Is it true that in the international style rhumba and cha cha the "correct"
music is made up EQUAL BEATS ? Thanx.

The "steps " in all dances are allocated specific values in timing .

In simple terms.. Slows are 2 beats.. Quicks are one beat .

The more complex "speed " of some steps ,in many dances, are often divided into half and 1/4 notes.

In addition, there are syncopations that are being used in specific instances as in 1,2, AND 3 .

May I suggest you find a competant teacher, who will give you a visual e.g. of the differences that are in current usage .

Applying the various "speeds " is, often more complex than the written word.

The "steps " in all dances are allocated specific values in timing .

In simple terms.. Slows are 2 beats.. Quicks are one beat .

The more complex "speed " of some steps ,in many dances, are often divided into half and 1/4 notes.

In addition, there are syncopations that are being used in specific instances as in 1,2, AND 3 .

May I suggest you find a competant teacher, who will give you a visual e.g. of the differences that are in current usage .

Applying the various "speeds " is, often more complex than the written word.

If you are referring to the counts in those two dances, then rumba is 4 - 1 -2 - 3. In cha cha, 4 and 1, 2 - 3. These dances should be danced to latin music which has a beat based on the clave. The clave is the rhythmic foundation of latin music. It's something you have to feel. Not easy.

You are of course correct about Clave.. but.. I dont think that needs to be introduced verbally at this stage.. the "kiss" principle is the approach in the written word.

Thank you for your replies. Looking up info on clave. The problem that I have is that I need a very "defined" beat in order to dance rhumba and cha-cha. American styles seem to provide that. The monotonous beats ( equal length beats ) in international styles seem to be out of sync with the body movements in many of the steps. Too much syncopation makes it look as though the dancers are not dancing to the music but rather just going thru the motions. It seems that this is the prevalent way of dancing today as evident on DWTS where they do Tango to the music that is clearly rhumba.OUCH ! We do apply the KISS analogy to our dancing and we get many compliments, but we just can't seem to get into the international styles because of their monotonous beats. Any helpful advice ? Thank you.

Zorbie. You wrote The monotonous ( equal length beats of the International Styles )
It is my understanding that the music being danced to is the same in both cases.
What you must focus on is the use of the music. As an example take a Cucaracha in the Rumba. To do it correctly first we step, and then we rotate the hip second, and not both at the same time. I was told many moons ago that in any dance a step is only a step. It is the gap between the the steps where we actually dance taking the Cucaracha as a prime example. Please do not look at DWTS in any country if you hope to see the International Style. It takes years to perfect and not just a few weeks no matter how hard they may train.