International Latin is comprised of five dances: Cha Cha, Samba, International Rumba, Paso Doble, and Jive.

Often referred to as “Latin” or “Latin American”, International Latin is unique in its use of straight legs and balletic lines. Newcomers to Latin should be warned against thinking of International Latin as “authentic Latin dancing”. Latin as danced today has evolved since its introduction into the ballroom dancing world. Samba, for instance, looks nothing like its festive counterpart danced today in the streets of Brazil. And while one can see a bit of Swing in the foundation of Jive, this one American dance has very little relation to its cousins in the Swing styles.

Simply put- It is a dance couple that consists of a Professional dancer partnering an Amateur dancer. Couple dancing is a little bit tricky, not only to acquire the skills to move with someone in unison but to find a partner! There have always been more girls than boys in dance, hence the “single ladies.” WAKE UP, BOYS!

Thanks to TV productions like Dancing with the Stars, Ballroom Dancing became incredibly popular, seemingly overnight. In the shows- a professional dancer partners a celebrity. In this case, even though the celebrity is an expert in their field, they are amateur in the dance field.