Style is learned by emulating our instructors, other dancers, or family members. Each individual will develop his/her own dance style when stimulated by music, mood, colors, clothing, accessories, ambiance etc.
Now, that you have mastered the footwork, it is time to add some style or body language to your dancing. Style can be poise, balance, arm-positions, handhold, shaping, or eye contact. I will briefly discuss awareness of hand and arm movement. There are many world dances that use hands and arms to tell a story. That will not be the case today.
Imagine standing in front of a tall clock with your back to it. The 12 is above your head, the 6 is below your feet, and your hands rotate much like the hands of a clock. Practice the following example:
RHYTHM: CHA CHA
FIGURE:
CUCARACHA TIMING:1,2,3/&,4;
Starting position: Butterfly, without holding
partners' hands
| Timing | Footwork | Arm Work |
| 1 | left | left arm is lifted between 2 & 1 O'clock elbow & arm slightly flex, shoulder is relaxed, palm facing down right arm remains extended at 9 O'clock |
| 2 | right | left arm points to 12 O'Clock elbow & arm slightly flex, shoulder is relaxed (make sure arm is never behind your head) palm facing out right arm remains extended at 9 O'clock |
| 3 | left | wrist rotates right to face in arm is brought down in front of face right arm remains extended at 9 O'clock & right arm in front of chest (arm & shoulder are curve and relaxed as if holding a beach ball) right arm remains extended at 9 O'clock |
| 4 | left | from elbow rotate arm (clockwise) back to 3 0'clock palm facing down |
Second stage will be the blending of hand and arm movements. Gradually adding hip actions and simply stated "strut the whole body through space", but the movements should be natural to yourself.
Third stage is body awareness. Allow yourself to be stimulated by your senses. It is Free! Fun! and Non taxable!
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