Traditional Latin Folkdance vs. Ballroom Latin Dance
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Latin dance has its roots in different cultures, not just within the South American continent, but also in Europe and Africa. Over the centuries there have been many Latin dances that have garnered fame and popularity across the world. Some have drawn their movements from ballroom dancing, others from indigenous religious dance, and sometimes a blend of multiple influences. These often colorful and exotic dances reflect the life and love of the people and have become celebrated in all sorts of ways including in popular music videos, as part of carnival performances, dance competitions, and much more. Each dance has its distinct steps, the tempo of the music, and Latin dance costumes that are used to bring out the performers' passion, emotion, and reverence.
Generally, the indigenous and African influences are considered the most dominant when considering the roots of Latin American dancing. Latin Ballroom takes from the traditional Latin folk dances and makes them upright, replaces improvisation with choreography, and includes tricks and flips but remains an amalgamation of different cultures and the life experiences of Latin people, their history and remains a beautiful means of expressing, remembering, and cherishing their past. Latin dances are however more than just a commemoration of the past. They are an opportunity to be in the moment with your dance partner, taking pleasure in celebrating this art form, be it in a formal or informal setting.
Ingrid Díaz Céspedes
Born and raised in Cuba, Ingrid holds a BFA in Afro-Cuban, Modern and Contemporary Dance from the Cuban National School of Art, and a master’s degree in Afro-Cuban Dance from the Cuban National Institute of Art. Ingrid is also a graduate of the School of Ballet Creole in Toronto and Decidedly Jazz Danceworks’ Professional Training Program.
Ingrid has developed her work as an independent artist, performed as a guest artist with various companies such as Nafro Dance, COBA, Danza Corpus, and the South African Musical Umoja, and has been a company member of Three Left Feet Movement Creations, Ballet Creole and the National Afro-Cuban Dance Company. With over twenty years of professional experience as a choreographer, performer, and instructor Ingrid continues to work with prestigious dance schools and companies both in Cuba and Canada. Since 2019, Ingrid has been a sessional instructor for The School of Creative and Performing Arts of the University of Calgary and is currently the Dance School Principal and Director of Decidedly Jazz Danceworks’ Professional Training Program.