Latin American Dances

In Latin American ballroom, five main dance styles are used for official competitions, championships, and general social dancing. These are:

Rumba

Originating in Cuba, the style we know as Cuban Rumba grew out of the Guajira (pronounced “Whar-hear-a”). The Guajira was a popular country dance in the mid-1800s. Over time, a more polished and refined version developed, especially during the early 1930s, and this evolved into the Rumba danced today.

Cha Cha Cha

Also from Cuba, the Cha Cha Cha comes from a rhythm added to the Danzon, which is the official music and dance genre of Cuba. This rhythm was introduced by Enrico Jorrin, a well-known Cuban singer, composer, and bandleader who rose to fame in the 1950s and 1960s. His music helped the Cha Cha Cha become a favorite in both social and competitive dance.

Samba

Samba comes from Brazil and is said to draw on dances like the Maxixe, Baion, and Choro. The Brazilian style of the Maxixe was brought to the United States and made popular around 1914 by the famous dance couple Irene and Vernon Castle. Their performances helped spread interest in Brazilian dance and music, which later influenced the Samba seen in ballroom today.

Jive

Jive developed in the United States and has deep roots in Afro-American music and dance. It grew from styles such as Lindy, Lindy Hop, Jitterbug, Twelve-Bar Blues, and Boogie, all linked to Afro-American rhythms. It was also shaped by East Coast Swing and West Coast Swing, based on American Swing music, and by Rock 'n' Roll, which used the strong downbeat sound of 1950s American music.

Paso Doble

Paso Doble comes from Spain, but the ballroom version was developed in France around 1916. The choreography tells the story of a bullfight, with dancers often representing the matador and the cape. Many figures are also inspired by Flamenco, so you will often see Flamenco-style movements woven into the dance.