Kinds of Latin Dance

Thanks to films, such as "Dirty Dancing" and "Strictly Ballroom," and television's "Dancing with the Stars," the general public has been introduced to some of the more common types of Latin dance. Although ballroom dance has its Latin standards, there is world of Latin dance that continues to evolve beyond the classics, thanks to changing trends in music and dance.

Types

There is some argument over what dances qualify as Latin dance, but most people agree that Latin American and Caribbean dances, such as Samba, Mambo, Salsa, Cha Cha, Danza, Tumba, Cumbia, Bolero, Rumba, Merengue and Bachata, fit into the genre. Tango and Argentine Tango are sometimes considered Latin dances in the realm of ballroom dance classes. Other contenders for the category of Latin dance are Gato, Chacarera, Zamba and Escondido. Bolivia has its own dance traditions, such as Kullawada, Morenada, Caporales, Llamerada and the trendy Tinku.

History

Several Latin dances share a common history of evolving from African slave dances and the folk dances of poor Europeans. The wealthier Europeans viewed indigenous dances as sinful and attempted to clamp down on public and ritual displays of dancing, with little success. In the sixteenth century, Velasco decreed public dance illegal, except on Sundays or feast days and only in the afternoon.

Features

While Latin dances are diverse, there are some defining qualities. Many kinds of Latin dance are rhythmic, playful and sensual. Couple dances are common, although partners may be pressed close or may only touch one hand. The pace is fast, sometimes almost breathless, and the result is an athletic but sultry style. It is possible to learn a few basic steps and apply them to several types of Latin dance.

Considerations

The official guidelines to different kinds of Latin dance are much stricter than those styles deemed Latin dance at a nightclub. Called International Style Ballroom Dance or International Latin, these dances consist of only five possibilities: Rumba, Paso Doble, Cha Cha, Samba and Jive. What is interesting about this list is that Jive is not even Latin American in origin.

Fun Fact

One of the most recent permutations of Latin dance is Zumba, an international dance craze that is seen more on the aerobics floor than the dance floor. Alberto Beto Perez invented the dance by accident when he forgot his usual mix tapes for exercise class and improvised with some salsa and meringue tunes he had with him. Zumba takes basic Latin dance steps and amps up the cardiovascular element while toning down the stylistic emphasis, making Latin dance accessible to the masses in search of a good workout.