Cuban Salsa

Cuban Salsa (or Casino as it is called in Cuba) is a grounded and earthy style of salsa that is exciting and fun to dance. The style emerged in Cuba from a fusion of Cuban Son and Rumba mixed with the American influence of Rock n Roll. It is a circular style of Salsa characterised by the Guapea step were the partners mirror each other's basic step and the Dile Que No (the Cuban equivalent of the Cross body lead).

Rueda

Rueda (Rueda de Casino) was developed in the late 1950's in the Casino's (know as Casinos Deportivos) and social clubs in Havana, Cuba. Pairs of dancers form a progressive circle (Rueda in Spanish), with dance moves called out by one person. Many of the moves involve rapidly swapping partners.

Bachata

A sensual, romantic partner dance from the Dominican Republic. Bachata emerged from a long standing Pan-Latin American tradition of guitar music. Inhabitants of the shantytowns of the Dominican call it their own, though it is derived from the Bolero which is native to Cuba.

In the 1990s, bachata's instrumentation changed from acoustic Spanish guitar to electric steel string. The new electric bachata soon became an international phenomenon and today bachata is a popular as Salsa and Merengue in Latin America and world wide.

Bachata is a simple 4 step rhythm with a characteristic hip movement, mixing the sensual connection of the Bolero and the cheekiness of Merengue.

It's subjects are often romantic; especially prevalent are tales of heartbreak and sadness.

Reggaeton

The latest Latino dance craze taking the world by storm! Originating in the Caribbean, now very popular in the US and other countries. A funky blend of Jamaican Reggae and Dancehall mixed with Tropical Latin Rhythms and Hip Hop. It is combined with Spanish rapping. Particularly popular with Latino youth. Expressive, Sexy and Fun!! Learn how to shake it!

Samba

Samba is a lively, rhythmical dance from Brazil. It is danced in 2/4 time however, there are three steps to every bar, making the Samba feel like a 3/4 timed dance. Samba music has been danced in Brazil since its inception in the late 19th century. There are different types of samba including "Samba no pé" often referred to as carnival samba and Samba Axé from Bahia. Both these are solo dances. There is also Samba de Gafieira and Samba Pagode which are popular partner dances.

Zouk

Zouk is a passionate and romantic rhythm originating from the French-Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe, Martinique and Haiti.

An elegant and exciting partner dance, it is hugely popular in France, French-speaking Africa, Brazil, French Polynesia and now Australia!

Zouk means "party" or "festival" in Creole. At Picante Latin Dance you can learn to master the basic's of this sexy partner dance.

Learn to dance it the French-Caribbean way. It is a simple two step or four step beat with most of the action in the hips & is danced in close embraces.

Zouk Lambada From Brazil - A variation of Lambada only more stylised and elegant.

Zouk Lambada is smooth, romantic and hypnotic, with the long, fluent, wave-like movements of two bodies moving as one.

Merengue

Like Bachata, this dance style comes form the Dominican Republic and is actually the National dance of the country.

It is a simple dance style that is fun, cheeky and playful. It is a two step beat where the hips swing side to side & is danced in close hold and hand hold.

Sometimes the tempo of the music is fast but the upper body is kept majestic and the turns are slow, typically four beats/steps per complete turn.

Ladies Style

Ladies, discover the essentials to make you look & feel fantastic on the dance floor!

Learn to dance with confidence, flair & grace. Find your true flavour by learning posture, body movement, arm styling, balance, coordination & more.

This is taught for Cuban Salsa & Bachata mostly but can be applied to all dace styles.