Matthew David Parker has mastered all the styles of salsa dancing and is now spreading his art and knowledge with students at his very own dance studio, Lafayette Salsa Dance Studio, in Lafayette, Louisiana. Here Matthew David Parker imparts his students with the knowledge of basic step patterns and movements.
Salsa has its roots in different cultures that give it different genres and style formations. The formations mostly get their names from their land of origin. The Los Angeles style is a linear form of salsa using dips and arm movement. There are sensual intricacies which are also revealed in its styling. The Miami style originates from Cuba, and is known for its “Tap & Step” characteristics as its formation includes tap between measures. The famous Rueda style also traces its origins to Cuba. It is a group dance performed to the sound of lively music beats which makes it visually spectacular. The Casino style is more circular in formation and is considered to be one of the more tricky and complex styles. The Puerto Rican style mostly focuses on the footwork aspect of the dance. The mambo originates from New York – it is characterized by the use of body waves, rib cage movement, shimmying, freestyle footwork and shines.
No one style can be considered better or less so to any others. Every dancer has their own form that suits him or her best. Matthew David Parker understands the flexibility of each dancer and trains each student accordingly. In salsa, as they commonly say “to each, their own”.
Salsa has its roots in different cultures that give it different genres and style formations. The formations mostly get their names from their land of origin. The Los Angeles style is a linear form of salsa using dips and arm movement. There are sensual intricacies which are also revealed in its styling. The Miami style originates from Cuba, and is known for its “Tap & Step” characteristics as its formation includes tap between measures. The famous Rueda style also traces its origins to Cuba. It is a group dance performed to the sound of lively music beats which makes it visually spectacular. The Casino style is more circular in formation and is considered to be one of the more tricky and complex styles. The Puerto Rican style mostly focuses on the footwork aspect of the dance. The mambo originates from New York – it is characterized by the use of body waves, rib cage movement, shimmying, freestyle footwork and shines.
No one style can be considered better or less so to any others. Every dancer has their own form that suits him or her best. Matthew David Parker understands the flexibility of each dancer and trains each student accordingly. In salsa, as they commonly say “to each, their own”.
