The Latin American Dances
There are a number of dances within the Latin American section, including five main dances which are included in the international competition scene...
The Cha Cha Cha
The Cha Cha is another fun and versatile Latin dance and ranks amongst the five dances competed at international level. The dance draws its name from the rhythm of the feet on the dancefloor - 'cha cha cha' - and today's version resembles the original Cuban Cha Cha.
The Rumba
The Rumba is really the basis for all the other Latin American dances. It provides the setting for sensual and passionate duel between man and woman on the dancefloor. With its slow and pulsating rhythms, the Rumba is the slow dance of the Latin world and often referred to as the 'Queen' of all Latin dances. The Rumba is one of the five dances used in International competition style Latin American.
The Samba
The Samba stems from the carnival atmosphere from the street of Rio, Brazil. However, the Samba danced in the International competition style Latin American is very different to the original Brazilian party dance, although the music is still very lively and rhythmical.
The Paso Doble
During the Paso Doble, the dancefloor becomes a Spanish bullfighting arena; the man is the matador; and the woman - the flowing provocative cape that entices the bull. This dance, with its constant echoing of the Spanish Flamenco, is one of the five International Latin competition dances.
The Jive
When Elvis Presley came on at that last wedding reception party you went to, the guests probably took to the dance floor with the Jive. However, there are many different styles of Jive that have adjusted to the various music phases throughout the decades. The 1920s Lindy Hop, 1930s Jitterbug and Boogie Woogie, 1940s Swing, 1950s and 1960s Rock 'n' Roll and French Jive are all styles of Jive. The dance is one of the International Latin American competition dances.
The Mambo
When Lou Bega rereleased 'Mambo Number Five', dancefloors in the UK were once again alive with Mambo madness. A forerunner of Salsa, Mambo is defined by 1950s Cuban Jazz and accompanied by fast and fun moves. The dance makes a memorable appearance in the hit film 'Dirty Dancing' starring Patrick Swayze.
Salsa
Salsa is a fun and flirtatious Latin American dance, fuelled by Afro-Caribbean rhythms and all-night partying. The dance fuses Cuban, Puerto Rican and Columbian styles into simple and lively movements. Salsa dancers fill venues all over the UK, revelling in this hot Latin dance.