6 Latin rhythms that you will be dancing on your trip to the Caribbean

This post is also available in: Español (Spanish)

Salsa, Bachata and Merengue; who can dance to all three? You cannot avoid it: you listen to the music and your feet start moving without consciously realising it. And how catchy is Latin music? We all recognise these types of music but what do we really know about them? In this article you will discover which dances to enjoy on your all-inclusive trip to our destinations.

• Son Cubano: let’s start with the grandfather of the dances. Created in the 19th century, people started to dance to this catchy music in Havana and the Antilles, where it spread to the rest of Latin America. Although nowadays its pace has become quicker, some traditional local places still appreciate the traditional version of this dance.
• Salsa: who has not been swept away by the dynamic rhythms of this dance? A mix of jazz and Afro-Caribbean influences, this high-impact dance started gaining a reputation in the Caribbean. Danced in a couple, the man places his right hand on the woman’s hip and she places her left one on his shoulder. Let’s dance!
• Merengue: do you know how to dance to this Caribbean style dance? Considered one of the most representative dances of Latin America, it was declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by Unesco. With three simple steps, to the side, forwards and backwards, you can dominate the basis of one of the most well-known dances in the world.
• Rumba: from the ballroom to worldwide fame in 1930. The oscillating movements of the hips and changing rhythm leaves a distinct visual impression on viewers. From it both gypsy and Catalan rumba were born.
• Cha, cha, cha: one of the easiest Latin dances to learn. This genre was created in 1948, and is known by the name, “neodanzón”. This name was given to the genre by dancers who remarked the sound their shoes would make against the floor when they danced.
• Samba: starting initially in Brazil, this popular dance has now spread to many countries in America which speak Spanish. The most well-known forms of this dance are “Balao”, “Va e Vien” and the “Corta Jaca”. Are you up for trying all three?

Latin dances have their way of making you happy and putting you in a good mood, just by listening to their music. Do not miss out on any of them whilst on your holiday! They say that dancing is the best way to relieve stress, shall we dance?