The Latin scene in Phoenix is pretty much amazing. Thanks to a wide variety of influences from South of the border, there are plenty of places to grab a margarita and hit the dance floor. But what styles of dance can you expect to see when you decide to go out? Here’s a quick breakdown of some of the most popular Latin dances you’ll see out on the town.

Salsa

Salsa is the fast, fiery dance that the general public pictures when they think of when they imagine Latin dancing. The majority of salsa dancers in Phoenix dance salsa on 1. This just means that they break, or take their first step forward or back, on the first beat of music. Generally counted quick-quick-slow, quick-quick-slow, dancers use continuous rock steps and quick steps to execute turns and tricks. This dance can range from the incredibly flashy LA-Style to smoother styles depending on the song and the dancer. More advanced dancers (or dancers visiting from the Northeast) will dance Salsa on 2. The quicks and slows are the same, but dancers break on 2 instead of 1. It’s a bit more challenging, but lots of fun!

Bachata

Bachata is a much slower dance than Salsa, generally speaking. There are a variety of Bachata styles, but the usual rhythm followed is step-together-step-tap, step-together-step-tap. The most popular styles in Phoenix are urban, LA-Style, and Dominican. Urban is dance very closely, utilizing core connection to affect the follower’s body movement. LA-Style has influences from Argentine Tango, Salsa, and Ballroom, so you can expect a lot more turns, arm wrapping, tricks, and dips. Dominican, as the original Bachata, uses a lots less fancy turns, but can occasionally play with quick footwork and rhythm variations. No matter the style, you can expect plenty of hips! Latin Body Motion comes into play in all Latin dances, but really shines in Bachata.

Merengue

Merengue is probably these simplest of the Latin dances that you see out in clubs. Essentially marching, dancers step on each beat of the music. Because of the simplicity of the steps, dancers can play a lot with wrapping up their partners in a variety of ways. This is the perfect dance to learn if you’re just starting out and want to get the hang of Latin dancing. This is also a great dance to know because a lot of current popular Latin music (think Pitbull) is practically made for Merengue.

If you want to brush up on your Latin dances before hitting the club, stop by Dance FX Studios! We’re the only social dance studio in Phoenix, so we can prepare you for any partner dance situation. If you want to dance, but aren’t crazy about the Latin scene, don’t worry. Phoenix also has awesome scenes for Country dancing, Swing dancing, and even Tango. Luckily, we offer private dance lessons in every style of dance, as well as awesome group classes to help give you some extra practice time. We’re located in Mesa, just off the 101 and the 60 with easy access from Phoenix, Chandler, Scottsdale, Tempe, and Gilbert. Give us a call at 480-968-6177 or email us and set up an introductory lesson today!

Contact us to begin your dancing journey…

Private dance lessons are available by appointment Monday-Friday from 12-8 pm and on Saturdays from 10 am-3 pm. For more information, call us today at 480.968.6177.