of Cha-Cha is the triple step. To do this step, begin with
your feet together. Keep the ball of your right foot on the ground while raising
it up. Raise your left foot up and keep the right heel on the floor. Then keep
your left heel on the floor and lift your right heel. Repeat this step on the right
side.

INTONG INTONG

2. HIP-HOP

Origin:

Hip-hop dance is a unique and exciting dance that is most commonly performed to
hip-hop music. Hip-hop dance is a vibrant form of dance that combines a variety of
freestyle movements to create a cultural piece of art. Through its three main styles of
popping, locking, and breaking, hip-hop dance has evolved into one of the most
popular and influential styles of dance.

History of Hip-Hop

Hip hop is a subculture and an art movement that emerged from the
Bronx in New York City during the early 1970s. Its development reflected the
negative effects of post-industrial decline, political discourse, and a rapidly
changing economy.

Looking back to New York City during this era, we see an economic
collapse. The city’s economy was falling apart due to the decline of the
manufacturing industry and construction of the Cross Bronx Expressway.
Much of the white middle class moved to the suburbs to escape the social and
economic challenges. The migration shifted demographics and segregated
communities. Conditions worsened in neighborhoods prominently populated
by African-Americans, Puerto Ricans, and Caribbean immigrants. Urban
despair also brought rising crime, gang violence, and poverty.

Consequently, businesses closed their doors, causing many economic

opportunities and sources of entertainment to evaporate. As a result, urban
youth turned to the streets for recreation and self-expression. The abandoned
buildings and parking lots set the stage for block parties. These block parties
laid the groundwork for everything associated with early hip hop culture. DJs
and MCs brought the music by setting up mobile “Sound Systems” introduced
by Jamaican culture. Sheets of cardboard became dance floors for break-
dancers, and brick walls transformed into canvases for graffiti.
 A new era was on the rise fueled by sentiments of anger, hardship, and
abandonment. However, the emerging hip hop movement transformed
despair and racial barriers into numerous creative outlets. It also became an
outlet to deal with violence.

HIP HOP PIONEERS

Several people were influential in creating hip hop. However, the most notable
pioneers are DJ Kool Herc, Afrika Bambaataa, and Grandmaster Flash. These three
innovators are known as the “Holy Trinity” of hip hop.

LUCENA LUCENA LUCENA

Types of Hip Hop dances

1. Breaking

Breaking is also generally referred to breakdance. As a dance style that

combines 3 main elements: acrobatics, gymnastics and rhythm. The break dance
is one of the most popular styles of hip hop dance that was developed as a body
response to the beat box.

https://youtu.be/9tG-xwv0kw0

2. Locking

Locking is a type of dance very similar to popping. Its fast and

exaggerated movements of hands and arms stand out. The name of this style is
based on the term 'lock' which means block.

https://youtu.be/z-plXrkvhTg

3. Popping

Popping is a dance style that emerged in Fresno, California. It is

characterized by its robotic elements contracting the muscles of the body. It is
very important to dance it with the right music to be able to dance it and that the
movements of the body adapt to it. It is generally danced with the musical genres
of funk, electro and house.

https://youtu.be/_XLGYxeL1iQ

4. Swing Beat or New Jack Swing

 Musical genre that unites soul music and Hip Hop, with rhythmic and rap
bases. It was a genre of transition, which opened the doors to the public to the
sounds of R & B and Hip Hop today.

As a result of this style a multitude of dance steps are born that are placed
in clubs and discotheques, and from there is born the so-called Hype, which is
also a form of expression of hip hop.

https://youtu.be/r34YEqw8Y-w

5. Krumping

Krumping is originally from California. It is characterized for being a free

dance where the movements are more abrupt and strong. It is generally
represented in competitions. The music of this style is very essential as it marks
the rhythm and expression of the dancer.
https://youtu.be/MQiP8pGbu5o

6. New Style

Due to the evolution of hip hop in the 90s, its great success on stage and its
new musical trends that generated great interest from the press and television,
was created the new style of dance qualified New School called New Style (New
York) and L.A Style (Los Angeles). The New style is characterized by the
combination of elements of the main styles such as Jazz, Indian, African and any
other dance style.

Improvisations and floor positions are left aside and choreographed and
synchronized sequences predominate. Generally represented in music videos
and shows, concerts, advertisements and other media events.

https://youtu.be/QYJ8mDH0uQI

7. Jazz- Funk

Jazz Funk combines elements of Hip Hop, Jazz and Waaking. It is a dance
genre that allows you to dance madly and fiercely.

The choreographies of Jazz Funk have a highly syncopated musicality,

involve intricate movements and are danced with much femininity.

https://youtu.be/5egl3lfP5HY
 LAVILLA LAVILLA LAVILLA

3. STREETDANCE

Street dance is a type of dance genre that came to being outside the
traditional dance studio. Street dance is often performed in open and outdoor spaces
such as streets, dance parties and parks.

Street dance, also informally referred to as street, is an umbrella term which

encompasses a range of dance styles characterised by descriptions such as hip hop,
funk and breakdancing. Its eclectic nature has spawned a whole new street dance
lexicon, including terms such as popping, locking, waving and krumping..

