The Latin-American Dances

Dancing   Map

   If you're looking for sensuality and excitement, you've found the right discipline. The International-Style Latin-American dances are unlike the Standard dances, where the couple stays in dance hold.  Partners are free to separate and allow each dancer the opportunity to direct their emotions to each other, the audience or another imaginary person on or off the dance floor. 

   Here are the five Latin-American dances in more detail, taken from DanceSport BC's 1999-2000 Steppin' Out.  If you would like to listen to a short, 20 second audio file to hear the music for each dance, click on the "play" hyperlink after each dance description (coming soon!).

The Samba

   The dance from Brazil, the Samba is a lively dance distinguished by a downward or dropping action called "Samba Bounce".  Is is unlike the other Latin dances that are stationary, as it has a travelling action around the floor with lots of spins and controlled bounces.   In its native form, the Samba beat is primarily based upon percussion beats with a background melody.  DanceSport Sambas are usually around 51 (bpm).

The Cha-Cha

   During the 1950's, the Cha-Cha was made famous by many Latino bands such as Xavier Cugat and Prez Prado.   Cuban in origin, the Cha-Cha rhythm is found in much of today's popular music.   The girl is representing a flirt that the man should never really catch.  It is an offshoot of the Mambo and the Rumba.  DanceSport Cha-Chas are usually around 31 (bpm).

The Rumba

   The Rumba is Cuban in origin and is often referred to as the "dance of love."  Sultry and romantic, the music is a mixture of African and Latin rhythms. DanceSport Rumbas are usually around 26 (bpm).

The Paso Doble

   The Paso Doble is a theatrical Spanish dance that characterizes the man as the matador and the lady as the cape.  Based on Flamenco dancing, the character of the dance is arrogant and passionate.  It is a difficult dance to learn as it is fast and has very complex patterns.  DanceSport Paso Dobles are usually around 60 (bpm).

The Jive

   The Jive is a very fast, acrobatic and lively dance make popular during World War II and the seeing music of Beny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Tommy Dorsey and Glen Miller.  The Jive is an American dance of the '40s and '50s that has been tamed by the British.  It needs plenty of energy.   DanceSport Jives are usually around 42 (bpm).