1. USPS Latin Dance Stamps
The US Postoffice issued 4 pretty cool commemorative stamps celebrating Latin dance, one each for salsa, merengue, mambo and cha cha. You can get the stamps, notecards or prints.
You can also get lapel pins (merengue and mambo), a snappy way to identify a heart that beats to dance. A great stocking stuffer.
2. Hollywood Dance Films
It's not surprising that the last 20 years have produced 5 big dance movies, and all of them have been about Latin dance. If your favorite Latin dancer needs inspiration, try one of these to keep the dance fires burning.
Dance With Me Compare Prices
Strictly Ballroom Compare Prices
Shall We Dance?Compare Prices
Dirty Dancing Compare Prices
Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights Compare Prices
3. 'Luis Bravo's Forever Tango' DVD
Watching Argentinean tango danced live is an unforgettable experience although if you're lucky enough to have a great partner, dancing that tango is even better. Luis Bravo's Forever Tango is probably the world's most famous and beloved Argentine Tango ensemble and this year's release of a live concert at Teatro Coliseo Podesta is one that should please your tango-loving giftee.
4. Latin Dance Shoes, Costumes
So, it's time to go for a hot evening of salsa and what do you put on your feet? Well, tennis shoes really don't cut it. I have a trunk full of shoes (for me and friends) that we only use for an evening of salsa. Check out these shoes (and other dance apparel) and see if this is just what your salsa dancer needs.
5. 'The Quick & Dirty Guide To Salsa'
There are a lot of instructional salsa videos out there, but I think this 3-volume set is a really good one. This is not a 'single-dancer' salsa video, it teaches some of the more intricate moves that salsa dancers perform with their partners.
You can get all three videos in a boxed set (link above) or buy one at a time.
Vol 1 (Beginners) Compare Prices
Vol 2 (Intermediate) Compare Prices
Vol 3 (Advanced) Compare Prices
6. Old Salsa Posters
The 1970s and 1980s were the golden age of salsa and while salsa is still with us, it's nice to be reminded of the "good, old days". Take a look at some of these posters and other golden age salsa memoribilia and see if this is the gift that will hit the spot this holiday season.
7. Tango Costumes
Now if your favorite dancer loves the tango, they're going to need that special dress - or shoes, shawls, etc. Here's a place that offers all the special little things that bring joy to a tango lovers heart.
8. 'Tango Lessons With The World's Champion'
Dancing the tango is not too difficult, children learn how to do it in dance class. But learning to do the Argentinean tango is an entirely different matter. Unless a dancer is a native of Argentina, this is a dance who's dramatic,sensuous moves are hardly second nature. That's why a little bit of instruction can go a long way towards making sure that special Latin dancer looks great on the floor.
This instructional DVD provides instruction for both the basic, salon type of dancing as well as ballroom.
9. Flamenco Dancing Accessories
Flamenco is all in the attitude. And there are times that an attitude is easier to assume with a little help from props like castanets, fans, shawls and - of course - the right shoes. Here's a place where you can find all of these props as a special gift for your flamenco dancer.
10. Fabian Perez
This entry is for high-rollers only! The art of Argentinean Fabian Perez is what I want for Christmas (right). His studies of flamenco dancers are wonderful, but his tango series takes my breath away. I don't see any reproductions of these particular paintings yet available, but hey. Do you really want to impress that special someone? Romantic, intense, the original artwork runs around $1000, so this is not for the monetarily faint of heart.
