Latin Dance Facts

Salsa is a rhythm, dance and music style that is known all over the world. It translates in English as"sauce." Salsa is by far the most widely heard and influential music from Puerto Rico, but in fact it is a blend of different Caribbean rhythms and music styles, and got its start in New York City in the "Barrio" in the early sixties.

Merengue is largely associated with the Dominican Republic. The basic step of the merengue is a simple two‐step pattern, but requires a contrary hip movement to the right, which makes it somewhat difficult to learn.

Bachata is a popular guitar style from the Dominican Republic and was developed out of different rhythms like merengue. It is very similar to the "Blues" music heard in America.

Guaguanco is one of the most popular styles of rumba that is still danced today. Generally, the flirtatious hip movements of the Guaguanco dance is mixed in with other more widely known dances such as the Salsa.

Bugalu is a popular hybrid style of music in the United States from the 1960's combining Puerto Rican, Cuban, rhythm & blues and soul music.