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The Latin dances are certainly the most exiting as well as being very popular. From the brisk Samba sounds to the more sensuous movements of the rumba. We are sure you will agree that after your first lesson you will be hooked on Latin dancing just like the rest of us.
Most of these dances are of Latin American origin & are of a fast exiting upbeat tempo danced with lots of feeling.

The Rumba which has a slower beat & is sometimes called (The dance of love.). Always danced with lots of passion.

The Rumba originates from Cuba as a typical dance of a hot climate. It has become the classic of all the Latin American dances. In its present form many of the basic figures of the dance retain the age-old story of woman's attempt to dominate man by the use of her feminine charm. In a well choregrphed dance there will always be an element of "tease and run"; the man being lured and then rejected.

Cha Cha Cha is a very popular dance not to fast & has a nice style & rhythm. Easy to learn & has many routines.

Cha-Cha-Cha is the newcomer of the Latin American dances. This dance was first seen in the dance-halls of America, in the early fifties, following closely Mambo, from which it was developed. Shortly after the Mambo was introduced, another rhythm started to gain popularity, a rhythm that was ultimately to become the most commonly known of the Latin American dances throughout the world. It was named Cha-Cha-Cha. The music is slower than Mambo and the rhythm is less complicated. The interpretation of Cha-Cha-Cha music should produce a happy, carefree, cheeky, party-time-like atmosphere. Recently it was decided to shorten the name to Cha-Cha.

The Samba a very lively dance this will spice up your dancing with it's exciting Latin beat. Helps to keep you fit.

Samba originates from Brazil where it is a national dance. Many versions of the Samba -from Baion (pronounce: Bajao) to Marcha- are danced at the local carnaval in Rio. To achieve the true character of the Samba a dancer must give it a gay, flirtatious and exuberant interpretation. Many figures, used in the Samba today, require a pelvic tilt action. This action is difficult to accomplish, but without it the dance loses much of its effect. Before 1914 it was known under a Brazilian name "Maxixe" . The first attempts of introducing samba to European ballrooms are dated 1923-24, but it was after the World War II when samba became a popular dance in Europe. Samba has a very specific rhytm, highlighted to its best by characteristic Brazilian musical instruments: originally called tamborim, chocalho, reco-reco and cabaca.

The Paso Doble

Paso Doble originates from Spain. It developed on the basis of movements performed by the matadors during the bull fights. In Paso Doble the man (matador) is in focus more than in any other dance. The lady is left with playing a role of a cape ("cappa") the red canvas of the torreador or a bull, depending on circumstances. The dance came into fashion around 1920.

It is probably the last dance you will learn if you take up Latin American dance classes. That's because it is based around previously agreed choreography (arranged precisely to the music) and it is far more difficult to lead and improvise it.

Jive & Rock & Roll. These are really fun to dance & are easily learnt in a few lessons. A favourite with everyone.

Jive, brought over from America has been initially developed from a dance called "Jitterburg" by eliminating all its acrobatic elements and polishing the technique. The first description of Jive made by London dance teacher Victor Silvester was published in Europe in 1944. The Boogie, Rock & Roll and the American Swing also influenced this dance.

Jive is a very fast, energy-consuming dance. It is the last dance danced at the competitions, and dancers have to show that having dance four dances they are not tired yet and still ready to go hard at it.

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