Latin dances can fall into several categories, so we won't go there. Jive falls under Latin & Swing, so for our purposes it is listed under Swing. Here are some of the popular Latin styles:

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SALSA

This fun and energetic dance is the most popular of all the Latin dances because it is easy to learn and is fantastic for all ages and dancing abilities. Salsa dancing has many fast turns, exciting footwork, rhythmic hip movements, and lively music.

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MERENGUE

Merengue is extremely popular in the United States and throughout the world. The Merengue is a fantastic dance for new dancers because it is very easy to learn! The Merengue is danced with “walking steps” with a step taken on each beat of music. While dancers typically use hip motions with this dance, the amount of hip movement varies with personal preference. This dance is considered to be in the same “family” as Salsa and is popular in the night club and social dance scenes.

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CHA CHA

The Cha Cha is a playful and flirtatious dance known for it’s vibrant energy. Although it is traditionally danced to up-beat music with a Latin or Cuban beat, today the Cha Cha is often danced to pop music including country, funk, hip-hop, and top 40. The Cha Cha is danced in 4/4 time to songs with a tempo of 110 to 120 beats per minute.

 

RUMBA

Nicknamed “The Dance of Love,” Rumba is characterized by swaying hips, a still upper body, and close partner connections. Although it is traditionally danced to slow Latin music, it is now common to dance the Rumba to current, popular ballads. Because of this, the Rumba is a popular style choice for a wedding dance and slow partner dancing.

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SAMBA

Samba is an energetic and lively dance that is currently popular in many parts of the world. Syncopated rhythms, bouncing actions, and rolling hip movements characterize the dance. It may be danced with or without a partner.

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BOLERO

Bolero is a slow Latin dance with roots in Spain and Cuba. It is a unique dance with Latin as well as Ballroom dancing characteristics. The sliding steps, soft hip motion and close dance hold make this a romantic and powerful dance style. It is most popularly danced in dance studios and ballroom studios. While it is a social dance, it is not embraced as much socially as it is competitively. 

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PASO DOBLE

Paso Doble is a theatrical Latin dance with Spanish and French origins. It is a dramatic dance that tells a story through sharp, staccato movements, striking body poses, and flamenco style footwork. Like Bolero, is most popularly danced in dance studios and ballroom studio & is not embraced as much socially as it is competitively. 

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BACHATA

Bachata is a playful Latin dance that is typically danced at Salsa and Merengue dance clubs. This style is danced with soft hip motions, turns and side-to-side footwork. The music of Bachata is very recognizable for its predominant use of the electric guitar combined with Caribbean and Latin musical influences.

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