Which body movements are associated with African-derived Latin American dance traditions?

African-derived Latin American dance traditions are characterized by a distinct "downward" and relaxed body posture, which contrasts with the more rigid, upright styles of the Iberian Peninsula. Key body movements associated with these traditions include:1

• Core-Initiated Movement: Motion typically originates in the central core of the body and undulates outward to the arms and legs.1
• Flexion and Isolation: Dancers frequently employ flexion of the hips and knees, along with isolated movements of the shoulders, rib cage, or hips.1
• Torso and Footwork: A forward tilt of the upper torso is common, as is the use of the flat foot rather than the heel or toe.1
• Polyrhythmic Engagement: Dancers often perform simultaneous, contrasting patterns with different body parts.1
• Expressive Additions: As these influences integrated into Latin American couple dances, they introduced hip rolls, shoulder shimmies, leg lifts, squats, and more explicit flirtation.1
• Ritual and Martial Elements: In specific contexts, such as Candomblé, movements include lurching, spinning, vibrating, and pitching. Additionally, capoeira incorporates acrobatic moves and whipping leg gestures.2