Latin Dance
Known for its sensual hip action and sexy flair, Latin American dance is gaining popularity on dance floors everywhere. Latin dances hail from several different countries in South and Central America, and most have influences that range far beyond this region. Latin American dance consists of the following five dances: Samba, Cha-Cha, Rumba, Paso Doble and Jive. These dances are now performed all over the world as Latin-American dances in international DanceSport competitions, as well as being danced socially. It has also been recognized as a medal event in the South East Asian Games, Asian Indoor & Martial Arts Game, Asian Games, University Games and World Games.
As part of our Latin dance class, students will get the chance to learn the five dances; the Samba with its fun, Brazilian carnival feeling; the Cha-Cha with its infectious Cuban beat; the Rumba with its slow, sultry sexy moves; the Paso Doble depicting the spirit of the bull-fight (the man being the matador and the lady being the cape); and the Jive with its roots in Lindy Hop and Swing – all make Latin American dancing an exciting and exuberant experience.
Samba
Samba is originated from Brazil. It has Brazilian musical genre and dance style. Samba is having a strong characteristic in the dance which is the bounce action in it. It also can be related to the carnival feeling.
Cha-Cha
Flamboyant, vibrant and playful, the Cha-Cha is a Cuban-born dance and an offshoot of the Mambo. It is one of the most popular of the Latin dances with an easy to understand rhythm. After the basic movement of stepping forward or backward and shifting weight between feet, the Cha-Cha adds a quick set of three steps. This gives the dance its name since many dancers count out these steps as “cha cha cha”.
Rumba
The Rumba has its roots in Cuba and is also known as the “dance of love.” It is danced to romantic Latin love songs and it is fun and easy to learn. Rumba emphasizes on slow, romantic steps with a focus on hip movements.
Paso Doble
Meaning “two step” in Spanish, Pasa Doble is a traditional couple dance from Spain with a march-like character which tells a bullfighting story whereby the man being the matador and the lady being the cape. It is proud-looking with strong stance and firmer with full control than the other four Latin dances.
Jive
Originates from United States from African-Americans in the early 1930s consisting of dance steps derived from country dancing. It is lively, upwards, bouncy and energetic with variety of related dances including American Swing, Lindy Hop, Jitterbug and Rock-and-Roll.