Free Latin Music Styles You Can’t Afford to Miss
Looking for some new Latin music to add to your collection? Check out these five free Latin music styles that you can’t afford to miss!
Mambo
Mambo is a popular Latin dance style that originated in Cuba in the mid-1940s. The word “mambo” means “conversation with the gods” in Yoruba, a West African language spoken by the Yoruba people of Nigeria. Mambo is danced to fast-paced music with a 4/4 time signature and is characterized by quick turns, fast footwork, and hip movements.
Mambo was popularized in the United States by Cuban-born dancer and choreographer Antonio Carlos Jobim, who integrated it into his ballet “Rhapsody in Blue” (1954). Mambo quickly became fashionable in New York City nightclubs and soon spread to other parts of the country. In the late 1950s, mambo was adapted for television and movies, appearing on shows like “I Love Lucy,” “The Ed Sullivan Show,” and in the film “West Side Story” (1961).
Today, mambo is still danced socially and professionally all over the world. It has evolved over the years and there are now many different styles of mambo, including Cuban mambo, Puerto Rican mambo, La Style mambo, Miami Style mambo, and cross-body mambo.
Cha-Cha-Cha
The Cha-Cha-Cha is a Cuban dance that became popular in the 1950s. The original Cha-Cha-Cha was created by Cuban composer Enrique Jorrín. This Latin dance style is often danced to Latin pop music, such as Ricky Martin’s “Livin’ la Vida Loca.”
The Cha-Cha-Cha is a fun and flirtatious dance, and is perfect for dancing to upbeat Latin music. This dance style is characterized by its quick steps and sharp movements. When dancing the Cha-Cha-Cha, dancers often use their hips and shoulders to create an exaggerated movement.
Samba
Samba is a lively, rhythmical dance originating in Brazil. It is characterized by a unique 2/4 beat and often features the use of Rio-style Carnival costumes. Samba schools are community organizations that teach and perform the dance.
Bachata
Bachata is a style of music that originated in the Dominican Republic. It is a mix of Afro-Cuban and Spanish music. The style is characterized by its use of the guitar and its heavy use of percussion. It is often danced to by couples in a close embrace.
Bachata has become popular in recent years, with many Bachata festivals being held around the world. The style has also been influenced by other genres, such as hip hop and electronic dance music.
Salsa
If you love Latin music, then you can’t afford to miss out on salsa. This exciting style of music originated in Cuba and quickly spread throughout Latin America. Today, salsa is enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds.
Salsa is a fusion of many different styles of music, including Cuban son, Cuban rumba, Puerto Rican bomba and plena, Colombian cumbia, and Brazilian samba. The result is a truly unique and exhilarating sound that is sure to get your feet moving.
There are many different subgenres of salsa, each with its own distinctive sound. Some of the most popular include Cuban salsa, Puerto Rican salsa, New York salsa, LA salsa, Colombian salsa, and Chrisma!
