Latin
Cha Cha:
Originally created from the forward and backward movement of Mambo. People had been complaining that mambo was too fast and jerky in America, so orchestra’s slowed down their tempos and added a few counts. The cha cha rhythm is almost like a chasse, step-together-step across the floor.
Mambo:
In the 1940′s America became intrigued by the Latin rhythms in music. Mambo combined American jazz with Afro-Cuban beats. Can be danced to slow/moderate tempo music.
Salsa:
Born out of Mambo, Salsa is a nightclub dance with fast and furious moving music along with the quick footwork and lead of the lady. Famous for its spins, twists and creative movement and footwork.
Rumba:
Marked the beginnings of Cuban and Latin American dance crazes. Americanized Rumba was the basis for Mambo and Cha Cha in the U.S. It is characterized by a S QQ tempo with strong,slow “elastic” stretched movement where partners are actively engaged in one another. It requires a great deal of give and take.
Merengue:
Some say it was a peasant dance in the Dominican Republic by African slaves. And some think an old injured Captain danced dragging an injured leg. What do you think? Exciting, intoxicating music of strong rhythmic beats makes Merengue so much fun. The cuban motion of the hips and bending and straightening knee action keeps a dancer on beat and looking fantastic!
Samba:
The dance rage of the Brazilian 1930′s era, but began as an exhibition dance in Paris in 1905. Carmen Miranda is credited to making the Samba beat popular in the 1940′s. It is a dance adaptable to different tempos.
Bolero:
A slower form of a rumba. The music is similar the Rumba but is slower and close body contact is more prevelant in Bolero. There are strong forward and backward “rocking” steps that melt into the dance floor. Be prepared to control body weight and positioning through drawn out movements.
Swing:
Is a title to which all of the swing forms fall under. East Coast, West Coast, Lindy Hop, Jive, and Jitterbug. Each is more suitable to a slower, faster or moderate tempo of music depending on the form you choose. East Coast can use a single, double or triple rhythm foot pattern to work to all tempos, which in my opinion is easier for a dancer to learn.
Hustle:
A 70′s partner dance that ran along side of the birth of dance and pop music arising from the 1970′s music industry. A stylized, fun, energetic dance requiring precision of lead and timing.
