Body Basics – Michael Malitowski & Joanna Leunis

Body Basics – Michael Malitowski & Joanna Leunis

Body Basics is part of the Top Dancer Demonstration Series, featuring World Latin Champions Michael Malitowski & Joanna Leunis. Rather than introducing advanced choreography, this instructional program concentrates on the fundamental body actions that give International Latin dancing its power, balance, rhythm, and expression.

Using the same structured format throughout the course, Michael and Joanna guide dancers through all five International Latin dances—Samba, Cha Cha, Paso Doble, Rumba, and Jive. Each section combines practical demonstrations with technical explanations, making it easier to understand movement mechanics, timing, and partner coordination from a competitor’s perspective.

The lessons are presented in multiple learning formats, allowing dancers to study each routine with music, without music, through figure names, separate timing for leader and follower, and concise mini lectures that explain the technical ideas behind the movement. The program concludes with professional show demonstrations, illustrating how strong fundamentals translate into world-class Latin performance.

Whether you are preparing for competition, teaching students, or improving your own technique, Body Basics provides a practical reference for developing cleaner movement and a stronger understanding of International Latin fundamentals.

Course Structure

For each dance:

• Basic Routine
• Dance with Music
• Dance without Music
• Figure Names
• Timing for Man
• Timing for Lady
• Mini Lecture
• Show Demonstration