American Rhythm is comprised of five dances: Cha Cha, American Rumba, Swing, Bolero, and Mambo.
It is often difficult to differentiate between American Rhythm, often abbreviated “Rhythm”, and International Latin. This difficulty originates, in part, in its inherent difference in technique. While Latin stresses the importance of straightening the knee as soon as possible, long before weight is place on the foot, Rhythm utilizes the “pressed walk” technique, meaning weight is placed on the ball of the foot with a bent knee, the knee straightening only as the heel comes in contact with the ground.
Many social dancers like to learn Rhythm and Latin side by side. If you like to dance Salsa and Bachata, knowing Mambo and American Rumba can be very useful. Rhythm is a fun style which, when combined with Latin, can give dancers of all levels a large vocabulary of steps from which to choose. Of the five, Rhythm is the most playful style.