Latin Dance Styles

The umbrella of Latin dance styles includes all the dance styles which came up in Latin America. Latin dances can be clubbed together because even though the Latin dance steps of each one may be a little different, they all have common elements of speed, vigorous movement, and much physical intensity between the two partners who generally dance together. So here is a list of Latin dance styles and their origins.

List of Latin Dance Styles

Here are some of the most common Latin dance styles and the Latin dance moves that the performers do during the dance.

Salsa
Perhaps the most famous Latin dance types of them all is the Salsa. Salsa dancing is widely understood to incorporate elements of both African and Caribbean dance. Like most Latin dances, you need to have a partner for this dance type and you will surely see some pretty fancy footwork and loads of amazing flourishes as the dance unfolds. Salsa is danced to a basic 4-beat music and has 2 quick steps, a pause and then a slow step. Read on for more on salsa dance moves.

Cha Cha Cha
The Cha Cha Cha is one of the many Latin dance styles which originated in Cuba. Cha Cha Cha too is very often performed by couples, with a signature 3-step motion. At the start of the dance, one partner moves 3 steps forward while the other one moves 3 steps back. This is followed by 3 steps to the side, all of which are counted by the words 'Cha Cha Cha' giving this dance its name. Read on for more on cha cha dance steps.

Samba
No need to tell you where Samba comes from as basic word association will bring the country name 'Brazil' to your lips almost immediately. While the music for Samba is in 2/4th time or 4/4th time, Samba is more about how you execute the steps rather than about moving your arms and legs in a particular way. Latin dance styles are all about grace and Samba is definitely right there on top of the list. While dancing the Samba, it is essential for the dancer to have a bouncing motion rather than a simple mechanical one. Read on for more on samba dance steps.

Bachata
Bachata is another of the famous Latin dance styles. This one originates in the Dominican Republic. Bachata resembles the 3 sidewards steps of the Cha Cha Cha but there is also a pronounced pause at the end of the dance. This dance is performed with the music of the same name playing in the background. Read on for more on bacahta dance steps.

Mambo
The popularity of the Mambo spread further across the world with the famous Lou Bega song 'Mambo No. 5'. There will be a lot of trumpets playing in the background while you place your first tentative steps for this Latin dance style, as Mambo is danced mainly to Jazz music. Mambo finds its origins in Cuba, more specifically in the city and casinos of Havana. Complicated and fast dance steps are the norm in this dance. Like the Cha Cha Cha, this dance too has the partners moving towards each other with 3 steps forwards and 3 steps backwards.

Merengue
Merengue is one of the most beautiful Latin dance styles and is performed by couples. The couples stand together with their hands help in a closed position. In Merengue, there is always a leader and a follower, irrespective of gender. The leader holds the waist of the follower in with the right hand and guides the follower into the dance. Merengue is danced to a 2-step beat and the partners dance sidewards and release one hand and circle each other and twirl. The merengue dance and its music (also known as Merengue) are the official dance and music of the Dominican Republic. Read on for more on merengue dance steps.

The common bond that binds all the Latin dance styles is that they are pretty high on the passion quotient and need more grace than most dances across the world. A little step here, a little twirl there... all needs to come naturally. This is what makes Latin dance styles so popular!