Danse Latine et Sociale

Quebradita is a lively Mexican dance style that features energetic, fast-paced movements. It involves a series of dynamic steps and spins performed by couples, often accompanied by upbeat music with strong rhythms. The dance is known for its playful and spirited nature, incorporating dramatic poses and athletic moves. Quebradita is popular at social events and dance clubs, reflecting its vibrant and fun-loving character.

Mambo is a lively dance style that originated in Cuba and became popular in the United States during the 1940s and 1950s. It features quick, rhythmic movements and a strong emphasis on hip action and footwork. Dancers perform in pairs, executing energetic steps, turns, and spins, often to upbeat Latin music with a fast tempo. Mambo is known for its vibrant and playful character, making it a favorite in social dance settings and dance clubs.

Bolero is a slow and elegant dance style with Spanish origins, characterized by its smooth, flowing movements and romantic feel. It typically features a steady rhythm with graceful steps and dramatic poses. Dancers perform in pairs, emphasizing close connection and expressive gestures. Bolero is often accompanied by soft, melodic music, and is known for its sensual and sophisticated style, making it popular in both social and performance settings.

Bossa nova is a Brazilian dance style that emerged in the late 1950s, known for its smooth, laid-back movements and rhythmic elegance. It features a blend of gentle, swaying steps and subtle hip motions, performed to music with a relaxed, off-beat rhythm. The dance often reflects the calming, melodic qualities of bossa nova music, which combines elements of samba and jazz. Bossa nova is celebrated for its sophisticated and understated charm, making it popular in both social and performance contexts.

The fandango is a traditional Spanish dance known for its lively and rhythmic movements. It features fast footwork, energetic steps, and often includes intricate patterns performed in pairs or groups. Dancers usually move with a sense of grace and precision, accompanied by upbeat music played on guitars or castanets. The fandango is celebrated for its spirited and joyful nature, making it a popular part of Spanish cultural festivals and performances.

Cha-cha-cha is a lively and rhythmic dance style that originated in Cuba. It is known for its energetic steps and playful, off-beat movements. Dancers perform a distinctive pattern that includes a triple step, often referred to as the "cha-cha-cha," followed by other steps. The dance is typically accompanied by upbeat Latin music with a strong rhythm, making it popular in both social and competitive dance settings for its fun and engaging character.

Forró is a lively dance style that originated in Brazil, particularly in the northeastern region. It features close, rhythmic movements performed in pairs, with a focus on smooth, flowing steps and body coordination. Dancers often engage in a variety of steps and spins, moving to upbeat, energetic music played with instruments like the accordion, triangle, and zabumba drum. Forró is popular at social gatherings and festivals, known for its joyful and engaging character.

The Argentine tango is a refined and expressive dance style that originated in Argentina. It is known for its close embrace, precise footwork, and dramatic, emotional movements. The dance features intricate steps and tight partner connection, often highlighting the dancers' chemistry and feelings. The Argentine tango is typically performed to music with a strong, rhythmic beat, blending traditional and contemporary influences. It is celebrated for its sophistication and depth, making it popular in both social and competitive dance settings.

Merengue is a vibrant dance and music style that originated in the Dominican Republic. The dance features lively, rhythmic movements with a focus on quick footwork and hip action, often performed in pairs. The music is upbeat and typically includes instruments like the accordion, saxophone, and drum, creating a festive and energetic atmosphere. Merengue is known for its simple, repetitive steps that make it easy to learn and enjoy, making it popular at social events and celebrations.

Sandungueo is a bold and suggestive dance style from Puerto Rico that involves rhythmic, provocative movements such as grinding and twerking. It is usually performed to reggaeton or Latin urban music with explicit lyrics, featuring lively and energetic beats. The dance highlights close body contact and dynamic movements, capturing the vibrant and expressive essence of Latin urban music and culture.

Acrobatic rock and roll is a high-energy dance style that combines rock and roll music with acrobatic moves. It features impressive lifts, spins, and aerial tricks performed by couples, along with fast footwork and synchronized movements. The dance is known for its lively tempo and dynamic choreography, making it a popular choice for competitions and performances. It blends athleticism with rhythm, creating a visually exciting and engaging dance experience.

Solo dance is a form of dance performed by an individual, rather than in pairs or groups. It allows the dancer to express their personal style and creativity through various movements and techniques. Solo dance can encompass a wide range of styles, from classical ballet to modern and street dance, and it is often performed to music that highlights the dancer’s unique interpretation and skill. This style of dance emphasizes individual expression and personal connection with the music.

Partner dance is a type of dance performed by two or more people working together as a team. It involves coordinated movements and often includes steps where partners lead, follow, and synchronize their actions. This type of dance can include various styles, from ballroom and Latin dances to contemporary and folk forms. Partner dance emphasizes communication, connection, and harmony between the dancers, making it a popular choice for both social events and competitive performances.

