Rumba is the most sensual and most romantic of all Latin dances. It’s a dance that tells a story about love and affection between a male lover and a bashful teasing woman. The Rumba is a slow dance that is said to be the “Grandfather “of the Latin dances and the dance of love. To pull off a great rumba dancers must show a very soft hip. When dancing this dance dancers must never do heels leads all steps are taken using the balls of the feet and the walks should be strong and straight. The original Rumba originated from African slaves during the 16th century but during WW2 another dance known as “The Son” became popular in Cuba it was still the Rumba but slower.

Paso Doble

“Paso Doble” meaning double step in Spanish is the most masculine and dramatic dance of all Latin dances. Traditionally the Paso Doble is about the matador killing the bull in which the man is the matador and the women is either the cape or the bull. This dance is different from other Latin dances because it didn’t come from Latin America it originated from southern France but it is modeled after the drama, movement and sound of the Spanish bullfight, because the dance came from France the steps are in French. In Paso Doble there has to be tension between the dancers and dancers take strong steps forward and include artistic hand movements.

Samba is a fun, fast and energetic party dance from Brazil’s Rio Carnaval. This dance not like the other ones is made up of different South American dances incorporated into one. It requires a lot of hip action and is meant to look bouncy and effortless. It is the hardest dance of all Latin dances. Samba begun in Brazil in the 19th century and it is performed as a street dance at Brazil’s carnaval. Samba is very popular in Rio and in the United States. It was first introduced in the U.S in 1933. Samba is danced by using the balls of the feet. Many samba dances include a move called Botafogo. The basic step is called a Volta.

Mambo

Sensual, Passionate, fast and all about the hips the Mambo is a fun dance that has Cuban and African rhythms. It originated from the Haitians living in Cuba. Mambo is popular around the world as both a competitive and social dance.

Waltz

The Waltz is danced all over the world whether in weddings, parties or competitions. It is a very elegant dance that is meant to look effortless and graceful. In Waltz your posture, frame, and foot work have to be excellent to make it look pleasant. Throughout the dance couples must rise, fall, and turn while keeping a closed hold. The character for this dance should be romantic, smooth, and gentle. The word Waltz comes from the German word “Waltzen” which means to turn. The Waltz originated in the 17th century in southern Germany and then became popular in France and England.

Tango

Tango is one of the most intriguing Ballroom dances. It’s a very passionate and very seductive dance. Tango is one of the most common and classic ballroom dances worldwide. Most people that watch the tango get easily confused with the argentine tango. Even though the tango is inspired by the argentine tango they are both completely different dances in which the argentine tango is more passionate and fiery while the tango is a more progressive dance. The Tango originated in Buenos Aires, Argentina in the late 19th Century. The story behind the tango is that the Gauchos would ride their horses all day and later would go to the bar and dance with the ladies and since they hadn’t showered they would usually dance with their faces away from each other.

Foxtrot

The Foxtrot is a very classy and very elegant dance. It is similar to the quickstep but slower. It is one of the most popular ballroom dances in history. It’s known for its smooth style. The foxtrot was developed in the 1920s in the United States. It was invented by American vaudeville actor Harry Fox who performed it with his wife regularly at shows in New York. As a result People fell in love with its smooth movements. In Foxtrot the slow steps are performed with the heel while the quick steps are performed with the toe. The timing in foxtrot is very important.