Dance StylesSalsa Dance
Originating in the Caribbean, Salsa was developed from a fusion of African and European dance traditions. It became popular in the 1950s and 1960s, particularly in Cuba and Puerto Rico, where it was often danced in clubs and dance halls. Salsa dancing reached the United States and Europe in the 1970s, where it became a popular social dance and a symbol of Latin American culture.
A Passionate Dance for Couples and Singles
Sensual and intimate, salsa dance is treasured for its emphasis on musicality and partner connection. It is a popular dance style that is enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. Do you want to learn salsa but don’t have a partner? That is not a problem at all! We will couple you with another solo dancer in class.
Latin Dance Styles
Versatile and adaptive, salsa dance that can be performed to a variety of Latin American music and dance environments. Salsa dancing and its variations feature a basic step which can be diverse with a wide range of footwork and styling. This Latin dance category includes all dance styles that pair to Latino style music with a strong focus on Afro-Cuban beats.
Salsa, Merengue
Salsa and merengue dancing are two popular styles of Latin American dance that are danced to different music. Salsa dancing is sensual and danced to salsa music, while Merengue dancing is an upbeat dance performed to merengue music. Merengue is known for its simple and repetitive footwork, while salsa can be more intricate. Salsa and merengue dancing both feature a basic step and are versatile dances that can be adapted to a variety of Latin American music and dance environments.
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Cha Cha, Mambo
Cha cha and mambo dancing are two similar but distinct styles of Latin American dance. Cha cha is a playful dance that originated in Cuba in the 1950s. It is typically danced to cha cha music, and is known for its syncopated rhythm and its staccato footwork. Mambo is an energetic dance that originated in Cuba in the 1940s. It is typically danced to mambo music, and is known for its sharp and punchy footwork.
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Rumba, Bolero
Rumba is a passionate dance that originated in Cuba in the 19th century. It is typically danced to rumba music, and is known for its slow, rhythmic movement with an emphasis on body isolations and hip motion. Bolero is a romantic and graceful dance that originated in Cuba in the earlier 18th century. It is typically danced to bolero music, and is known for its smooth and fluid movement.
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Bachata, Samba
Bachata is a romantic dance that originated in the Dominican Republic in the 1960s. It is typically danced to bachata music, and is known for its smooth movement and its emphasis on musicality and partner connection. Samba is a playful dance that originated in Brazil in the 19th century and is typically danced to samba music.
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Paso Doble
Paso doble originated in Spain in the 19th century. It is a dramatic and elegant dance that is typically performed to paso doble music, a type of Spanish march music. Paso doble is known for its grand and stately movement, and its emphasis on precision and choreography.
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Cumbia
Cumbia comes from Colombia and is a lively, joyful dance that is typically performed to upbeat cumbia music. Cumbia dancing is loved for its energetic circular movements and is often performed in pairs, with dancers moving in a counter-clockwise direction around a central axis. The dance is a fusion of various styles, including African, Indigenous, and European influences, and has become popular throughout Latin America and beyond.
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Lambada
Lambada came about in Brazil in the 1980s. It is a fast-paced, sensual dance that is typically performed to lambada music that features a fusion of Brazilian and Caribbean rhythms. The dance is characterized by its energetic movements and close partnerwork, with the dancers often performing intricate footwork and body isolations.
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Zouk
Zouk comes from the Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique. It is a fast-paced, sensual dance that is typically performed to zouk music, which is a fusion of various African and European musical styles. The dance consists of smooth, flowing movements and close partnerwork, with dancers often performing intricate footwork and body isolations.
Learn MoreThe competition styles of International Latin and American Rhythm differ by the dances and the leg action, but the body rhythm required is very similar in both styles. That is what makes the Latin dances such a great workout for your core muscles!