Group dance is a dance style performed by multiple people together, often in coordinated formations or patterns. It involves synchronized movements and choreography shared among all participants. Group dance can include a variety of styles, such as contemporary, jazz, or traditional folk dances. The emphasis is on teamwork and collective rhythm, creating a unified and visually impactful performance.

Circle dance is a type of dance where participants form a circle and move together in a coordinated pattern. Dancers typically hold hands or link arms and perform steps that follow the circle's direction, often with simple, repetitive movements. This style of dance can be found in various cultures and is often used for social gatherings, celebrations, and traditional ceremonies. The circle formation encourages unity and connection among the dancers, creating a sense of togetherness and shared rhythm.

Round dance is a dance style where participants form a circle and move together in a synchronized pattern. Dancers follow specific steps and patterns that revolve around the circle, often with movements that repeat or change gradually. This style can include various types of dances, such as folk dances or social dances, and is commonly used in communal or ceremonial settings. The round formation creates a sense of unity and connection among dancers, promoting a collective and harmonious experience.

Line dance is a style of dance where individuals perform synchronized movements in a single line or rows, rather than in pairs or groups. Each dancer follows a set sequence of steps, typically repeated throughout the song, and the dance often involves moving forward, backward, and side to side. Line dancing is popular in social settings, especially at events like country music dances and parties, and is known for its simplicity and ease of learning, making it accessible to dancers of all skill levels.

The waltz is a classic ballroom dance known for its smooth, flowing movements and elegant style. Dancers perform in a close embrace, moving in a rotating, circular pattern. The basic step involves a series of graceful steps where partners move forward, side, and close together. The dance is typically accompanied by romantic, melodic music and is celebrated for its refined and timeless quality, making it a popular choice for formal events and special occasions.

A mixer dance is a social dance style designed to encourage interaction among participants by frequently changing partners. Typically performed in a group setting, the dance involves a series of steps or movements that are repeated, with dancers rotating to different partners throughout the event. Mixer dances often feature simple choreography and are popular at parties, weddings, and social gatherings, where they help break the ice and foster a lively, engaging atmosphere.

The Texas Tommy is a lively and energetic dance style that originated in the early 20th century. It is a type of swing dance known for its quick, spirited movements and playful steps. The dance often involves a combination of spins, turns, and partner exchanges, performed to upbeat jazz or swing music. The Texas Tommy is characterized by its lively tempo and engaging, interactive style, making it a popular choice for social dance events and gatherings.

The Big Apple is a lively and energetic dance style that emerged in the 1930s, often performed to swing or jazz music. It features a series of coordinated steps and movements done in a group, typically including a mix of individual and partner actions. Dancers perform in a circle or formation, showcasing quick footwork, jumps, and turns. The Big Apple is known for its vibrant and playful character, making it a popular choice for social dance events and festive gatherings.

The Yankee Dutch crossing is a dance performed by 16 dancers arranged in a 4-by-4 square formation, with 8 couples. In this dance, participants follow a series of choreographed steps and movements that involve crossing paths and changing positions within the square. The formation allows for intricate patterns and synchronized actions, creating a visually engaging and coordinated performance. The dance is known for its structured yet lively nature, making it a popular choice for group events and social gatherings.

The cancan is a lively and energetic dance that originated in France during the 19th century. It features high-kicking, fast-paced movements and is known for its playful and provocative style. Dancers, typically in groups, perform with exaggerated steps, including high leg lifts, splits, and spins, often wearing colorful costumes with frilly skirts. The cancan is usually accompanied by upbeat, lively music and is celebrated for its fun and spirited character, making it a popular feature in cabaret shows and dance performances.

The foxtrot is a smooth and elegant ballroom dance characterized by its graceful, flowing movements and a steady rhythm. Dancers perform a series of slow and quick steps, typically in a smooth, gliding motion. The dance is usually performed in a close hold, with partners moving in a coordinated, flowing manner across the floor. The foxtrot is often danced to jazz music and is popular for its refined and sophisticated style, making it a staple at formal events and social gatherings.

The quadrille is a traditional dance performed by four couples arranged in a square formation. Each couple dances in coordinated patterns, following a series of steps and movements that often involve intricate figures and partner exchanges. The dance typically features lively, rhythmic music and includes a sequence of formations and patterns that create a visually engaging performance. The quadrille is known for its structured yet social nature, making it popular at formal events and historical dance reenactments.

The quickstep is a lively and fast-paced ballroom dance known for its energetic movements and upbeat tempo. It features a series of quick, smooth steps with a distinctive hopping motion and frequent changes in direction. Dancers move across the floor with a light, bouncing style, performing intricate patterns and spins. The quickstep is typically danced to lively jazz music and is celebrated for its joyful and dynamic character, making it a popular choice for competitive and social dance events.

