The romantic Bolero is the slowest of the Rhythm dances. It combines controlled movement with dramatic expression of the music.
History:
Bolero is a term used to describe several forms of music and dance. The oldest version appears to be the Spanish Bolero originating in the 1780's, danced to 3/4 time music and related to Fandango. The Bolero that is danced by ballroom dance enthusiasts today appears to have evolved from the Cuban Bolero. The Cuban Bolero was named after its Spanish counterpart but shares basically no similarity and is related more to the
Rumba and
Mambo through its musical and historical associations.
The first Bolero music in the Cuban tradition was written in 1883, called "Tristezas", by Pepe Sanchez.
This lyrical type of music, sometimes with sophisticated harmonies, came to incorporate popular romantic poetry of the day. It was not widely played in the United States until the 1930's when the American public began to be fascinated with Latin rhythms including the Rumba and the Beguine (a similar music from the West Indies) as well.
Since that time the romantic ballads of the Bolero tradition have become a permanent part of both Latin and English language pop music genres. Today the Bolero is known as the "dance of love" in the American Rhythm style and is danced in professional competition in that division.
Music:
The Bolero is played in 4/4 time and its tempo is slower than that of both the International and American Styles of Rumba, approximately 24bpm (bars per minute). While Rumba music is strongly rhythmical, the Bolero is more lyrical and melodic than this and is usually performed in the emotional style of a latin ballad.
Characteristics:
The basic step is comprised by forward and back rocking steps alternating and steps to each side. It is the same basic step as Mambo and International Style Rumba. The basic count used is SQQ (Slow, Quick, Quick) and is commenced with a side step on count '1' in the music.
The Bolero is characterized by long sweeping side steps and slight use of rise and fall creating a smoothness that makes this dance unique among the Rhythm and Latin dances. At a certain stage of learning it is a great dance for developing an advanced partnership connection.
Bolero is known as an advanced dancer's dance and takes considerable skill to master. It can be danced as a social dance by the advanced dancer but is definitely not a dance for someone who wants to 'blend in' on the dance floor as it is a dance that will virtually always 'stand out' on the floor.
The exaggerated expanding and contracting dance position of the Bolero makes a very dramatic and romantic statement. At it's highest level Latin hip action similar to Rumba is incorporated with the lyrical feel along with exaggerated 'rippling' body actions creating a romantic yet sexy effect.
Teaching Elements:
- Rise & Fall--Learn grace and poise through balance
- Lead & Follow--Develop arm and hand connections
- Timing--Learn the control necessary for slow music
- Arm Styling--Create contrasting speed of arms and hands
- Footwork--Develop the use of knees and ankles to create soft movement
- Compare/Contrast--Waltz, Rumba, Tango
Bolero songs and artists include:
- Con Los Anos Que Me Quedan - Gloria Estefan
- Why - Annie Lennox
- Sin Excusas Ni Rodeos - Julio Iglesias
- From Here to Eternity - Frank Sinatra
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