What is Melange?
You may already recognise this dance as 4-Count Swing, 4-Count Hustle or even 2-Hand Salsa of the 1970s. You may also recognise this dance similar to Modern Jive (LeRoc or Ceroc®) This dance takes on the look of whatever music is being played. It’s great for Cruises, Weddings, School Classes, or any other social situation where you need or want easy, quick and FUN dancing.
GSDTA taught this dance form from 1977 through 1980’s under the name 2-Hand Salsa. By 1995, with the return of the popularity of Salsa Music, 2-Hand Salsa no longer fit the Salsa picture. Skippy Blair changed the name to Melange, meaning a “Mixture of Things” in French. Melange is the dance that can resemble Country Swing, Latin or even Hustle.
Melange is a dance that EVERY student wherever possible should know Melange before going on to other more complicated RHYTHM dances. It makes the dancer comfortable in any social situation and also teaches a variety of partner moves that support future learning. The Rhythm Pattern is Double-Double and each new pattern starts with a “Rock Step”. All patterns should be counted through 8.
The simplicity of the dance allows students to concentrate on Centering, Movement, Position Changes, Count and Feeling the Music rather than concentrating on Foot Patterns.
This is one dance that could probably make you the “Life of the Party”. As a man, it is easy to lead non-dancers into this dance, simply be letting them march in place. Melange prepares you for various directions that are used in other dances. Most of all it is a FUN dance that is EASY to learn. It is also a wonderful way to get introduced to partner dancing.
Source: www.swingworld.com
Where can I learn?
Classes starting in Dublin (City Centre) & Wexford in January
Contact: alan@danceclub.ie for more information
4-Count Hustle Clips
4-Count Hustle
4-Count Hustle
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