I'm going to get into trouble for this because I don't have permission from Fox to show this. I have been wrting them since it first aired, but with no response. If you know how to get in touch with someone there, please let us know because I feel this needs to be shared.
This is an Afro-Cuban Rhuma routine danced by Ryan and Heidi on "So You Think You Can Dance?", Fox TV, June 28, 2006.
Seeing this had a profound effect on me. I had just about given up on Salsa as being a way to express anything other than fancy patterns (hence, my "Hollywood" style). But Ryan and Heidi, and more importantly choreographer Alex Da Silva, have shown me just how much can be expressed in the dance.
In my old age, I've grown much more interested in communicating and playing with my partner on the dance floor rather than spinning her around endlessly. This video opened up new possibilities for me, and I am eternally grateful.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Rumba-The Dance
Just checked out the video and yes, that is REAL dancing...the historical foundation of salsa. The young man was "putting it down" with the energy and speed of youth, but if you really want to see it done as our ancestors once did it on the continent, you must check out Muneco who has classes at Lula Washington's on Mondays. You've seen him several times either dancing at Tony's events or at festivals putting on an exhibition with Maria Costa. Man, when those two dance, its truly electric and HOT. Because they are not as young, their approach to the dance is aged, mellow, less energetic sensual, almost effortless. Man, you break out in a cold sweat watching the ebb and flow between them.
Folks like Alex de Silva were mentored by Tony on the moves. But, like you know, its one thing learning and doing the moves and quite another thing when those same moves just flow naturally from someplace deep in the recesses of your spirit. Hell, I don't know that dance or even what they call it.....but on some nights when I'm really feeling it (and I'm being inspired by a partner who's off the chain, a real cool captivating beat and I've had my rum and coke), I find myself dropping into a swat and moving the shoulders and arms in that similar fashion. Its almost like "letting go and letting the music invade your spirit and take you where it wants you to go" (man, that sounds so much like a Berkeley LSD trip in the 60's).
I agree with you that there was a "method to Tony's madness" in the way his classes were (and still are) organized. Like you, I kept wandering when we would get past the line dance and into some intricate partner moves. Now, I understand and I am extremely grateful to Tony for teaching us (or me) the way that he did. Though I still consider myself to be a "newbie", I think I can say that "I got it; I truly understand".
And yes, you have come a long way. Instead of putting your partner through the myriad of turns and spins that you have at your disposal - like you used to do, I do see you having more fun and being more playful on the dancefloor. Afterall, isn't that what its all about.