Latin or Latin American dances are a group of dances originating in the Latin American cultures but now danced worldwide. They are characterized by complex rhythms, emphasized hip movement, movement on the ball of foot and only modest progression (movement around the dance floor). Latin dances include:

Some of the distinctions between the dances are relatively minor (i.e. the substitution of a pause for a kick) while others represent completely different rhythms.

The node on the Cuban method gives a good explanation of the interaction between latin dances and ballroom.