The two-step is a versatile and straightforward dance style that features a simple, rhythmic pattern of two steps. Dancers move to a steady beat, taking two quick steps in one direction followed by two quick steps in the opposite direction. This dance can be performed in various styles, including country, ballroom, and swing. The two-step is known for its ease of learning and adaptability, making it popular at social events, weddings, and dance clubs.

Chicago stepping is a smooth and stylish dance style that originated in Chicago and is often performed to rhythm and blues or soul music. It features a relaxed, gliding movement with a smooth, flowing style. Dancers perform a series of steps and turns with a strong emphasis on timing and rhythm, often incorporating intricate footwork and body movements. Chicago stepping is known for its elegance and the connection between partners, making it popular in social dance settings and dance events.

Jazz dance is a dynamic and expressive dance style that originated from jazz music and culture. It features energetic and rhythmic movements, including leaps, turns, and isolations of different body parts. Jazz dance often incorporates a variety of techniques and styles, such as high kicks, smooth slides, and sharp, angular motions. It is known for its lively, upbeat character and is commonly performed to a wide range of music genres, making it popular in both theatrical performances and social dance settings.

Square dance is a traditional form of dance performed by four couples arranged in a square formation. Each couple follows a series of choreographed steps and movements that involve turning and swapping partners. The dance is guided by a caller who provides instructions and cues for the various figures and sequences. Square dancing is known for its lively, social nature and is often accompanied by upbeat folk or country music, making it a popular choice for community events and social gatherings.

The bunny hug is a fun and playful dance style from the early 20th century. It features a simple, upbeat pattern where dancers perform a series of steps and hops while holding each other in a close embrace. The dance typically involves quick, bouncy movements and is performed to lively jazz or ragtime music. The bunny hug is known for its cheerful and energetic character, making it a popular choice for social dance events and gatherings.

Cachucha is a lively and expressive dance style with Spanish origins, often associated with traditional Spanish or Flamenco dance. It features energetic, rhythmic movements and vibrant footwork, typically performed by a solo dancer. The dance is characterized by its dramatic poses and dynamic gestures, reflecting a spirited and passionate style. The cachucha is usually accompanied by upbeat, lively music, and is known for its engaging and colorful performance, making it a popular choice in traditional Spanish dance repertoires.

Lambada is a dance style that originated in Brazil and is known for its vibrant and sensual movements. It features a combination of rhythmic hip sways, smooth steps, and close partner interaction. Dancers often perform with flowing, fluid motions to lively and upbeat music that blends elements of Latin rhythms and traditional Brazilian sounds. The lambada is celebrated for its passionate and engaging character, making it popular in both social dance settings and performances.

The carioca is a lively and rhythmic dance style from Brazil, often associated with the vibrant atmosphere of Rio de Janeiro. It features upbeat, off-beat steps and smooth hip movements that reflect the energetic rhythms of samba and other Brazilian music. Dancers typically perform in a relaxed, flowing manner, emphasizing rhythm and fluidity. The carioca is known for its cheerful and festive character, making it a popular choice at social gatherings, festivals, and dance events.

The conga is a lively and rhythmic dance style from Cuba, characterized by its energetic and upbeat movements. It involves a series of smooth, flowing steps and hip movements performed to the rhythm of conga drums. The dance typically features a repetitive pattern that emphasizes off-beat rhythms and allows for individual expression. The conga is often performed in social settings and at festive events, celebrated for its appealing rhythm and joyful, engaging style.

The cotillion is a traditional dance style that involves a series of formal, choreographed movements performed by couples or groups. Originating in 18th-century France, it often features intricate patterns and figures arranged in a square or rectangular formation. The dance is usually accompanied by classical or lively music and emphasizes coordination and elegance. The cotillion is known for its structured and refined nature, making it a popular choice for formal events and social gatherings.

The habanera is a dance style with Cuban origins, characterized by its distinctive, rhythmic pattern and slow to moderate tempo. It features an off-beat rhythm that creates a swaying, almost seductive movement. Dancers often perform with smooth, flowing steps that emphasize the dance's relaxed and sensual quality. The habanera is commonly performed to music that blends traditional Cuban rhythms with elements of Spanish and Afro-Cuban influences, making it a popular choice in both historical and contemporary dance settings.

The macarena is a popular dance style known for its simple and repetitive movements. It involves a series of steps and arm motions that are performed to a catchy, upbeat song. Dancers follow a set pattern, including swinging arms and hip movements, making it easy for large groups to join in. The macarena is often performed at parties, weddings, and other social events, celebrated for its fun and engaging nature.

The twist is a lively dance style that became popular in the 1960s. It features a simple, twisting motion of the hips and feet, with dancers moving their hips side to side while keeping their upper body relatively still. The dance involves a repetitive, rhythmic movement that is easy to follow and often performed to upbeat rock and roll music. The twist is known for its energetic and fun character, making it a popular choice for social gatherings and dance parties.

