The Different Types of Latin Dance

The term "Latin dance" can be interpreted in two different ways. In the first in
terpretations, the term can point out to the various dances which have Latin Ame
rican origins. This use of the term is much broader than how the term is formall
y used in ballroom dancing competitions today. When used formally, the term Lati
n dance actually refers to 5 types of dances. The five types of Latin dance are:
1) Cha-cha During 1952, dance instructor Pierre Lavelle visited Cuba and was abl
e to witness an unusual way of dancing the rumba. People danced it with a triple
step in place of a slow one. This was the emergence of the cha-cha-cha. This ty
pe of Latin dance uses contemporary Latin music to provide the beat. There are t
wo main types of cha-cha cha: Latin, which involves slower, more sensuous moveme
nts, and "Cowboy", which can basically be danced to any energetic music.
This type of Latin dance is favored by many in the world today because it is eas
ier to learn compared to others. The steps are basic and transitions are easier
to make. It is also quite exciting because of the energetic pace of the music. T
his type of Latin dance can be described as carefree, energetic, wholesome and f
un.
2) Rumba This type of Latin dance has more serious sensual overtones than the ch
a-cha. It is slow, quite aggressive and romantic. In fact, a lot of the figures
of the rumba have a theme of flirting and rejection or teasing. The basic premis
e of the rumba is to spotlight the lady's body and sexuality. Combine this with
the slow Latin beat and the rhythmic body movements and you have a sizzling comb
ination.
3) Samba This type of Latin dance originated from Brazil. It is very lively and
can be danced either alone or with a partner. Although many people think that th
e samba is just one type of Latin dance, it actually is not. Samba is actually a
collection of dances inside Brazil. The different accents of the music in vario
us parts of Brazil tend to influence the steps of this type of Latin dance. As s
uch, you will find that different people make different movements when they danc
e the Samba.
4) Paso Doble Meaning "two step", this type of Latin dance actually originated f
rom Southern France. The Spanish flavor of this dance comes from its origins in
the Spanish bullfight. Yes, this dance comes from a bullfight. The lively music
of this type of Latin dance actually comes from the same music played at bullfig
hts during the entrance of the bullfighters. The movements are generally based o
n the movements of the matador, the bull or the cape.
5) Jive this is another type of Latin dance which does not have Latin American r
oots. It is actually a very lively variation of the Jitterbug. It was mainly pro
pagated during the early 1940's by young people. This type of Latin Dance is act
ually rooted in different dances of African-American origin such as the Lindy Ho
p and the Boogie.
These are the types of Latin dance recognized in International ballroom Competit
ions. Today, these dances are performed in competitions with high levels of inte
nsity, dedication and athleticism. This just goes to show you that these types o
f Latin dance find steps into people's souls.