Latin Dance! - The fun class at Muse by Metinee

Some Background of Latin Dance

Latin dance has originated from traditional dances in indigenous cultures of many countries including Mexico, South America, Central America and the Caribbean. Dance was essential in the community  ritual life in many cultures. Dances were performed during various types of rituals and festivals which created a symbolic representation of many cultural beliefs.
​Latin dance has a rich history rooted in the traditional Latin America. These dances were eventually  influenced Europe and Africa during and after European colonization of Latin America. As society progressed many latin dances were popularized by both musicians and dance companies. Because of the extensive, and rich history,  Latin dances have several different forms.
There are generally two different different categories of latin dance.  One being social Latin dancing, and the other being formal ballroom/Latin dancing.  Within formal Latin dancing there are five specific dances; the cha-cha, jive, paso doble, rumba and samba.  In International Latin or American Latin dance competitions these types of dances are usually performed.
Second, there is social Latin dancing.  Most social Latin dances can be observed in dance clubs, and what most people typically think of when wanting to learn latin dance.  Social latin dances are dances that have originated from Latin American and Caribbean countries.  These dances include (but are not limit to) salsa, bachata, merengue, cha-cha, rumba, and samba. I could write articles based on  each type of dance but right now a general overview will have to do. Popularity of a specific dance is determined by where you are. For example, bachata and merengue are more popular in the Dominican Republic rather than salsa.  Whereas in Cuba, salsa is the most poplar latin dance.  Additionally, salsa is considered the most popular latin dance where bachata is the second most popular. However, popularity is constantly changing. Almost a decade ago, bachata was not as popular as it is today.  And maybe in another ten years from now, a different dance my reign most popular.

My experience with Latin Dance

I took my first Latin Dance Class at Muse by Metinee. I have an extensive background in dance, but I have never done anything close to latin dancing. I have taken 8 years of ballet and about 4-6 years of hiphop, but these dance styles were required during my times as a gymnast. 
For my beginner class at Muse by Metinee the instructor taught us the basics of salsa. We were all beginners so she was really great at taking her time to make sure we were comfortable with the steps and out bodies. The class was two hours longs and about 10minutes into the class I was already sweating. It was an amazing workout and it forced me to focus on my core and balance. Dancing is one of those sports where if you overthink you start to make mistakes. You need to feel the music in your heart and just do what your body wants you to do. You need to relax and go with the flow! 

Why am I taking Latin Dance classes?

As many people may know, I am preparing to compete for Miss Universe Thailand 2022. There is a lot I need to do to prepare for the competition. One of those things is working on confidence, balance, body movement, walking, and overall stage presence. Latin dance classes help in each of these areas. However, the area I struggle most in that these classes are supposed to help me in is my hip movement. I've been a model for over 10 years. Model walking and Pageant walking are very different. Models are more stoic and stiff where as pageant women are more elegant and flowwy. The main reason for this is that models are meant to advertise the close while pageant women are supposed to be presenting themselves. After taking a couple walking classes I quickly discovered that I need help moving my hips more. Hence, presenting latin dancing.