Latin dances
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The term Latin dances in the context of social and ballroom dances may be used in two meanings.
The first meaning is to denote dances originated in Latin America. Typically these are Cha cha, Rumba, Samba, Salsa, Mambo, Merengue, Bachata, Cumbia, Bolero. Some dance instructors also include Tango and Argentine tango in this list, although these differ from the rest in their style. In Argentina Tango is not considered folk dance as it is the case of dances like Chacarera, Gato, Escondido and Zamba. Typical Bolivian folk dances are Morenada, Kullawada, Llamerada, Caporales and the recently created Tinku. In Columbia one of the typical dances is the Cumbia, not to be mistaken with the very popular Argentinian Cumbia, some sort of low-class rap emerging from the slums of Buenos Aires.
The second, a more formal usage, is the name of a category of International style ballroom dances, also called Latin American dances or International Latin. It consists of the following five dances: Cha cha, Rumba, Samba, Paso Doble, Jive. Notice that the last two dances are not of Latin American origin.
Compared to typical ballroom dances, Latin dances are generally faster-paced, more sensual, and have more rhythmic expression. Time is 4/4 straight rhythm or related. Couples in the basic position stand face-to-face. Music may be Latin American traditional or contemporary popular music.
