History
Freestyle – often called Latin Freestyle – emerged in the early 1980s on the East Coast of the USA, mainly in the New York/New Jersey area and in Miami. The music is deeply rooted in the Latin communities of these cities. Stylistically it is a fusion of 1970s disco, electronic electro/Hi-NRG and Latin percussion, with audible influences that later surfaced in hip-hop. Drum machines (such as the Roland TR-808) and synthesizers are characteristic.
Shannon's "Let the Music Play" (1983) is regarded as one of the genre's blueprints. A rough distinction is made between "Old School" (generally produced before 1991) and "New School"; the sub-genres differ, among other things, in their basic groove.
The Sound
Typical characteristics of Freestyle include:
- short, transposing melodies
- instrumental passages between the vocal parts
- a clear verse-chorus structure
- a continuous hi-hat emphasising sixteenth notes
- a distinctive interplay of bass drum and snare drum
- predominantly minor chords and a romantic mood
Groove & Tempo
Freestyle "feels" on the 2nd and 4th beat of the 4/4 bar – the musical tension is released on these beats, which makes the sound especially pleasant. This is precisely what distinguishes Freestyle from house, where every beat is emphasised. Ultimately it is the relationship between the kick and the snare drum that defines the basic groove. Musically, Freestyle is closely related to Latin music. The tempo is usually between 110 and 130 BPM, with 118 BPM being typical.
Lyrics & Themes
The lyrics are usually romantic, apolitical and meant to convey a positive message. Titles often do not summarise the whole text but rather stand for a clear, emotional reaction.
Culture & DJs
As with most club-music styles, the creativity truly unfolds once an artist releases a track and the DJ combines it with other songs, bringing it to its full effect. And if you take a look at your friends' record collections, you will almost certainly find the odd Freestyle record in there.
Notable Artists
Among the best-known Freestyle acts are Stevie B and Johnny O (whose "Fantasy Girl" remains a must-hear, whether or not you usually listen to Freestyle). Other formative names include Shannon, Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam, Exposé, The Cover Girls, Sweet Sensation, TKA and Company B. In recent years many German acts have joined the scene, too – a sign of how popular Freestyle has become here as well.
The Dance
One explanation for the name: dancers associate this music with a great degree of freedom in expression – everyone is free to create their own style.
Basic step
One step per beat:
- right to the side – left together – right to the side – left together (tap)
- left to the side – right together – left to the side – right together (tap)
- right back – left together – right back – left together (tap)
- left forward* – right together (tap) – right back – left together (tap)
- left forward – right together (tap)**
… and from the top.
* On step 13/14, bend into the left knee.
** On step 18, make a quarter turn to the left on the left foot (counter-clockwise).
Timing
You can start on beat 1 (the more sensible choice) or beat 3 of a bar – but never on 2 or 4! If a bumpy transition throws you off the beat, delay the quarter turn by one beat.
Variations
There are countless variations – for example three-step turns instead of the side steps (careful, you run out of space quickly) or, for advanced dancers, 1¼ turns instead of the quarter turn (the 2¼ turn is blazingly fast and only recommended for really good dancers). Counter-turns are possible too, but you should know exactly what you are doing. The step can of course also be danced mirrored. As a couple (leader normal, follower mirrored), it is best understood as a kind of paso doble with a different basic step.