In the 1980's, Latin dance clubs skyrocketed in popularity with the rise of salsa dancing. Additionally, their popularity has continued into the 21st century.
Latin dancing prior to the 1980's consisted of the older style Latin dance genres like cha cha, mambo, rumba, cumbia, samba, merengue and bolero. These dance styles rose in popularity in early twentieth century and continued in popularity partly due to American dance studios promotion of these dance genres.
In fact, some of the Latin style dances are included in American style rhythm dances at ballroom dance competitions. Specifically, these dances include: cha cha, samba, rumba, bolero and mambo. Latin clubs focused more on mambo and merengue dance styles.
Salsa dancing became popular in the late 1980's and continues to present day. It evolved from cha cha and mambo with the contemporary salsa music and a smoother style. Originally, the break step was on count one but later an "on two" style also developed. Latin dance competitions offer both styles of salsa in various divisions like On 1 and On 2 salsa.
In addition, the merengue dance genre is also still popular in Latin dance clubs. It is the national dance for the Dominican Republic. It was popular for decades as an older style of Latin dance and experienced renewed popularity with the rise of the salsa in the 1970's and 80's.
Meanwhile, the last decade another dance has risen in popularity sufficiently to rival the salsa, that is the bachata. In present day Latin dance clubs, the bachata is almost as popular as the salsa.
The bachata dance originated in the Dominican Republic in the nineteen fifties and evolved over time to many different styles including a traditional, Italian, sensual and other styles of the dance.
Latin dancing prior to the 1980's consisted of the older style Latin dance genres like cha cha, mambo, rumba, cumbia, samba, merengue and bolero. These dance styles rose in popularity in early twentieth century and continued in popularity partly due to American dance studios promotion of these dance genres.
In fact, some of the Latin style dances are included in American style rhythm dances at ballroom dance competitions. Specifically, these dances include: cha cha, samba, rumba, bolero and mambo. Latin clubs focused more on mambo and merengue dance styles.
Salsa dancing became popular in the late 1980's and continues to present day. It evolved from cha cha and mambo with the contemporary salsa music and a smoother style. Originally, the break step was on count one but later an "on two" style also developed. Latin dance competitions offer both styles of salsa in various divisions like On 1 and On 2 salsa.
In addition, the merengue dance genre is also still popular in Latin dance clubs. It is the national dance for the Dominican Republic. It was popular for decades as an older style of Latin dance and experienced renewed popularity with the rise of the salsa in the 1970's and 80's.
Meanwhile, the last decade another dance has risen in popularity sufficiently to rival the salsa, that is the bachata. In present day Latin dance clubs, the bachata is almost as popular as the salsa.
The bachata dance originated in the Dominican Republic in the nineteen fifties and evolved over time to many different styles including a traditional, Italian, sensual and other styles of the dance.
Additional Latin dance information
- Different types of dance styles
- Popular Dances in Latin Dance Clubs
- World Latin Dance Cup
