Breaking New Ground

This entire blogosphere has been a puzzle from the beginning and that what makes it so interesting. It is a puzzle of my own creation and much of it unknown in the world of dance. The hits are still pretty erratic due to regular readers, seeking readers, search engines and scam spam robot hits. I have no choice but to set up my spreadsheet and make sure my key column is the Average Hits Per Day. I also include one other outside blog that has a counter.

"Beginners have their imaginations and their memories of walking, running and

romping all over the place. They can trust their feet, no need to look at them

to see if they are doing it right. They just dance.”

Latin music and dance in its present form has existed in Latin America for over a hundred years. The exact names and meanings vary throughout the Caribbean. And the true Latin music and dance beginnings come from the Indian civilizations in Mexico from two millenniums back. There have been many modifications from Spanish influence in the 1500s and 1600s. Later from the descendants of third and fourth generation Negro slaves in the Caribbean.

"Begin The Beguine" by Artie Shaw

Real interest in Latin music in the United States began in the twenties of the last century as a result of increased American Tourism to Latin America. In 1930, the depression just starting, "The Peanut Vender" was introduced and America suddenly became aware of Latin music as a source of dance numbers. And in the thirties, the band formed by Xavier Cugat specialized in Latin-American music. The discovery of the rich Latin music by the American Big Bands made a big explosion in the 40s especially during the War Years.

"Yes, the old cliches still apply - people are what count - life is precious - materialism

is over rated - the little things matter and live in the moment."