Latin Dance

Instructor:Don DeBoer

Compared to typical ballroom dances, Latin dances are generally faster-paced, more sensual, and more rhythmic in expression. Dance music may be Latin American music or contemporary popular music.

• Salsa - Danced on Salsa music, Salsa dance has a recurring eight-beat pattern. With the influences from many Cuban dances, such as Mambo, Rumba, and Cha-Cha, Salsa dance is characterized by many turn combinations. As a spot dance, a dancing couple occupies a fixed area on the dance floor. In some cases, people dance Salsa in solo mode.
• Rumba - Originated in Africa, Rumba traveled to Cuba and North America. The music and dance have a slow ballad tempo. Rumba is known in the ballroom world as a slow romantic dance. Therefore, this dance is great for proms and weddings.
• Cha-Cha - Cha-Cha is either danced to authentic Latin music or more contemporary Latin Pop or Latin Rock. The music is energetic with a steady beat. There are two flavors of Cha-Cha dance - Ballroom Cha-Cha and Latin Street Cha-Cha.
• Merengue - Merengue is a type of lively joyful music and dance that comes from Dominican Republic. This easy-to-learn dance has many turn combination possibilities. There are mainly two flavors of Merengue dance, Ballroom Merengue and Club Merengue. Evolved from the more formal ballroom version, Club Merengue is a more erotic, suggestive way of dancing.
• Samba - Rooted in Brazil, Samba is the festival dance of the famous street carnivals. The festive style and mood of this dance has kept it alive and popular.
• Zouk - Brazilian Zouk is a couple dance descended from Lambada in Brazil.