Known for their energy and passion, Latin dances are really popular nowadays. Originating in the Latin American and Caribbean cultures, dances like salsa, merengue, bolero, samba, tango, rumba, paso doble, cha cha, and mambo became internationally popular and are danced worldwide.
Latin dances are sensual, dynamic, and filled with desire. They express emotions, love, creativity and passion. Most Latin dances are spot dances (with the exception of samba). Spot dances are those where couples move on a small area on the dance floor.
Latin dances developed from a mixture of indigenous (native American), European and African dance forms.
Samba, the most famous Brazilian dance, was the product of slaves bringing their African music and dances into Brazil. This happened in the 16th century when Portuguese imported slaves from the regions of Angola and Congo. Today, samba is the most widespread dance in Brazilian culture and known all around the world.
Rumba also has African origins and was brought to America by the African slaves. It developed in Cuba in the 16th century. Rumba became internationally popular in the early 20th century and is known for its erotic hip motion, turns, breaks and rolls.
One of the easiest Latin dances to learn is merengue. Merengue has African and European influences and is a combination of African slave dances and French Minuet. It originated in the eighteenth century in the Dominican Republic and Haiti.
The cha cha cha is another dance that originated in Cuba. It became widely popular in the United States in the 1950′s. Cha Cha Cha is characterized by flirtatious movements and it catchy rhythm – one, two, cha, cha, cha.
Latin dances, like all things, have evolved through generations. From the pastimes of African slaves to worldwide popularity.
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