Dance HistorySpecialty Club Latin
S-CLCaribbean/Latin America · 1960Present

Specialty Club Latin

Contemporary Latin dances found in nightclubs and social dance venues worldwide, from Caribbean and Latin American traditions.

9 dance styles in this genre

Dance Styles

SAL

Salsa

Also known as: Salsa NY, LA Salsa, Cuban Salsa

Salsa is a vibrant Latin partner dance developed from Cuban son traditions and popularized in New York during the 1960s-1970s. It features Cuban motion, rhythmic patterns, and lively musicality.

Cuba/Puerto Rico/New York·19601970·4/4 time (clave rhythm)·40-55 measures per minute
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BAC

Bachata

Also known as: Dominican Bachata

Bachata is a romantic Latin couple dance that emerged in the Dominican Republic, characterized by smooth movements, hip motion, and gentle turns with close partnership and intimate character.

Dominican Republic·19601980·4/4 time·20-24 measures per minute
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MER

Merengue

Also known as: Dominican Merengue

Merengue is a fast, energetic Latin couple dance from the Dominican Republic and Haiti, featuring characteristic hip motion and syncopated rhythm patterns with lively character.

Dominican Republic/Haiti·18501900·2/4 time·60-80 measures per minute
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CUM

Cumbia

Also known as: Colombian Cumbia

Cumbia is a Colombian couple dance with African-influenced rhythms and hip motion, featuring rotating movement patterns and steady rhythmic pulse. It remains central to Colombian and Latin American culture.

Colombia·18001900·2/4 time·45-55 measures per minute
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ZOU

Zouk

Also known as: Martinique Zouk, Contemporary Zouk

Zouk is a Caribbean couple dance developed in Guadeloupe and Martinique during the 1970s-1980s, featuring fast footwork, smooth body motion, and contemporary styling with African-influenced rhythms.

Guadeloupe/Martinique·19701980·4/4 time·30-40 measures per minute
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KIZ

Kizomba

Also known as: Angolan Kizomba

Kizomba is an Angolan couple dance with romantic, close-connection character, featuring smooth steps and hip motion influenced by Brazilian and Caribbean traditions.

Angola·19801990·4/4 time·60-90 measures per minute
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FOR

Forró

Also known as: Brazilian Forró

Forró is a Brazilian couple dance with accordion-driven rhythm, bouncy hip action, and celebratory character, popular for festivals and social gatherings throughout Brazil.

Brazil·19401960·2/4 time·60-80 measures per minute
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LAM

Lambada

Also known as: Brazilian Lambada

Lambada is a contemporary Latin couple dance with sensual, close-connection character and hip-driven motion that emerged in Brazil during the 1980s and became a global phenomenon.

Brazil/Guyana·19801990·4/4 time·24-30 measures per minute
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LAM

Lambazouk

Also known as: Lambazouk

Lambazouk is a contemporary fusion dance blending lambada and zouk traditions, emerging in the 1990s as dancers synthesized Caribbean and contemporary styles.

Caribbean/France·19902000·4/4 time·25-30 measures per minute
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