Dances Defined
Salsa
The salsa originated in the Caribbean, although it also has a strong African influence. It is typically danced by couples and centers on a four-beat combination of two quick steps and a slow step with a pause or tap. Partners can then add turns and other flourishes to this basic footwork.
Mambo
The mambo was created in Cuba. Its signature move is a three-beat step moving forward and then backward while shifting weight between feet. One member of a dancing pair performs the backward motion while the other moves forward. What gives the mambo its style is the hip-swaying action the weight shift creates. Although the mambo is a couple's dance, the basic mambo step has appeared in everything from line dancing to aerobics videos.
Merengue
Merengue is an essentially Dominican dance, even being named the official dance of the country. It is generally considered easy to learn. The following basic movement is performed to the front, back, and side in couples dancing - step onto the inside edge of the foot, roll the foot to transfer weight, then drag the other foot to meet the first foot.
Rumba
The rumba has its roots in the Cuban son. The word Rumba is derived from the name of a dance band called "Rumboso Orquestra". Rumba is not only popular in Latin America but this dance form has been adopted by the famous dancers of the world. The dance is performed with two quick steps and then a third slower step taking two beats. Dancers use a pattern such as a box to guide their movements. Although the dance was originally performed with quick steps, ballroom rumba dancing has emphasized slow, romantic steps with a focus on hip movements.
Cha Cha Cha
The cha cha cha, also called the cha cha, is a Cuban-born dance, similar to the mambo in style. However, after the basic movement of stepping forward or backward and shifting weight between feet, the cha cha cha adds a quick set of three steps to the side. This gives the dance its name, as many dancers will count out these steps as "cha cha cha".
Bachata
The bachata is a dance from the Dominican Republic. Dancers move side to side in a four-beat pattern - three steps to the side and a pause. This pause forms the essence of the bachata as dancers incorporate pronounced hip movements. Overall, the dance is much more about moving the body with style than the simple back and forth steps.
Samba
Samba is Brazilian in origin and danced to music of the same name. The samba may be danced individually or with a partner. Dancers move forward and backward, shifting weight between feet. It is a fast-paced dance, with three steps for every two beats, although the overall speed varies according to the music.
Paso Doble
Paso Doble is a famous Latin dance form that is mainly imported from Spain. Paso Doble owes its origin to the Spanish folk dance. This dance form is based on the Bull Fight to some extent. The words Paso Doble means "Two Steps". This dance form has such a name as it is mainly performed to the march music and the dance steps can be counted as 1,2. At times it is also composed to the tune of Spanish Gypsy dance called "Espana Cani".