Jodi & Armando (Mondi)
Prepare to Dance: Tutorials
The Second Line
A New Orlean's Celebration Dance
Jodi is originally from New Orleans- The Big Easy! Second-lines are a popular tradition among New Orleans weddings. It signifies the beginning of a new life together. No fancy footwork is required, just energy and a napkin or parasol. Big brass music with a little pep in your step. Check out this video for a little preview- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJxvr85wbVU
The Hora
A Traditional Jewish Group Dance
To start the dance, everybody forms a circle, holding hands or interlocking arms behind their backs or on their shoulders and steps forward toward the right with the left foot, then follows with the right foot. The left foot is then brought back, followed by the right foot. This is done while holding hands and circling together in a fast and cheerful motion to the right. Large groups allow for the creation of several concentric circles. it is customary for strong men or women to to raise the bride and groom on a chair during the hora. Check it out here: https://www.interfaithfamily.com/blog/lifecycles/dance-the-hora-how-to-do-the-jewish-wedding-dance/
Bachata
Traditional Dominican Dance Style
Armando (Mondi) is from the Dominican Republic. Bachata is a genre of Latin American music that originated in the Dominican Republic in the first half of the 20th century with European, Indigenous and African musical elements. It is danced widely all over the world but not identically. The basics to the dance are three-step with a Cuban hip motion, followed by a tap including a hip movement on the 4th beat. The knees should be slightly bent so you can sway the hips easier. The movement of the hips is very important because it’s a part of the soul of the dance. Generally, most of the dancer’s movement is in the lower body up to the hips; the upper body moves much less. Check out this video for a bachata tutorial to learn the basic steps: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bq4kKkeRSyM
Merengue
Traditional Dominican Dance Style
Merengue is a style of Dominican music and dance. Partners hold each other in a closed position. Partners bend their knees slightly left and right, thus making the hips move left and right. The hips of the leader and follower move in the same direction throughout the song. Partners may walk sideways or circle each other, in small steps. They can switch to an open position and do separate turns without letting go each other's hands or releasing one hand. Merengue rhythm- Although the tempo of the music may be frenetic, the upper body is kept majestic and turns are slow, typically four beats/steps per complete turn. To learn the basic steps of the meringue, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daaHi0jtHlw