Latin American
Cha Cha
Timing: 4 Beats per bar
Tempo: 28-30 Bars per minute
The Cha Cha originates from Cuba. It got its name from the sound the feet make on the floor as it is danced 'Cha Cha Cha'.
It has its roots in Mambo and has been adapted and changed over the years. Western Cha Cha is a more stylised version of the original Cuban Cha Cha.
It is one of the five dances used in International competition style Latin American. Cha Cha is probably one of the most versatile and fun dances of the Latin American family.
Samba
Timing: 2 Beats per bar
Tempo: 50 - 52 Bars per minute
The Samba originated in Brazil and is the party dance of Rio. It is still danced extensively in Brazil, although the Samba that is danced in the Ballrooms and International competitions around the world is a far cry from the party dance of Brazil.
The Samba is one of the few progressive Latin dances. The music is lively and fun and the dance is often a popular choice amongst social dancers.
It is one of the five dances used in competition style Latin American.
Rumba
Timing: 4 Beats per bar
Tempo: 26-29 Bars per minute
The Rumba is the dance of love, although it can vary from flirtatious to true love. Rumba is the most romantic and passionate of the Latin American family.
As with the Cha, the music is Cuban in its origin and has become highly stylised.
The Rumba is one of the five dances danced in Latin competitions.
Paso Doble
Timing: 2 Beats per bar
Tempo: 60 Bars per minute
The Paso Doble is the dance of the Spanish bullfighter. It symbolises the battle between man and beast and portrays the man in a very macho image. The woman portrays the flowing action of the cape as the man does battle with the bull.
The music is distinctly Spanish in its origin and there is a definite flamenco style to the Paso Doble. Although fun to dance the Paso Doble has limited use as a social dance.
The Paso Doble is one of the five dances danced in Latin competitions.
Jive
Timing: 4 Beats per bar
Tempo: 40 - 44 Bars per minute
The Jive that most people think of, the one that is danced at family parties and weddings, is generally Rock 'n' Roll Jive. Danced to great, well-known tunes from the likes of Bill Halley and Elvis Presley the Jive is still enjoyed by thousands of people worldwide.
Jive has always been a dance of the times. As musical tastes have changed, so has the style of the dance while retaining its inherent structure and its universal appeal. Whatever your musical tastes, there is a style of Jive of suit you from the Lindy Hop of the 20’s, through the Jitterbug and Boogie Woogie of the 30’s, the Swing of the 40’s,to the Rock ‘n’ Roll of the 50’s and 60’s.
The DanceSport Jive is one of the five dances in the Latin American competitions.