Latin is a group of dances that originated in central American cultures like the Aztecs, Incas and other civilizations in the 15th and 16th century and got adopted by the European settlers. These dances were mixed and assimilated into the immigrant's culture and religion to form the dances we know today as Bachata, Salsa, Merengue, Rueda de Casino and more. Most of these photographs were taken in Heraklion Crete from the Latin community's events and gatherings.
While Tango is now ascociated with class, prestige and elegance, it originated in the impoverished communities along the border of Argentina and Uruguay from a combination of Spanish, Cuban, Argentinian and Uruguayan dances in the 19th century. In its beginings it was practiced in ports, taverns and brothels for entertainment. Through them it spread around the world, slowly changing to become its many variations that we know today.
A very fine and precise dance as it is, it requires a very intimate connection between the couples, as is apparent in the photographs below.
