The Rumba was originally a marriage dance. Many of its movements and actions which seem to have an erotic meaning are merely depictions of simple farm tasks. Rumba became a popular ballroom dance and was introduced in the United States about 1933. Rumba was at the beginning of the Cuban and American dance crazes, and was the basis for the Mambo, and the Cha Cha. Rumba is usually written in 4/4 time. The characteristic feature is to take each step without initially placing the weight on that step. Steps are made with a slightly bent knee which, when straightened, causes the hips to sway from side to side in what has come to be known as "Cuban Motion".

One of the most popular Latin dances in the U.S., the Cha-Cha began as a variation of the Mambo called Triple Mambo. It became the rage of the early 1950’s. It’s infectious one-two, one-two-three, rhythm demands that sitters become dancers. Everybody can learn the Cha-Cha.

From the less inhibited night clubs and dance halls the Mambo underwent subtle changes. It was triple mambo, and then peculiar scraping and shuffling sounds during the "tripling" produced the imitative sound of Cha Cha Cha. This then became a dance in itself. Mambo or triple Mambo or Cha Cha as it is now called, is but an advanced stage in interpretive social dancing born of the fusion of progressive American and Latin music.

The fusion of Swing and Cuban music produced this fascinating rhythm and in turn created a new sensational dance during the 1940’s. The Mambo was originally played as any Rumba with a riff ending. It may be described as a riff or a Rumba with emphasis on the fourth beat 4/4 time. Originally played by some musicians in 2/4 time with a break or emphasis on 2 and 4.Native Cubans or dancers, without any training would break on any beat. The components of Mambo are small rock steps and side steps with foot styling that includes points, kicks, and flicks.

Salsa is the street version of Mambo. The increased popularity of Latin music makes the Mambo, Salsa, and Cha-Cha the dances to master. These moves from south of the border are sensual as well as invigorating. You'll be ready to join in the excitement of the latest dance craze and club-hop with the best of them in just a few lessons from one of Arthur Murray's talented instructors

This captivating Latin dance is thought to have begun as a peasant dance in the Dominican Republic by African Slaves. Others believe that it was created by a war hero, General Maringie, who danced dragging his injured leg. However it arrived, it inspires dancers worldwide, to move to it’s intoxicating beat.

Characteristics are walking steps, and chasses, or side steps. With “Cuban Motion” and animated body movement, Merengue’s beat invites everyone to enjoy its’ festive party appeal.

The Bachata originated in the countryside of the Dominican Republic.The dance is a direct reflection of the music being played in the night clubs during the 1960. The Bachata has close ties ti the Cuban Bolero.The music of Bachata is the root of the dance. The tempo is slow, approximately 120 beatsper minute,and is played in 4/4. Bachata music can be referred to as latin "blues" music. It usually tells the tale os sadness in love and is the most romantic genre of guitar music this century.The Bachata has very basic and simple footwork that moves in a side to side or forward to back motion.The romantic character of the Bachata is achieved from the sensual hip and body actions. Good use of the knees helps produce the desired hip movement.

This Brazilian dance was first introduced in 1917 but was finally adopted by Brazilian society in 1930 as a ballroom dance. It is sometimes referred to as a Samba, Carioca, a Baion or a Batucado. The difference is mostly in the tempo played since the steps in all three dance are very similar. The style is to bounce steadily and smoothly in 2/4 meter. They say that the Samba was introduced in the United States in 1939 by the late Carmen Miranda.

The romantic Bolero is the slowest of the Latin dances. The Bolero like many other Latin dances, has Afro/Cuban roots and is thought to have originated from Cuban or Spanish Folk dances. The Bolero is played in 4/4 time and has a tempo slower than that of the Rumba. Bolero characteristics are very dramatic, long sweeping side steps, use of rise and fall, and a romantic softness that makes this dance unique among the rhythm dances.

The Swing, or formerly, Lindy, picked up where the Charleston left off. Introduced in the 1930’s, Swing has climbed the social ladder and remained a favorite through time.

Swing includes 2/4 or 4/4 timing and uses Swing or Lindy Rhythm. Swing is characterized by up-tempo single time music danced with triple steps followed by a rock step.

The Jitterbug is one of the two most uniquely American dances, (the other being Swing). Jitterbug is a toned down version of a Lindy Hop which use a 2/4 or 4/4 step, rock step pattern. The beats and patterns fit most 1950’s music, and can be adapted to a variety of “Ragtime”, and Jazz music.

The Hustle became popular in the 1970’s. Assisted by the movie, “Saturday Night Fever”, it became a marked return to popular dances where couples touched each other

in the dance. Hustle is usually danced to 2/4 or 4/4 beat music, often characterized as “Disco”music, Turns, spins, and wraps, are the primary components of the Hustle. The more accomplished dancers will add syncopated timing and elaborate arm styling. The melody and beat are based on rhythm and blues and the accent on each of the bass beats makes the music hard to resist.