History of the Bolero
Like so many dances that evolved in the Caribbean and in Cuba, Bolero has roots in the Rumba. It is a Spanish-American dance with a very slow Rumba-style rhythm. Traditionally associated with romantic Spanish love songs, the Bolero is not only a sensuous dance of love, but also a style of song very popular today in Spanish speaking communities.
About the Dance
While it is not one of the first dances a beginner learns, it is one of the most popular amongst more advanced dancers. Bolero combines the closed from found in Smooth and Standard styles of dance, but the common figures found in rumba. The step patterns are more similar to oldest International Rumba figures, than any other dance, which makes it unique amongst the American Style Dances.
Recommended Music List for Beginners
- Venecia Sin Ti, Diego Verdaguer
- Casi Un Bolero, Ricky Martin
- Besame Mucho, Andrea Bocelli
- You’ll Never Find Another Love, Michael Buble
- Alma Mia, Luz Casal
- Cada Vez y Cada Vez, Jose Jose
- Somos Novios, Fabio Peraita
- Bolero Elusivo, American Style 1
- From Here to Eternity, Englebert Humperdink
- Que Pena Me Da, Pandora