Evolution

• The dances of Latin America evolved from the dance forms of poor Europeans and slaves. Although some of these dances were considered sinful and authorities tried to suppress them, the dances became popular with the black and white population. The dances of the cultures eventually became fused as Creole
  
  

Samba

• The samba originated in Brazil. Slaves from southwest Africa were brought to Rio de Janeiro, and the music of their culture heavily influenced Brazilian music. Samba is typically a festival dance.
  
  

Merengue

• Merengue is a popular Latin dance and is the national dance of the Dominican Republic. The merengue is said to have originated when a wounded hero came home from a war and a sympathetic crowd danced at the victory celebration by dancing with a limp and dragging one foot.
  
  

Salsa

• There is some debate whether Puerto Ricans or Cubans invented salsa. It is certain salsa came out of the Puerto Rican and Cuban music that would be played in the barrios of New York.
  
  

Significance

• Dancing plays a significant part of the Latin American culture, and the various dances are performed throughout the world.