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International Latin
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| Latin Dances (also called International Latin)
include Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble and Jive. |
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| Occassionaly, Salsa, Merengue and other
rhythm dances are also called "Latin". We have listed these
under "Rhythm". |
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| Cha Cha —
Cha-cha is a faster dance with a Latin feel to it. The basic has eight
counts, with the cha-cha in the middle and at the end (on each half
of the basic). It generally stays in the same place on the dance floor
and is therefore called a "spot" dance, although it does
have steps that move. This is one of the dances where people get to
wiggle their hips ("cuban motion"), although you certainly
don't need to do that to enjoy the dancing! |
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| Rumba —
Rumba is a slower dance that has a Latin feel to it. It has a box
step basic in eight counts and has the characteristic "hip-wiggling"
("cuban motion") that is present in all of the rhythm and
Latin dances. Although the basic is a box step, like the waltz, the
moves are similar to the cha-cha. This dance was featured in the movie
"Strictly Ballroom," along with the paso doble. |
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| Samba —
Samba is another Latin/rhythm dance similar to rumba and cha-cha.
It has a box step basic and a pulsing beat. This dance is originally
from Brazil. |
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| Paso Doble —
A dramatic French-Spanish Flamenco-style march danced in 2/4 time,
with man portraying the matador in a bullfight, the lady as his cape.
Paso Doble is usually danced to España Cani, the Spanish Gypsy
Dance. |
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| Jive —
The International version of Swing. In spite of its fast tempo, Jive
is still danced in triple-rhythm. |
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