Latin
Latin Classes for All Dancers
In addition to traditional ballroom dances, Arthur Murray Dance Studio - Jacksonville teaches Latin dances in Jacksonville, FL. If you are interested in expanding your dance skills, our studio is the place to be. We have comprehensive dance class offerings for people of all ages. Our team works hard to provide the best instruction to all of our students, no matter their dance background. We offer beginner classes, intermediate courses, and competitive-level dance programs. When it comes to Latin dancing, it is vital that you have instructors who are experienced and skilled in the various Latin dances. Our instructors teach the Paso Doble, rumba, cha-cha, bachata, salsa, and more. No matter what type of Latin dance you are looking to learn, we have got you covered.
The Cha-Cha
The cha-cha dance is one of the five leading Latin ballroom dances taught in dance schools around the world. The cha-cha is based partly on the rumba and mambo and incorporates plenty of hip and pelvic movements. Similarly to the rumba, the cha-cha’s roots are grounded in the Afro-Cuban community in Havana. The cha-cha was born in the 1950s when Pierre Lavelle noticed the additional steps that dancers included in the typical mambo and rumba. He went back to England and began teaching the extra steps as a new dance that is now known as the cha-cha. The origins of the name are still up in the air, but it does not take away from the fact that the cha-cha is one of the most popular Latin dances in the world.
The Samba
The samba dance has many different variations due to its lengthy history. At our studio, we are capable of teaching every different variation of the samba. The Samba originated in Brazil and is often known as the “soundtrack of Brazil.” This vibrant, upbeat dance makes you want to move your heart, hips, and feet. Before 1914, the samba was known as “Maxixe,” a Brazilian name. The original samba was influenced heavily by Cuban Habanera and the German Polka, leading to its current reputation. Through the film industry, the samba was introduced to the United States in the early 1900s. The word “samba” comes from the term semba, which means “invitation to dance.” The samba evolved into different variations that are slower, funkier, more romantic, and so on.
The Rumba
The rumba dance is a slow, sexy Latin ballroom dance that came about in the African slave communities in Cuba during the 16th century. Initially, the dance was fast and aggressive but slowed down over time. The rumba has influenced many Latin American dances over the years, including the cha-cha. The term rumba actually refers to a collection of Afro-Cuban dances. Back in the 16th century, slaves in Cuba from Africa introduced sexually aggressive dance moves to the local culture, which was scandalized by the conservative middle class of Cuba. Because of the scandalous nature of the dance, it eventually evolved into the much slower, more refined version known as the Son. The Son then made its way into the United States in the early 1900s, which later became known as the American Rumba.
The Paso Doble
The Paso Doble is a traditional couple’s dance that originated in France and was immediately adopted by the Spanish community. This is a lively dance that is typically danced to the music at bullfights. In the dance sequence, the male is characterized as the bullfight and the lady as his cape. The dancers enact these roles, and they can change roles during the routine. The dance is based on the Flamenco and is usually a competitive dance and one of the most dramatic of Latin dances. The movements during the dance are sharp and quick and portray a mood of arrogance and dignity.
The Jive
The jive is one of the most lively dance styles of ballroom dancing. The jive originated in the United States with the influence of African American culture during the 1930s. The jive is considered to be an uninhibited version of the jitterbug dance. As one of the most energetic dances, the jive is characterized by the legs portraying a pumping action, two triple steps, and a rock step. The jive was seen initially as vulgar and foreign, like many other dances. Eventually, it evolved into a more elegant, lively, and slower ballroom form which was more willingly accepted. Today, it is danced as a much boppier version, resembling its original form more closely.
Learn to Dance Latin Styles Today
The instructors at Arthur Murray Dance Studio - Jacksonville are very talented, educated, and trained. We are able to teach you all the different Latin dance styles that you want to learn. We also believe that knowing where these dances came from and how they evolved over time allows dancers to fully and truly immerse themselves in the dances. Our team works hard to educate all of our students on the different styles of Latin ballroom dancing and to ensure that our students understand their differences and their meaning. We are so excited to help you learn more about the dance world and to help you nail down your dancing skills. Reach out to us today to enroll in one of our incredible dance classes.