Latin ballroom dance style

In this article, we feature the different types of Latin dance styles (genres). In addition, we will cover the broad categories including the American style rhythm dances and International style Latin dances and the club Latin dance genres.

Generally, the Latin dances originated in the Americas, North, Central and South America. Moreover, the specific areas are referred to as Latin America including Cuba, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic and other countries.

Latin Dance Styles and Genres

The dances in this broad category include cha cha, rumba, mambo, samba, merengue, bachata, salsa, bolero, paso doble and others.

In Latin dance instruction there are two distinct styles: International Latin and American Rhythm. International Latin competition includes rumba, cha cha, samba, jive and paso doble. American Rhythm competition includes cha cha, rumba, mambo, bolero and East Coast swing. Swing dances are included in these categories even though they are not considered Latin dances. Most dance studios offer a variety of these dances in their ballroom classes along with a few smooth dances.

Salsa, bachata and merengue are considered street Latin dances more often found in nightclubs. However, dance studios also include these nightclub Latin dances as well as the American style rhythm dances.

Additional Latin Dance Resources

Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Cha Cha, Bolero, Samba, Rumba, Jive, Paso Doble, Mambo.