Paris, the city of romance and art, recently became the stage for a unique and captivating dance collaboration between Clement Maura and Lucie. This talented duo brought to life the beauty of son cubano and the energy of salsa casino in a special video set to the timeless melody of Leoni Torres’ Toda una vida. This project wasn’t just a performance; it was a lesson in rhythm, posture, and the seamless blending of two iconic Cuban dance styles.
The video was created as part of a beginner salsa dance class, where Clement and Lucie aimed to introduce students to the art of alternating between the elegant son cubano tempo (contra-tempo, on 2) and the dynamic energy of casino salsa(dancing on 1). The result was a mesmerizing display of how music and movement can merge to tell a story, with the dancers following the rhythm as their master.
The Beauty of Son Cubano
Son cubano is often referred to as the backbone of Cuban music and dance. It is a style that exudes elegance, with its slower, deliberate tempo and emphasis on marking the music. In son cubano, dancers often pause to acknowledge the rhythm, creating a moment of stillness that highlights the music’s intricate layers.
This dance style is about grace and subtlety. The movements are refined, the posture upright, and the connection between partners is intimate yet poised. It’s a dance that invites the audience to savor every beat and appreciate the storytelling embedded in each step.
Clement and Lucie showcased this beautifully in their video, demonstrating how to embrace the elegance of son cubanowhile staying true to its musicality.
The Energy of Salsa Casino
On the other hand, salsa casino is vibrant, dynamic, and full of life. Danced primarily to timba music, it’s characterized by constant motion, fluid body movements, and intricate footwork. Unlike son cubano, where pauses are used to mark the rhythm, salsa casino emphasizes continuous movement, creating a sense of unending energy.
Clement and Lucie highlighted this contrast by transitioning seamlessly from the poised stillness of son cubano to the lively, flowing steps of salsa casino. Their performance illustrated how these two styles, while distinct, can complement each other when danced with intention and respect for the music.
Playing with Music and Dance - Salsa Casino & Son Cubano
The heart of this project was teaching dancers how to listen to the music and adapt their movements accordingly. Music is always the master, and the dancer follows its lead. In this case, the class focused on how to:
- Switch Between Tempos: Moving from the slower, contra-tempo rhythm of son cubano to the faster, on-1 timing of salsa casino.
- Adjust Posture: In son cubano, the posture is upright and formal, reflecting its elegance. In salsa casino, the posture becomes more relaxed, allowing for freer body movement.
- Mark the Rhythm: In son cubano, dancers pause and mark the music, creating moments of stillness that emphasize the rhythm. In salsa casino, the focus is on continuous movement, with body isolations and spins adding flair.
Clement and Lucie used Toda una vida by Leoni Torres as the soundtrack for their performance, a song that perfectly captures the soulful essence of son cubano while allowing room for the playful energy of salsa casino.
Clement and Lucie highlighted this contrast by transitioning seamlessly from the poised stillness of son cubano to the lively, flowing steps of salsa casino. Their performance illustrated how these two styles, while distinct, can complement each other when danced with intention and respect for the music.
Why We Love Son Cubano?
At Maura Photography, we have a deep appreciation for the elegance of son cubano. Watching this dance is like witnessing a conversation between the dancers and the music. Every pause, every step, every turn is intentional, creating a visual representation of the song’s story.
Clement and Lucie’s video captures this beautifully. Their movements are not just steps; they are expressions of the music’s soul. It’s a reminder that dance is not just about technique but about emotion, connection, and storytelling.
The Art of Blending Dance Styles between Cuban Son And Casino Salsa
One of the most captivating aspects of Clement and Lucie’s performance is how they blend two seemingly different styles into one cohesive dance. This fusion is not about compromising the integrity of either style but about celebrating their unique qualities and finding harmony between them.
In their transitions from son cubano to salsa casino, they demonstrated:
- Musical Awareness: Listening closely to the shifts in the music and adapting their movements accordingly.
- Versatility: Showing how dancers can embody the grace of son cubano one moment and the exuberance of salsa casino the next.
- Connection: Maintaining a strong connection with each other and the music, ensuring that every movement felt natural and authentic.
why understanding the difference between son cubano dance and Salsa casino matters?
This project was more than just a dance video; it was an invitation for others to explore the richness of Cuban dance. By introducing beginners to the fundamentals of son cubano and salsa casino, Clement and Lucie opened the door to a world of rhythm, culture, and connection.
Their performance also serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting the roots of these dance styles. Whether you’re marking the rhythm in son cubano or flowing through the steps of salsa casino, it’s essential to honor the music and the traditions that inspired it.
Clement Maura and Lucie’s video is a testament to the power of dance to bring people together and tell a story. Through their seamless blending of son cubano and salsa casino, they showcased the beauty of Cuban dance and the joy of playing with rhythm and movement.
If you’re a beginner looking to explore the world of Cuban dance, this video is the perfect inspiration. It’s a reminder that dance is not just about steps but about connection—connection to the music, to your partner, and to the moment.
So, turn up the music, let the rhythm guide you, and discover the magic of son cubano and salsa casino.
Dance teacher, music lover and latin dancer!
- Clementhttps://passada.com.au/author/clement/
- Clementhttps://passada.com.au/author/clement/
- Clementhttps://passada.com.au/author/clement/
- Clementhttps://passada.com.au/author/clement/