INTERNATIONAL LATIN AMERICAN DANCES

-  CHA CHA CHA

-  SAMBA

-  RUMBA

-  PASO DOBLE

-  JIVE

The Cha Cha Cha, Rumba and Salsa, originated from Cuba.  While Cha cha cha is a lively dance with its cheeky character, Rumba is the dance of passion and romances.  For the past cha cha cha has been the most popular of the Latin American dances, with its uniqueness of  its triple syncopated steps from which the dance gets its name.  Salsa has taken over, due to its simple 3 steps, and is the most popular latin american dances throughout the world in social clubs.

Samba has its origin in Brazil where yearly thousands would flock to the streets samba..ing during the Mardi Gras carnival.   It is the dance of celebrations where dancers come out to fiesta, rejoice, have fun and be happy.

Paso Doble (double steps) has its origin not of the Latin American but from Spain instead.  It is the dance of the Matador with his cap (the lady).  The Paso, as with its music, is serious and exciting, showing much strength and courage of the matador with the agility and flexibility of his cap.

The Jive, from the America, evoluted from the swing and jitterbug.  This is the fatest of the 5 dances with feet light, kicking and hopping to the fast and high tempo. Because of its bubbly character, kids love this dance and generally find this dance easiest as compared with others.   

OTHER POPULAR LATIN AMERICAN DANCES :

Rock n Roll,   Hustle,  Disco Rock,  Rhytm,  Swing,  Jitterbug,  Lindyhop,  Merengue, Cumbia,  

While dancers of all standards will enjoy the latin american dances, the fun aspect makes it more appealing to the less experienced dancer. However, skill is needed and the dancer must be light on his or her feet to express the rhythms. Good leads from the man to the lady are vital, while the lady needs to respond readily to the guidance from the man.

   
Students performing at the PutraJaya Marriot Hotel, nov 2008

cha cha cha, jive, rumba & grease lightning