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.

In Finland competitions take place mainly under the Latino Show title. Only adults 1 and adults 2 age categories compete in both Latino Show and Caribbean Show series. In these two age categories, Latinos Show competition accepts pieces based on international dance sports Latin-American dances (samba, cha-cha, rumba, paso doble, jive), whereas in Caribbean Show only pieces based on authentic dance styles and rhythms from the Caribbean are accepted. In other age categories dancers can compete in any Latin dance style or rhythm and any Latin style or rhythm combination.

A Latino Show piece can be based on either one dance style and rhythm or it can be a combination of multiple dance styles and rhythms or multiple songs. The music can be of authentic Latin music style or any other style. If the music is not clearly Latin style or in the spirit of it, the movement of the choreography must clearly be based on Latin style usage of the body and tie the piece to Latino Show. Using different show dance techniques in the choreographies is recommended, but not mandatory. The main focus in the style of movement must be Latin style movement.

Different Latin dance styles use same kind of movement, steps and rhythm. For example, steps such as cucaracha, botafogo and volta, which all have standardized steps in ballroom dancing, are generally used in almost all Latin dance styles. Also, all couple’s dance styles use similar movement and patterns. It is a strength in Latino Show competitions that each dance style implements movement, steps and rhythm true to their own characteristics, and it is not the aim of the competition to value one characteristic style over another.

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 evaluation of Latino Show pieces takes account the general impression of the performance, choreography, quality of dance, and the thought and personality behind the performance. The name, music, choreography, outfits and props of the piece must be in line and support the chosen theme of the performance. The performance can include acrobatic movement, lifts and other theatrical elements as well as small props. The outfits can be African, Caribbean or Carnival style, for instance, or other types of outfits that suit the performance. The judges evaluate the piece in relation to the technique chosen by the performers and to the other pieces in the competition in each round.

Latino Show is a form of competition that excellently suits dancers of different Latin styles: salsa, couple’s dance, ballroom dance, balatino and other solo styles. The discipline offers the opportunity to use one’s skills and to get new kind of performance and competition experience. Latino show brings variety and diversity into practicing dance and also teaches teamwork. The discipline also opens up a chance for solo dancers to compete, as a small group can consist of only women, for instance.

Latino Show brings the authentic Latin dances into modern times in diverse form – respecting traditions, reaching towards new things.

Caribbean Show competition series welcomes all dance styles based on authentic dance styles and rhythms from the Caribbean, such as salsa, bachata, merengue, reaggaeton, son or any Latin dance style.

A Caribbean Show piece can be structured on one dance style and rhythm or it can combine multiple dance styles and rhythms or multiple songs. The music can be either authentic Latin music or any type of music that is in the spirit of Latin music. The choreography can be based on dancing solo or dancing mainly with a partner or a combination of the two. The usage of different show dance techniques in the choreographies is allowed, but not mandatory. The main focus in the style of movement must be Latin style movement.

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 evaluation of Caribbean Show pieces takes into account the general impression of the performance, the choreography, the quality of dancing, and the thought and personality behind the performance. The name, music, choreography, outfits and props of the piece must cohere and support the chosen theme of the performance. The performance can include acrobatic movement, lifts and other theatrical elements as well as small props. The outfits can be African, Caribbean or Carnival style, for instance, or other types of outfits that suit the performance. The judges evaluate the piece in relation to the technique chosen by the performers and to the other pieces in the competition in each round.

Caribbean Show is a form of competition that excellently suits dancers of different Latin styles: salsa, couple’s dance, ballroom dance, balatino and other solo styles. The discipline brings variety and diversity into practicing dance and also teaches one to work in a team. The discipline also opens up a chance for solo dancers to compete, as a small group and consist of only women or men, for instance.

Latin Style series offer the dancers a quick way and a low threshold to take part in dance competitions if they already have some experience in Latin dances. The discipline is based on dance sport’s standardized Latin dances and in Finland dancers can initially compete on solos in one (jive) and on duos in two disciplines (samba and cha-cha).

The competition is executed in a dance sport form, as the duos dance at the same time to music chosen by the organizer.

The evaluation takes into account the general impression and choreography of the performance. In addition, the evaluation is based on the level of technical skill and especially mastering the basic rhythms clearly.

A good Latin Style performance has:

high-quality dancing
strong rhythmics and interpretation of music
a functional choreography
varied usage of movement, space and patterns
a strong mutual chemistry and lively expression of the dancers/dancer
a carefully finished and well put-together performance

This new competition category is suitable especially for non-couple dancers from dance sport clubs or dance studios’ and schools’ who are specialized in dance sports. Likewise, the discipline suits all dancers who go to, for example, Latino Show or Bailatino classes and want to challenge themselves by rehearsing for a competition in a more goal-directed way whilst gaining experience in performing!

Synchro Dance is an easily approachable form of competition that offers a low threshold to take part in a dance competition.

Competitors in Synchro Dance can take part with any dance style or rhythm. In Synchro Dance, the dancers dance the same movements together, in the same formation, in as simultaneous and uniform fashion as possible during the entire performance. Even canons or mirroring movement are not permitted. Movement in the space is permitted and recommendable for the formation as long as the formation maintains the form. Only at the end of the performance, during the last 20 seconds, formation and places can be changed to create a final climax.

A Synchro Dance choreography can entail one or multiple dance styles and rhythms and there are no restrictions on the tempo. Lifts, acrobatic movements and props are not permitted.

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.