When people ask me what my favorite dance is, I always reply, “All of the dances I teach are my favorite! That’s why I teach them all. I can’t choose one.” But as I sit here ready to write about Latin House (aka Salsa House) I immediately smile — I want to turn the music on and dance! To me, House music fills you up – body and soul. It makes you want to move! If you’re new to House music, here is my playlist.
I grew up dancing and learning from some of the best House dancers out there and I instantly fell in love. It feels good. It’s high energy but smooth; it’s expressive; it’s joyful. It’s freedom. Ahh, I could go on and on…
The Case For Latin House + A Fun Salsa Combo To Try At Home
When I moved into the Latin Ballroom world, I was sad to leave House dancing behind. My Latin dance training was super extensive and strict. I had to focus. But, fast forward to 2018 — I was no longer training or teaching in Ballroom Dance. I wanted my Salsa students to experience House. I encouraged them to go to the House dance party that was happening at the studio.
“We don’t know how to do House dance!” they whined.
“House is a freestyle dance where you can do whatever you want. In fact, you can do Salsa to House music!” I enthusiastically told them. After that, I knew I’d have to have a class where I taught them Salsa accompanied by House Music and the dance “Magalenha” was born! I hadn’t realized how joining two of my favorite dances would be so exciting and fun. I hadn’t realized how similar the two actually were. I had no idea how much this class was going to take off and become one of my most popular classes.
So there it was — the first (of many) Latin House Classes and Combos I ever taught! I hope you love it as much as my students and I do.
Remember to just let go, free your body and your mind. Enjoy the uplifting music and allow your body to react to it. You will feel worked, you will sweat and you will be smiling. Some Latin Dance ‘rules’ still remain the same: Stay forward on the balls of your feet, soft knees, small steps and Latin body movement (hips, ribs, arms), but mostly I want you to have fun and let me know how it went in the comments.
Start Here: Follow-Along Dance Cardio
Want a full dance class experience? Start with my follow-along video and drill all the moves with me. Then, move on to the second video where we put all of over newly learned moves together into a routine. Finish with the last video where we dance it out together to “Magalenha” by Mi Casa!
Featured Outfit: Joggers l Similar Bra l Sneakers
Learn The Routine: “Magalenha” Choreo Tutorial
In my choreo tutorial, we piece each step together. You may notice that we do it over and over again to get it in our muscle memory. This high-energy choreography will get your heart pumpin’. Ready?
Featured Outfit: Joggers l Similar Bra l Sneakers
Dance It Out: “Magalenha” Choreo Combo
You drilled it, you learned it, now let’s dance it out with the choreo combo. This song is one of my favorites, and we’ll keep dancing this combo throughout the whole 5-minute song!! No rest, no stopping — keep moving until the end. We’ll separate each run with the Salsa Basic, but feel free to freestyle any way you want. Have fun!
Featured Outfit: Joggers l Top l Sneakers
I hope you enjoyed Latin House as much as I do. Do you want more like this? Let me know in the comments below. Until next time, find me on The Mom Edit’s Youtube channel!
xox,
Laurel
Hey, Pinners…
