Latin Dance
"Latin dance" is a general label, and a term in partner dance competition jargon. It refers to types of ballroom dance and folk dance that mainly originated in Latin America. The category of Latin dances in the international dancesport
competitions consists of the cha-cha-cha, rumba, samba, paso doble, and also the jive of United States origin. Social Latin dances (Street Latin) include salsa, mambo, merengue, rumba & bachata. All of these dances can be dances competitively, as well as socially.
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Brief History
As early as the days of Louis XIV and the birth of ballet in the French Royal court, Dance has been a physical display of our emotional states, a form of conversation, and a celebration of music. Our beloved form of art, ballroom dancing, has two very distinct branches that have rather different origins—the Latin American branch and the Standard branch. The latter has evolved from ballet, taking some of the strict rules of etiquette exercised in the early days in the royal courts of Europe such as attire, and strict rules governing how to take someone’s hand, how to bow, or how to keep your feet in a position. In a way, that style of dance was “manufactured.” The Latin-American style of ballroom dancing, however, has quite different roots. Its dances reflect life and music, with a human factor involved—an interaction between two souls under the tunes of the clave, a family gathering, or a celebration of sort, they capture, like a photo, a moment in time with all its emotion and excitement. Read more here: DanceVision.com
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2 Styles
All the standard Ballroom & Latin Dances have 2 main styles, American and International. While both styles can be competitive, American is widely known in North America as the "social" style to learn. Most studios and teachers will teach American unless you ask otherwise.
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American Latin/Rhythm Dances Include:
Cha Cha, Rumba, Mambo, Bolero & East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Samba, Salsa, Bachata, Merengue (to name the most commonly known)
International Latin Dances Include:
Cha Cha Cha, Rhumba, Sambo, Paso Doble & American Jive
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The music for the dances that are in both styles are the same except for some mild speed changes in tempo. Otherwise, the difference is really just patterns and figures learned.
Where to Go?
Ballroom & Latin Dancing is much like a serious hobby, like golf or tennis. Just as you find a course to play golf, or a court to play tennis, you will find a place to go dancing. Many social groups around the triangle hold monthly dances to attend in various locations, as well as studios and teachers that run their own dances. Additionally for your club style dances, such as Salsa, Bachata or West Coast Swing, there are bars and clubs that offer a place to dance those styles Once you start dancing and meet people, you will quickly learn of the best places to go. Carolina Dancesport produces a couple dances per month. Check out the calendar for more info.
Benefits of Latin Dancing
The benefits of dancing are more than you would think! Frankly, there are too many to list here, but here are few specific to Ballroom & Latin Styles:
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Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Muscle Toning and Conditioning
Increases Strength and Flexibility
Burns Fat and Increases Heart Rate
Social Connectivity
Cognitive Challenge
Creative Outlet