The paso doble is a dramatic and passionate ballroom dance that originates from Spain. It mimics the movements of a bullfight, with dancers performing bold, theatrical steps and poses. The dance features strong, sharp movements and a proud, upright posture, often with one partner taking on the role of the bullfighter and the other as the cape. The paso doble is typically performed to powerful, martial music, and is known for its intense and energetic style, making it a popular choice for competitive ballroom dancing.

Contact improvisation is a dance style that focuses on spontaneous movement and physical interaction between dancers. It involves partners using their bodies to make contact, explore weight shifts, and respond to each other's movements in real-time. This dance style emphasizes collaboration, balance, and fluidity, allowing dancers to improvise and create dynamic, flowing movements together. Contact improvisation is known for its open, experimental nature and is often used in workshops, performances, and social dance settings.

The farandole is a lively and traditional dance that involves a group of people forming a line or chain and moving in a coordinated pattern. Originating from Southern France, it features energetic, step-driven movements and often includes a series of turns and changes in direction. Dancers typically hold hands or link arms, creating a continuous, flowing motion as they move. The farandole is known for its festive and communal character, making it popular at cultural celebrations and folk festivals.

Formation dance is a style where dancers arrange themselves in specific patterns or shapes, often performing synchronized movements within these formations. This type of dance typically involves groups of dancers coordinating their steps and positions to create visually striking designs on the dance floor. Formation dance can include various styles and is often used in competitive dance, theatrical performances, and cheerleading, where precision and teamwork are essential for creating dynamic and engaging routines.

The one-step is a simple and straightforward dance style characterized by its basic step pattern, where dancers move to a steady rhythm by taking one step in one direction and then another step in the opposite direction. It is often performed to slow or moderate music, and the movements are smooth and flowing. The one-step is known for its ease of learning and is popular in both social dance settings and as a foundational step in various dance styles.

The beguine is a dance style that originated in the Caribbean and became popular in the early 20th century. It features a smooth, flowing rhythm with a gentle, swaying motion. Dancers perform slow, graceful steps and turns, often accompanied by soft, melodic music. The beguine is known for its relaxed and romantic character, making it a popular choice for social dancing and ballroom events.

The Boston is a smooth, elegant dance style that emerged in the early 20th century. It is a type of slow waltz, characterized by its graceful and flowing movements. Dancers perform in a close embrace, moving in a circular pattern with a combination of slow and quick steps. The Boston is known for its romantic and refined style, making it popular in formal settings and social dance events where a sophisticated and elegant dance is desired.

The Apache dance is a dramatic and expressive dance style that originated in France in the early 20th century. It is known for its intense and theatrical movements, often depicting a struggle between a male and female partner. The dance features bold, powerful steps and dramatic lifts, with one partner frequently portraying a dominant or aggressive role while the other responds with more submissive or reactive movements. The Apache dance is characterized by its strong emotions and dynamic, storytelling elements, making it a captivating and striking performance.

The bump is a fun and energetic dance style popular in the 1970s. It features simple, rhythmic movements where dancers perform a series of up-and-down motions, often bumping their hips or bodies in time with the music. The dance involves a lot of hip action and can be performed solo or with a partner. The bump is known for its playful and lively character, making it a favorite at social dance events and parties.

A barn dance is a traditional social dance held in a barn or rural setting, often involving a group of people dancing to folk or country music. It features a variety of dance styles, including square dances, contra dances, and line dances, typically performed in a lively and communal atmosphere. Participants often follow simple, coordinated steps and work together in formations or patterns. The barn dance is known for its friendly, informal nature and is a popular way to bring people together for fun and socializing in a relaxed setting.

Country dance is a style of dance that includes a range of traditional and folk dances typically performed to country or folk music. It often features simple, rhythmic steps and patterns that are easy to learn and follow. Dances can be performed solo, in pairs, or in groups, and often involve steps such as clapping and turning. Country dance is known for its social and community-oriented nature, making it a popular choice for gatherings and events in rural and informal settings.

The bugg is a lively and energetic partner dance style from Sweden, typically performed to upbeat pop or rock music. It features simple, rhythmic movements where dancers take small, quick steps, often incorporating a lot of bouncing and hip action. The dance is known for its fun and casual nature, making it easy for people to join in and enjoy at social events, parties, or dance clubs.

Hand dancing is a smooth partner dance known for its intricate footwork and elaborate hand movements. It originated in African American communities and is characterized by its flowing, rhythmic style. Dancers perform coordinated steps and use their hands to create decorative patterns and gestures, adding a visually engaging element to the dance. Hand dancing is often performed to soulful or rhythm and blues music and is celebrated for its elegance and creativity.