Latin dance styles

Argentine Tango
Argentine Tango was born in Buenos Aires and is a raw and authentic dance which, like many Latin dances, explores and tests the relationship between man and woman. In Tango the man and woman are equal and with the movements weaving contact and separation, the dance suggests that either partner may be seduced. In Europe, we have translated the original Argentine Tango into the Ballroom Tango.

Bachata
Bachata emerged in the 1960’s. It originated in the Dominican Republic where a ‘Bachata’ (meaning fun, good time, get together) was actually a party or a social gathering often held by neighbours and local communities (of low stature) where music was played. The music (played by 3-4 people and included 1-2 guitars and other percussion instruments) also became known as Bachata. Bachata (and its fusion, BachataTango) is a close and sensual rhythmic dance which has gained popularity in clubs all over the UK.

Cha Cha Cha
The Cha Cha is another fun and versatile Latin dance and ranks amongst the five dances competed at international level. The dance draws its name from the rhythm of the feet on the dancefloor - 'cha cha cha' - and today's version resembles the original Cuban Cha Cha.

Mambo
When Lou Bega rereleased 'Mambo Number Five', dancefloors in the UK were once again alive with Mambo madness. A forerunner of Salsa, Mambo is defined by 1950s Cuban Jazz and accompanied by fast and fun moves. The dance makes a memorable appearance in the hit film 'Dirty Dancing' starring Patrick Swayze.

Merengue
The Merengue is the Caribbean Dominican Republic's party dance. Many of the movements are like those of Salsa, but as the Merengue's tempo is slower, the dance is easier to pick up.

Salsa
Salsa is a fun and flirtatious Latin American dance, fuelled by Afro-Caribbean rhythms and all-night partying. The dance fuses Cuban, Puerto Rican and Columbian styles into simple and lively movements. Salsa dancers fill venues all over the UK, revelling in this hot Latin dance.

Information provided from International Dance Teachers Association http://www.idta.co.uk/