Latin Ballroom Dance Styles and Competition Categories

The Rumba in Competitive Dance

The Rumba is danced in competitions that have nothing to do with the origins of the party, except for the music. This dance is performed at a slow tempo in 4/4 time: 26 to 34 MPM, and generally 28 to 31 MPM in competition.

The Passion and History of the Paso Doble

Undoubtedly, the Paso Doble has many influences from flamenco. The character of this dance is arrogant and passionate. The music of this dance evokes images of bullfighting and Spain, which makes the origins of this dance very clear.

The origins of the dance place us in the bullfights of the 17th century. The entrance to the square by bullfighters featured very strong music and a martial air. In the early 19th century, dance music evolved from this spirit, following the afternoon bullfighting festivals.

The Paso Doble is a stage performance in which the man is the toreador and the woman is the layer (cape). The whole dance takes place with the dancer, the ballerina, and a brave imagination. The Paso Doble is danced at a median of 2/4 time: 60 to 61 MPM.

Jive: The High-Energy Latin Dance

Although the term "Jive" was used to indicate the way of dancing to jazz and swing during the 1930s and 1940s, currently, dancing "Jive" is the equivalent of rock in dance sport and is danced in 6-count time.

The current Jive is part of the five Latin dance competitions. The essential characteristic of Jive is the pronounced movement of the hips, which is a hallmark of Latin dance competition. In competitions, the Jive is danced to a musical rhythm of 4/4 at a speed between 44 and 46 MPM. The Jive is the Latin dance competition style that requires the most physical endurance.

Dance Sport Competition Categories

Now, let us discuss the dance classes in sports. There are two classifications of categories; one side is based on age:

• Juvenile (Youth): The oldest dancer reaches 11 years or less during the year.
• Junior I: The oldest dancer is 12 or 13 years old during the year.
• Junior II: The oldest dancer reaches 14 to 15 years during the year.
• Youth: The oldest dancer reaches 16 to 18 years during the year.
• Adult I: The oldest dancer reaches 19 years or more during the year.
• Adult II: The dancer is 25 years of age or older during the year.
• Senior I: The youngest dancer reaches 35 years or more during the year.
• Senior II: The youngest dancer reaches 45 years or more during the year.
• Senior III: The youngest dancer reaches 55 years or more during the year.