17 The habanera as a 'home base'

COURSE: Latin Blues Volume 1

FOCUS: This lesson focuses on using the Habanera rhythm as a home base while exploring other musical instruments and rhythms in Latin Blues, encouraging dancers to leave and return to it for variety.

TIP & TRICKS:

• Think of the Habanera as your basic step or home base during the dance.
• Practice leaving the Habanera rhythm to interact with other instruments like drums or piano.
• Incorporate breaks in the music into your dance movements for excitement.
• Use step touches or walking steps as alternatives to the basic Habanera rhythm.
• Experiment with the slow, quick, quick pattern of the Habanera as a foundation.

REMEMBER:

• The Habanera is not the only rhythm; listen for other instruments to enhance your dance.
• Dancing involves adapting to various musical elements beyond the double bass.
• Use the Habanera as a reference point to return to after exploring other rhythms.
• Avoid doing the basic step continuously; vary your movements with the music.
• Pay attention to melodic instruments and vocals for dynamic expression in dance.