Salsa Dance as it Demonstrates nonverbal imagry

Salsa is a dance that is deeply rooted in the Latin culture and expressed physically in its movements and one’s individual take on the dance. This type of dance, more than most others, can be seen as a nonverbal form of discourse through which each dancer must communicate with his or her partner without words but through his or her movements, actions, and facial expressions. According to Cynthia Harper, UCLA Salsa instructor, contemporary dance as seen on the dance floor can also be viewed as an “evolution of emotion, movement, and technique expressed on the dance floor.” (Interview 11/10/03) These three aspects, combined together, need to be translated into words and verbal discourse. The lead needs to communicate to the follow and in turn the follow needs to respond to the lead. Through their body language, dancers communicate to each other in a way that allows not only other dancers but also the audience to observe and interpret each gesture on the dance floor as a signal of communication.

Dancers use their bodies to communicate with each other, using their hands and eyes in place of their mouths. Since dancers don’t have a chance to speak to each other while th

The advanced dancers knew exactly what type of dress to wear and what would best make them stand out as the center of attention. This style of dress was influenced by traditional Latin skirts and blouses and knowledge of helped the more experienced dancers know what to wear. The one woman we observed was wearing bright clothes that “accentuated her movements” making her the focus of attention. However, all the dancers came to look good and to be seen on the dance floor. On the floor style of dress can be seen as a form of communication that expresses this attitude of competition. By dressing up in fancy clothing the advanced woman was able to hold the attention of the audience. The style of dress each person wore said something about the way the dancer wanted to be seen.

The Salsa floor is a unique community because there is always someone who will dance with you no matter what your skill level. If they realize that you are a beginner they may start teaching you some moves or let you know about a class they are teaching. Even then they will teach you moves that are your level so they still make you look good on the dance floor. (Cynthia Harper)

In addition to the nonverbal discourse of gestures and movements, visual discourse is displayed in the style of dress of the Salsa dancers. Style of dress reflects the influence of Latin culture on the dance and is used as yet another means of communication between the dancers through which each dancer can express his or her own personal style and attitude. On the dance floor at Steven’s there was an apparent difference in the style of dress between the advanced and less advanced dancers.

With the massive spread of popularity and the mainstream commercialism Salsa dancing has been molded to every different “walk” of life. Even though the Latin ideals still link the dancer to the past, each new community brings something distinct to the dance. Salsa dancers adapt the culture to new environments while retaining some of their traditional ideals and values because those ideals are based on acceptance of new influences.

The couple had their eyes focused on each other at all times not looking away for even a second. Their eyes were serious and their brows were wrinkled with concentration. Right before a certain sequence of steps that were about to take place the dancers would exchange looks. (field notes 11/04/03)

Some topics in this essay:
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