All Levels Latin Rhythm, Technique & Styling

Social Latin dancing, which includes the Salsa, Mambo, Merengue, Rumba, ChaCha, Samba, and other offshoots, originated in places like Cuba, Brazil, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic, but the dances have been embraced worldwide.

In the 1950s and 1960s New York City became a hub for Latin music and dance, and Latin clubs continue to open and thrive in our city today. Latin culture has widened its appeal through television, film and theater as well.

Latin music has become mainstream, with popular performers such as Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Christina Aguilera, Enrique Iglesias, and Ricky Martin becoming household names.

Some typical “flavors” of social Latin you will encounter here are:

• ChaCha – also called Cha-Cha-Cha, this is a social dance which encompasses styles ranging from funky NY street, smoother social ballroom, competitive American Rhythm, competitive International Latin, and even Country Western.
• Rumba – a social ballroom dance, sensual and slow, with similarities to American Rhythm. International Latin’s Rumba differs in timing and technique, though it shares social Rumba’s sensuality.
• Samba – joyous, with a distinctive “bounce” action, this social dance is similar to the same dance in International Latin.
• Jive – A high energy and uninhibited form of swing, with sharp kicks and flicks
• Paso Doble – A dramatic marching dance that portrays the leader as matador and the follower as the bull or cape.