Dance Styles

Dance Styles

We mentioned before that salsa sometimes acts as an umbrella term for other dance styles. In fact, many dance styles used the infrastructure of socials, communities and dance schools that salsa created to also leave a mark in the world. 

Bachata, originating from the Dominican Republic, is a sensual dance that emphasizes the good connection or partners. Danced in a close embrace, it moves to the rhythm of guitars, bongos, and güira, creating an intimate and romantic atmosphere.

Zouk, a captivating dance style, is the heartbeat of many Caribbean nations and Brazil. It developed mostly as a French caribbean style but has spread far and wide. Its influence on African dances is profound, significantly shaping the evolution of Kizomba. Globally, Zouk is still a rather small part of the overall SBK communities.

Merengue, another vibrant Latin American dance style, thrives in many Latin American countries, though it may be less prevalent in global social dance communities. Its lively and easy-to-learn steps make it a great add to any social dance. DJs love to play a Merengue song once in a while which also might help the salsa addicts to have a break and take a breath.

Angolan Kizomba, known for its smooth and grounded movements, has recently taken the dance world by storm. It has cleverly used salsa festivals and events as a platform, leading to its exponential growth in popularity. 

Whether it’s the sensuality of bachata or the fluidity of Kizomba, the world of dance offers a universe of expression waiting to be explored.