Major Latin American Dances and Basics

Flashcards detailing key terms and definitions related to Latin American dances and dance basics.

Bachata: Origin

A street dance from the Dominican Republic (1960s), initially marginalized as 'amargue' (bitterness), later becoming widely popular.

Bachata: Rhythm

Danced to a 4/4 time signature with a basic 3 ext{ steps } + 1 ext{ tap } pattern, often featuring a hip accent on the tap. Music is guitar-driven with bongo and güira percussion.

Bachata: Styling

Emphasizes sensual hip movements on the tap count. Danced in a close embrace, allowing for intimate footwork and body isolations to express romantic, melancholic themes.

Cha Cha: Origin

Evolved in Cuba in the early 1950s from Mambo and Rumba, when musicians experimented with slowing Mambo, leading to its characteristic 'cha-cha-cha' rhythmic break.

Cha Cha: Rhythm

A fast-paced 4/4 time dance with a distinctive 'one-two-cha-cha-cha' rhythm (quick-quick-slow-slow-quick). Features three quick steps (a chasse) on counts 4 ext{ and }1. Güiro and cowbell often define its energetic beat.

Cha Cha: Styling

Characterized by playful, sassy, and sharp movements, incorporating pronounced Cuban motion (hip action) and a noticeable 'flick' of the free foot for flirtatious and dynamic presentations.

Cumbia: Origin

A folkloric dance from Colombia's Caribbean coast, developed from a 17th-century fusion of West African, indigenous, and European cultural traditions.

Cumbia: Rhythm

Danced to a steady 2/4 or 4/4 rhythm, driven by drums (tambor alegre, llamador, caja) and flutes (gaitas). The basic step is a two-step pattern with a slight drag or shuffle.

Cumbia: Styling

Features short, shuffling steps. Women often wear wide, swirling skirts and may carry candles, while men may wear traditional hats. Movements are elegant and grounded, with an emphasis on circular patterns.

Merengue: Origin

Originating on the island of Hispaniola (Dominican Republic/Haiti). Its 'limping' step is often linked to historical legends of chained laborers or injured war heroes.

Merengue: Rhythm

Known for its fast 2/4 timing and simple one-two marching step. Music features strong percussion from the tambora (drum) and güira, creating an energetic and continuous rhythm.

Merengue: Styling

Marked by continuous marching-like steps and significant hip action on every beat. Danced in a very close embrace, emphasizing fluid body connection and intricate turns in a small space.

Salsa: Origin

A vibrant dance with strong Cuban and Afro-Caribbean roots, flourishing in New York City during the 1960s-70s as a fusion of Son Cubano, Mambo, Guaguancó, and Cha Cha.

Salsa: Rhythm

Danced to a syncopated 4/4 time signature, breaking on count '1' (On1) or '2' (On2) with a 'quick-quick-slow' rhythm over two measures. Key instruments include clave, conga, bongo, and timbales.