What are the best Latin and standard dances?
Are you passionate about dance and want to discover new styles to shine on the dance floor, connect with your partner or simply enjoy a vibrant, energetic experience? Latin and standard dances offer a wide range of styles that combine grace with dynamism and sensuality.
Latin and standard dances are :
- The Samba
- The Cha-cha-cha
- La Rumba
- The Paso Doble
- Le Jive
- ...
Once you've mastered them, these dances will allow you to express yourself in a totally unique way.
In this article, you will discover :
- Their origin and evolution.
- That's what makes them special.
- Why they deserve your attention.
Ready to be swept away by samba, cha-cha-cha and more? Let's go on a journey to the heart of rhythm and passion!
The TOP 5 Latin dances
#1 La Samba
Samba originated in Brazil and is synonymous with joy, vitality and exuberance. Its origins lie in the dances of African slaves, and it is deeply rooted in Brazilian culture. It comes in several styles, such as carnival samba and samba de gafieira. Its movements include undulations of the pelvis and rapid footwork.
Why practice it?
As well as improving your stamina and coordination, samba lets you feel the energy of Brazilian carnival. It's a dance that requires you to let go and lose yourself in the frenzied rhythm of the percussion. What's more, it's the perfect way to build your physical fitness while immersing yourself in a rich, festive culture.
Good to know: Every year, samba schools parade during the famous Rio Carnival. If you want to witness a breathtaking spectacle, we highly recommend it.
#2 Le Cha-Cha-Cha
The cha-cha-cha is a joyful, lively dance derived from the mambo. It originated in Cuba in the 1950s and is characterized by its lively rhythm and chassé steps. The name "cha-cha-cha" comes from the sound made by the dancers' feet on the floor as they execute the fast, synchronized steps.
Why practice it?
If you're looking to release energy and improve coordination, cha-cha-cha is the perfect dance for you. With its strong hip movements and relaxed atmosphere, it's a great way to release tension and have fun. What's more, cha-cha-cha is popular at social events and competitions, as it always brings a touch of good humor.
Tip: You can start with group classes to get a feel for the dynamics of this dance.
#3 La Rumba
Rumba has its roots in Cuba and represents passion, love and sensuality. It is often considered one of the most expressive dances, and is distinguished by its fluid movements, hip play and slow but intense rhythm. What's more, it's highly prized for its theatrical aspects and the emotional connection between partners. In fact, it's not for nothing that it's often said that this dance tells a story through its steps.
Why practice it?
Rumba is ideal for improving body expression, fluidity of movement and connection with your partner. It's the perfect dance for those seeking to develop self-confidence, express deep emotions and strengthen coordination.
#4 Le Paso Doble
The paso doble is a dance associated with Spanish bullfights. Indeed, it is known to have been inspired by the movements of bullfighters. This is why the paso doble evokes pride and courage.
Nowadays, this dance is quite popular in the world of sports dance, as its theatrical style leaves no one indifferent.
Why practice it? The paso doble is ideal for developing stage presence. With its strong steps and sweeping movements, this dance will help you work on your posture and confidence. What's more, it's perfect for those who love dances charged with symbolism and intensity.
Good to know: The dancer's role is often compared to that of a matadorwhile the dancer sometimes represents the cape or even the arena itself.
#5 Le Jive
The jive originated in the American swing dances of the 1930s and 1940s, such as lindy hop and boogie-woogie. Over the years, this dance has become a staple of Latin dance competitions, thanks to its fast tempo and bouncy steps.
Why practice it? Jive is perfect for releasing energy while improving agility and coordination. This fun, dynamic dance is ideal for those who enjoy a physical challenge.
What's more, thanks to its light, joyful movements, jive brings a healthy dose of fun to your learning.
Tip: To get the most out of jive, choose lightweight shoes that encourage rapid movement.
The TOP 5 standard dances
#1 La Valse Lente (Waltz)
The slow waltz originated in 18th-century Austria. It's known for its smooth, flowing movements that give the impression of gliding along the dance floor.
Why practice it? The slow waltz is ideal for working on balance, posture and connection with your partner. What's more, it's the perfect way to enjoy romantic moments while improving your performance.
#2 Le Tango
Tango was born in the suburbs of Buenos Aires. This intense, passionate and dramatic dance blends European and South American influences.
Why practice it? Tango is perfect for developing a strong connection with your partner while improving the efficiency/precision of your movements. In this dance, every step tells a story, so it's important to be efficient with every one.
#3 La Valse Viennoise (Viennese Waltz)
Like the slow waltz, the Viennese waltz originated in Austria. It is distinguished by its fast rhythm and continuous rotations. It is also often associated with balls.
Why do it? This dance is ideal for lovers of technical challenges and romance. What's more, it requires excellent stamina and precise coordination.
#4 The Slow Foxtrot
The slow foxtrot originated in the United States in the early 20th century. It's a dance that favors graceful, flowing movements.
Why practice it? The slow foxtrot is perfect for developing advanced technical mastery and natural grace. In this dance, every movement gives the impression of being suspended in time.
#5 Quickstep
The quickstep is a derivative of the foxtrot and originated in the 1920s. Given its fast, upbeat rhythm, it is often described as the lightest of the standard dances.
Why practice it? The quickstep is ideal for building agility, coordination and energy. If we had to describe it, we'd say it's a concentrate of good humor and liveliness.
The differences between Latin and standard dances
Latin and standard dances differ mainly in style, technique and cultural origin. Latin dances (samba, cha-cha-cha, rumba, etc.) emphasize fluid hip movements, strong emotional expression and rhythms often inspired by tropical or Latin cultures. What's more, these dances are known for their sensuality, dynamism and close connection with music.
By contrast, standard dances (slow waltz, tango, etc.) are characterized by beauty, strict posture and technical precision. Partners generally remain in close contact throughout the dance, with the aim of achieving a more harmonious result. These dances are ideal for expressing grace, romance and emotional intensity.
Whether you're drawn to Latin or standard dances, each style has the ability to give you a unique and enriching experience.
Ready to learn a Latin dance at SalsaNueva?
We've come to the end of these TOPS 5, in which we've answered the question "What are the best Latin and standard dances?". You've discovered what makes each dance unique, their history, and why they're worth practicing.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced dancer, these dances will enable you to express yourself, connect with your partner and travel through their culture.
So, which will you try first?
Put on your dancing shoeslet the music guide your steps, and live every moment with passion and energy!
→ If you don't know where to start, you can discover our classes for beginners and advanced dancersand dive into the enchanting world of Latin dance today! We also offer trial classes.
