Latin-American Dances

Cha Cha Cha A flirtatious dance characterized by its cheeky movements. Trademark step is the chasse or triple step hence the term cha cha cha. When asked about the etymology of the name, old time dancers will tell that it is the rubbing sound created by the slippers while dancing. The rhythm was developed from the danzon by the syncopation of the fourth beat.	Samba Not to be confused with the national dance of Brazil, samba has evolved from its original roots in Bahia, Brazil. It is still characterized by accentuated hips and syncopated footwork that symbolizes the excitement of its original roots.	Rumba The slowest amongst the five competitive styles of latin-american dances, the international style rumba had its roots from the African-Cuban dance called bollero-son and the danzon. Normally referred to as the dance of love with hips swaying on the standing leg. Danced in 4/4 timing, this dance has no rise and fall compared to its American version.
PasoDoble Literally translated as "double step", the dance depicts the story of the bullfight between the bull and the matador. The music is in march beat. Of the five dances, this is the dance that has more ballroom characteristics than latin-american for some steps are in closed positions, has rise and fall unlike other latin-american dances that are more grounded.	Jive The liveliest of the five latin-american dances, the dance had evolved from lindyhop and jitterbug. It has similarities with the East Coast Swing, where the triple chasse steps are highly syncopated.