Tango (Ballroom/American)

Among the standard ballroom dances, the next in popularity behind the waltz and the foxtrot is the tango, the dance of passion. Ballroom Tango is a ballroom dance that branched away from its original Argentine roots.  This dance became popular in America in 1921.

Unlike waltz and foxtrot, tango steps should have a sharp staccato placement. Tango is also characterized by stunning, sharp head-turns. The social American style uses a slow-slow-quick-quick-slow rhythm.

More Information on Wikipedia

Dance in Film & Television. See it in Action!

There are lots of movies with tango scenes. 

Here are a few classics:

Take the Lead - Antonio Banderas

 Assassin's Tango - Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie

Tango Movie montage - Youtube AngelSongLG

Good songs and music for the Tango include:

1. Buena Sera - Dean Martin
2. La Gloria - Gotan Project
3. Reflejo De Luna - El Alacran
4. Don't Cha - Pussy Cat Dolls

Rumba

Introduced in America in the 1930’s, the rumba is a slow, sensuous, romantic dance with much flirtation. Many of the basic figures of the dance have a "tease and run" theme in which the lady first flirts with and then rejects her partner. The sexual overtures can be very aggressive.

The Rumba spotlights the lady and in particular her rhythmic body action and her sexuality. The social American style uses a slow-quick-quick-slow rhythm.

More Information on Wikipedia

Dance in Film & Television. See it in Action!

Jennifer Lopez describes the Rumba

"So You Think You Can Dance"

Season 4 - Courtney & Gev (competition style)

"Dancing with the Stars"

Season 11 - Jennifer Grey and Derek Hough

Good songs and music for the Rumba include:

1. Groovin' - The Young Rascals
2. Quando, Quando, Quando - Micheal Buble
3. California King Bed – Rihanna
4. La Media Vuelta - New 101 Strings Orchestra
5. Let's Stay Together - Al Green

Cha-Cha

This is a party dance, with wide application and appeal. Cha Cha dancing can be used in all music genres, including country, funk, and hip-hop. The social American style uses a triple step-rock step-triple step-rock step rhythm.

More Information on Wikipedia

Dance in Film & Television. See it in Action!

Cultural References (ex movies), tv shows

"So You Think You Can Dance"

Season 6 - Ashleigh & Jacob to Cha Cha Heels

Good songs and music for the Cha Cha include:

1. In My Head - Jason Derulo
2. Say It Right - Nelly Furtado
3. More - Usher
4. Let's Groove - Earth, Wind & Fire

Salsa

The modernization of the Mambo in the 1950s was influential in shaping what would become salsa dancing. The name "salsa" correctly describes the flavor of this dance: hot! Danced correctly, there's a lot of shaking', shimmying, and hip action going on.

Today there are many various styles of salsa dancing because of geographical dispersion and cultural syncretism. The most well-known styles are Cali-style (from Colombia), Cuban-style ("Casino"), LA-style, New York-style, Puerto Rican-style.

Salsa is typically a partner dance, although there are recognized solo forms, line dancing, and Rueda de Casino, where groups of couples exchange partners in a circle. Salsa can be improvised or performed with a set routine, choreography and freestyle.

More Information on Wikipedia

Dance in Film & Television. See it in Action!

Dance with Me - Vanessa Williams

Salsa: The Motion Picture. It's Hot!

Good songs and music for the Salsa include:

1. Bailamos - Enrique Iglesias
2. No Me Ames - Marc Anthony & Jennifer Lopez
3. Song
4. Salsa Motion Picture Soundtrack

Merengue

Ever wonder what "Baby" meant when she told Johnny, "I can't even do the Merengue" in Dirty Dancing?  The Merengue is a dance that is so easy to learn that there is actually a saying, "if you can walk, you can dance the Merengue."

With one step taken to each beat of music, dancing the Merengue is like marching, and it's just about as easy. Add "Cuban motion" hip action, and this easy dance also becomes sexy. Hundreds of dance figures are possible and just about anything goes in Merengue.

More Information on Wikipedia

Dance in Film & Television. See it in Action!

My Blue Heaven - Steve Martin & Rick Moranis

If this dog can do the Merengue, so can you!

Good songs for the Merengue include:

1. Song
2. Song
3. Song
4. Song

Bolero

History records that this dance was first performed in Spain in 1780, which makes it one of the oldest competitive Ballroom dances in America.

Sometimes called the Latin Waltz, this dance not only requires Cuban motion but the rise and fall found in waltz. The social International style uses a slow-quick-quick-slow-quick-quick rhythm.

More Information on Wikipedia

Dance in Film & Television. See it in Action!

Torvill & Dean - 1984 Olympics Gold Medal

Strictly Come Dancing - "She's Like the Wind"

Good songs and music for the Bolero include:

1. Song
2. Song
3. Song
4. Song