Ricardo and Elba, along with the dancers from the After School Dance Fund , walk you through the basic steps of the Salsa, one of the most common Latin Dances. The name for the dance was inspired by the food, the dance representing many different styles all being mixed together and re-interpreted on the dance floor. After learning the steps by yourself, grab your partner and dance together.

Lesson 2: Salsa (in Standard Definition)

Have you ever wanted to take a Latin Dance class but didn’t have enough time? In this podcast, Latin Dance instructors Ricardo Loaiza and Elba Garcia prep you to dance the night away! Once you’ve practiced all three dances, find a local Latin Dance club or bust these moves at the next school dance! Wepa! For more dance lessons, visit artsedge.kennedy-center.org.

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Now it’s time to really kick it into high gear on the dance floor. The Bachata takes some of its cues from other Latin dances, but it’s a unique dance unto itself. Remember, much of Latin dance is connected to “feeling the rhythm.” So listen to the music, and let it move you across the floor.

HD: Lesson 3: Bachata (in High Definition)

HD: Lesson 2: Salsa (in High Definition)

Ricardo and Elba are going to show you how, with just a few simple moves, you can impress on the floor in no time. The Merengue is the official dance of the Dominican Republic. Remember that when you’re dancing the Merengue, your feet don’t leave the floor.

Lesson 1: Merengue (in Standard Definition)

HD: Lesson 1: Merengue (in High Definition)

Five(ish) Minute Dance Lesson: Latin Dance

Lesson 2: Salsa (in Standard Definition)

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