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The Latin American dances

The homeland of true Latin American dances - such as Samba, Rumba and Mambo – is Africa. These dances are specific in that they emphasize the isolation of body parts during movement,  as opposed to European dances, where the movement of the body starts in the body center. The Latin American Dance appeared in Europe noticeably at the beginning of the twenties and thirties, when the Samba and Rumba first appeared in the ballrooms in1924/25 and in 1931, respectively. The breakthrough occurred in 1950s, after the WWII. Above all, it was the French who structured Samba, Rumba, Mambo, Cha-Cha and the Spanish Paso Doble without decisively changing their character. Compared to the usual English dancing style, only some changes took place, including an open dance hold without or with limited contact, as well as the emphasis on hip and pelvic movements.