LATIN DANCE STYLES

SALSA--  Salsa is a combination of many Latin and Afro-Caribbean styles such as the Son (Cuba), Cumbia (Colombia), Merengue (Dominican Republic), Plena (Puerto Rico), Danzón (Cuba), Mambo (Cuba), Cha Cha, and Guajira.  Salsa has an eight beat and is similar to the Mambo.  The term "Salsa" became popular in New York City.

MERENGUE--  Having originated in the Dominican Republic, Merengue has a four beat with a short, fast rhythm.  In the late 1700's, early 1800's, it evolved from a combination of African music and the French Minuet.  There are two stories associated with its origin.  First, plantation slaves were chained together and subsequently had to drag one leg while cutting sugar.  This was done to the beat of a drum.  Second, a revolutionary hero returned wounded from battle, dragging one foot.  The village celebrated his return and also imitated his step. 

PLENA--  Plena is a traditional dance of Puerto Rico.  Plena represented the agricultural worker.  Workers would harvest two main crops, sugar cane and coffee, both of which have been written about in many lyrics.  Originally known as "El periódico cantado" or "the sung newspaper," Plena reflected the history and daily life of the people.  Musically, the native Taíno Indians have played Plena on a variety of handheld drums and gourds.  Traditionally, two symbols stand out in Plena: the white Panama hats worn by the men and the large skirts worn by the women. 

CUMBIA--  Cumbia is a traditional folk dance of Colombia.  The term comes from the African word Cumbé or Kumb, meaning "to make a noise."  It originated in Cartagena and along the coast.  Cumbia is played with tambores and flutes and has vocal and chorus sections.  The rhythm is 2/4 time.  Slaves were chained together at the feet, thus the walking step of the dance.  Traditionally, the men wear hats and the women wear long skirts.

MAMBO--  The Mambo originated in Cuba.  It was also influenced by the settlements of Haitians.  Mambo is a fusion of swing and Cuban music.  Pérez Prado first introduced the Mambo in La Tropicana Night Club in Havana, 1943.  Originally the Mambo was played as a Rumba; it is an intricate dance in 4/4 time that can either be fast or slow.  The Mambo has led to the creation of the Cha Cha.

CHA CHA--  This dance style originated in 1954 from a slow Mambo tempo.  The Cha Cha is comprised of three quick steps (triple steps/ Cha Cha Cha) and two slower steps.

RUMBA--  The Rumba is a sensual dance with sharp beats and fast hip movements.  It has Spanish and African roots, primarily developing in Cuba.  Some of the offshoots of the Rumba have been the slow "son," a dance for Cuba's middle class and the even slower "Danzón," a wealthy class rhythm. 

SAMBA--  Festival dance that originated in Brazil.  The Samba is usually played during street carnivals and celebrations.  It has energetic and flamboyant movements. 

TANGO--   The Tango goes back to 19^th century Spain and Morocco.  Originally, it was a solo dance performed by women.  The Andalusia Tango used castanets.  Eventually, Spanish settlers with Black and Creole influences brought the Tango to the New World.  In fact, Ballroom Tango originated in Buenos Aires.  Women wore long skirts and men wore boots and spurs.  This dance reflected the Argentinian Gauchos' or Cowboys' courting of women after working in the countryside.  Argentinian Tango developed in the late 1930's mostly due to musician/singer Carlos Gardel.  This version of the tango has merged with the Tango Habanera (a folk dance).