Bolero

The romantic Bolero is the slowest of the Latin dances. It combines controlled movement with dramatic expression of the music.

History:

The Bolero has the same Afro-Cubn roots as the Rumba and is thought to have originated from Cuban or spanish folk dances such as Danzon and Beguine.

Music:

The Bolero is usually played in 4/4 time and its tempo is slower than that of the Rumba. While Rumba music is very rhythmical, the lyrical Bolero sounds more like a Latin Ballad.

Characteristics:

The Bolero has some different characteristics from its Cuban relative the Rumba. Its long sweeping side steps and use of rise and fall create a softness that makes this dance unique among the Rhythm dances. The expanding and contracting dance position makes a very dramatic and romantic statement.

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
Perfidia - Nat King Cole
Sin Excusas Ni Rodeos - Julio Iglesias
From Here to Eternity - Frank Sinatra

Additional Dance Pages

[List of Dances] [Bolero] [Cha Cha] [Fox Trot] [Hustle] [Jitterbug] [Mambo] [Merengue] [Rumba] [Salsa] [Samba] [Swing] [Tango] [Viennese Waltz] [Waltz] [West Coast Swing] [Home]