What is Latin dance? Latin dance is a general label (and a term in partner dance competition jargon) that refers to various forms of ballroom dance and folk dance, and can include a wide range of dances originating in Latin America (including Puerto Rico and Cuba).

Ballroom examples include the cha-cha-cha, rumba, samba, mambo, danza, merengue, tumba, bachata, bomba, plena, paso doble and bolero. Some also consider tango and Argentine tango in this list, although they differ from the rest in their overall style and in dance competition may form their own category or categories. The salsa style, originating among the Latin American population of Spanish Harlem in New York City, is also often considered Latin dance.

Latin folk dances of Argentina include the chacarera, gato, escondido and zamba. Typical Bolivian folk dances are the morenada, kullawada, caporales and the recently created tinku. In Colombia one of the typical dances is the cumbia.

Known for its sensual hip action and sexy flair, Latin dance is gaining popularity on dance floors everywhere. Movies about Latin dancing, ones that portray the beauty of the art of Latin dancing, seem to be favorites among dancers and non-dancers alike. Besides being a staple in the ballroom, many Latin dances are also being taken to country-western dance floors. Learning Latin dances is fairly easy, as most of the dances are made up of the same basic foot steps.

Cha-Cha:

Energetic and sassy, the Cha-Cha is danced to authentic Latin music or Latin Pop. It is an offshoot of the Mambo.

Rumba:

The Rumba is known as the “dance of love.” Danced to romantic, Latin love songs, it is fun and quite easy to learn.

Samba:

Often difficult to master, the Samba is a lively Brazilian dance consisting of many jumps and turns. The Samba is an extremely fast dance.

Paso Doble:

Meaning “two step” in Spanish, Pasa Doble is a lively, march-like dance with significantly less hip movement.

Jive:

A variation of the Jitterbug, the Jive consists of dance steps derived from country dancing.

The wearing for Latin dance is need to pay much attention. Because a pair of comfortable Latin dance shoes and beautiful dress can provide the dancer a good atatus.