Latino Show

The division functions as the board’s link to both the dance schools and those who dance Latin show. The division strives to develop and further Latin show in varied ways with an aim to promote and increase the appreciation of different Latin dances. Diversity and respecting the traditions of Latin dance are integral to all developmental work. However, curiosity towards everything new, functioning as a pioneer and approaching fresh and divergent views with a constructive attitude are especially important. The division builds different forms of collaboration with dance actives both in Finland and abroad. The division communicates in different ways with the Latin show dancers, teachers as well as choreographs whilst showing a keen interest on their developmental ideas and wishes.

The Latino Show competitions are open to dances based on standard Latin dance techniques such as samba, cha-cha, rumba, paso doble and jive.

A Latino Show piece can be based on a single dance or rhythm, or it can combine several dance or rhythms or several pieces of music. The music can be either authentic Latin or any other style of music.

The use of other dance techniques in the choreography is allowed, but the main emphasis of the movement must remain on the Latin movement language.

Acrobatic movements and the use of props are allowed, but the work may be an integral whole without the above-mentioned effects. Non-dance elements must be a legitimate and integral part of the work in order to enhance its value.

The aim is to create a complete work in which the different aspects of 3D assessment (technique, composition, expression) form a whole that supports the communication of the theme or idea of the work.

A good Latino Show piece has:

high-quality dancing
a functional choreography
varied usage of movement, space and figures.
music that is carefully mixed and chosen.
dress and prop choices that can be justified as well as an articulate story or a continuity that can be distinguished in the movement.

The richness of Latino Show competitions is the variety of different Latino styles, each presented in its own characterization, and the competition is not intended to judge one characteristic style as superior to another.

The Latino Show is a form of competition that is ideal for those who have practiced a variety of Latin dances: competitive dancers, salsa dancers, ballroom dancers, ballroom dancers or any other single dance style. It's a way to build on your skills while gaining a new experience of performing and competing. The Latino show adds variety and versatility to your training and teaches you how to work as a team. It also gives unpaired dancers the opportunity to train with more focus, compete and gain performance experience.

There are no separate Latino Show and Caribbean Show competition classes for each competition series. In that case, Latino Show is a fusion class, where you can enter both Latino Show and Caribbean Show.

The Caribbean Show competition series welcomes all authentic Caribbean dance styles and rhythms, including salsa, bachata, merengue, son, reggaeton and other Caribbean dance styles.

A Caribbean Show can be based on a single dance genre and rhythm, or it can combine several dance genres and rhythms or several pieces of music. The music can be either authentic Latin or any other style of music.

The use of other dance techniques in the choreography is allowed, but the main emphasis of the movement must remain on the Latin movement language.

A good Caribbean show performance has:

high-quality dancing
a functional choreography
varied usage of movement, space and patterns
music that is carefully mixed and chosen.
dress and prop choices that can be justified and an articulate story or a continuity that can be distinguished in the movement.

The Caribbean Show is a form of competition that is ideal for those who have practised various types of Latin dance: competitive dancers, salsa dancers, ballroom dancers, ballroom dancers or any other single dance discipline. It's a way to build on your skills while gaining a new experience of performing and competing. The Latino show adds variety and versatility to your training and teaches you how to work as a team. It also gives unpaired dancers the opportunity to train with more focus, compete and gain performance experience.

Latin Style is based on the standard Latin American dances of dance sport, and in Finland, there are five solo (samba, cha-cha, rumba, paso doble, jive) and two duo (samba, cha-cha) competitions. In the Latin Style competition, judges are seated around the competition floor and the judging is done using a tick and skating method.

The judging will take into account the dancers'

rhythm and musical interpretation
technical competence
performance and expression
chemistry and cooperation between the dancers
variety of choreography and use of space
coherence and synchronicity (duos)

The competition takes the form of a dance sport competition, with competitors dancing simultaneously or in batches to music chosen by the organisers. The costumes and shoes are also similar to those used in competitive dancing. There are no photo restrictions.

This series of competitions is particularly suitable for unpaired dancers from dance sport clubs and dance studios/schools specialising in dance sport. It is also suitable for all dance school students who attend classes such as Latino Show or Bailatino and want to challenge their hobby by practising more purposefully for the competition and gain performance experience!

In Synchro dance, you can compete in any dance style or rhythm. In synchro dancing, the dancers dance the same moves, in the same formation, as harmoniously and simultaneously as possible, throughout the performance. Even canons or mirroring of movements are not allowed. Movement of the formation on the dance floor is permitted and encouraged. Directions may be used so that the dancer turns in place without changing formation or position in the formation. During the last 20 seconds of the dance, it is permissible to change formations and positions for the final climax.

Synchro Dance choreography may include one or more dance styles and rhythms and there are no time limits. No lifts or acrobatics are allowed, and the use of props is prohibited.

A good Synchro Dance performance has:

high-quality dancing
a functional choreography
diverse movement and resourceful use of space
carefully chosen and mixed music
dress and prop choices that can be justified and an articulate story or a continuity that can be distinguished in the movement.

The discipline is easily approachable for, for example, dance teachers who have not prepared stage choreographies before and are therefore a little timid to take part in competition categories or competitions that require a dance piece which increasingly conforms to the limits and rules of the stage. This type of choreography does not require a huge input timewise but is quickly rehearsed. The competition form offers beginner’s level dancers a great path to learn how to dance in a group. However, this style does not let the dancers off easy as a group dancing well in a synchronized fashion requires diligent rehearsing to achieve a polished performance.

Synchro Dance competitions are popular especially amongst dancers of different Latin Dances, but the discipline also suits for example disco dancers and dancers of street dance. There are no restrictions when it comes to genres, thought, so the competition can potentially serve quite a selection of different dance styles!

Latino Show department

Latino Show

Caribbean show

Latin style

Synchro Dance (not depending on discipline)

More information about series marked with Open at FDO Mix page.