History of Street Dance

Street dance evolved during the 1970s outside dance studios in any available
open space. This includes streets, dance parties, block parties, parks, school yards,
raves, and nightclubs. This is partly because African American and Latino people
who created the style were generally not accepted into dance studios because of
their race. A significant feature of street dance is that it was historically a dance of
young people offering a sense of freedom and giving a 'voice' to unrepresented
communities.

Due to the mix of styles within street dance, its origin can’not be traced to one
precise area, however, America is the birthplace of most street styles. Breakdance
originated in the Bronx in New York City while popping and locking developed during
the 1970s funk era in California, USA. Clogging, which evolved in the streets and
factories of Northern England in the mid-19th century, is an early form of street
dance.

JUMILLA JUMILLA JUMILLA

4. TANGO

Tango dance is one the most famous partner dances that emphasizes
the vibrant and playful style of movement, rich expressions, improvisation and
requires close connection and passion between dancers.

Tango, also referred to as the "Dance of Love", is a passionate and

dramatic dance. It's a dialogue between partners, an expressive form of
communication through movements.

History of Tango
 The history of tango can be traced all the way back to 18th century Argentina
where a mix of influences brought by European immigrants, South American natives
and dances of former African slaves in their candombe ceremonies brought the rise
of the new type of partner dance that was practiced almost exclusively by poor and
lower class. The popularity of this dance grew at a steady pace, especially in the
lower-class districts of the cities such as Buenos Aires and Montevideo (Uruguay). It
is important to mention that several types of tango dance existed then, with only one
of them managing to find wide popularity outside of the lower class (in a dance that
is today referred as tango criollo or authentic tango).

The origin of the word “tango” comes from the words tango/tambo which was
used in the region around the basin of River Plata to describe the musical gatherings
of slaves. With this term started being used for more types of musical gatherings, it
eventually becomes a synonym of the popular tango dance. The earliest written
record of the word tango comes from the year 1789, in a colonial government
proclamation that attempted to ban these musical gatherings.

EPIDRO EPIDRO EPIDRO

Most popular types of Tango dances:

 Ballroom tango - The most famous international version of tango, that

originated from Europe and managed to become famously simplified tango
style that is used in competitions. The American version of this dance is used
only as an ordinary social dance.
 Salon tango (Tango de salon) - Not a specific tango style per se, but a
tango that was first played in dance halls of Buenos Aires during the Golden
Age of Tango (1935-1952).
 Argentine tango (Tango canyengue) - One of the original types of tango
that contains all the fundamental elements of the 19th-century traditional
Argentine tango styles.
 Tango nuevo (Nuevo tango) - Developed in the 1980s, this new tango style
is distinguished by complex moves, and the mix of jazz, electronic, alternative
or techno-tinged inspired elements. Many see Tango nuevo as a mix of tango
music and electronica.
 Finnish tango - Rise of the popularity of tango in Finland in after First World
War brought the development of new tango style that promotes contact
dance, horizontal movements and low standing stance that features no
kicking or aerials.
 Uruguayan tango - Very old type of tango, developed at the same time as
earliest Buenos Aires tango styles. Today, Uruguayan tango consists of
 several sub-styles and can be danced with several types of music
(Tango, Milonga, Vals, and Candombe).
 Tango apilado - Close embrace tango which is best danced on a crowded
dance floor.
 Show tango - Argentinian version of the theatrical tango that is danced on a
stage.

All tango styles are practiced using one of the two types of embraces between lead
and follow dances:

 Open embrace - Lead and follow are dancing with open space between their
bodies
 Close embrace - Practiced either with chest-to-chest embrace (used in
traditional Argentine tango) or more loose upper thigh, hip area (common in
international and American tango)

Basic steps

Tango is a walking dance, meaning that all the steps are based on walking.

Tango is danced in a closed position, usually closer than in other dances. The
man's left hand is holding the lady's right hand. His right hand is placed on her back,
along the bottom of her ribcage. The lady's left hand is placed on his right shoulder.
You always bent your knees. Remember, this dance is the most bent of all the
ballroom dances.

The lead and follow mirror each others steps. The lead begins with the left
foot, the follow with the right. Walks usually curve gradually to the left.

Basic Steps for Men

1. Step forward with your left foot

2. Step forward with your right foot
passing the left foot
3. Step forward again with your left foot
this time passing the right foot
4. Step forward and to the right with your
right foot
5. Left foot close to right foot
Basic Steps for Women

1. Step back with your right foot

2. Step back with your left foot passing the right foot
3. Step back again with your right foot this time passing the left foot
4. Step back and to the left with your left foot
5. Right foot close to left foot

References:

https://reference.jrank.org/fitness/Zumba.html

https://www.foreverfit.in/aerobics-reinvented-zumba/

https://www.pinkvilla.com/lifestyle/health-fitness/new-zumba-begin-
these-5-simple-steps-dance-your-way-fitness-588034

https://www.piedmont.org/living-better/7-health-benefits-of-zumba

https://www.steezy.co/posts/what-is-hip-hop-dance

http://www.dancefacts.net/tango/tango-dance/

https://iconcollective.edu/hip-hop-history/

https://www.howcast.com/guides/1082-how-to-do-street-dance-moves