The art of Latin dance is respected and enjoyed by people all over the world. Because of this global mass appeal, there are famous Latin dancers from many different countries. Latin dance can be performed by anyone. However, it takes a lot of dedication and commitment to truly master it and become a respected professional. There are a handful of people who have excelled at Latin dance to the point of becoming very well known.
The Feijoo Sisters
Most pro dancers have to start at an early age. That way, they will be able to cultivate and perfect their skills over many years. This is certainly the case for these famous Cuban sisters. They have been in the spotlight since they were kids. Numerous critics have praised them as two of the very best Latin dancers in the world. This is due to their discipline, flawless performances and extensive knowledge of form.
Rita Moreno
Moreno has managed to win the hearts of the general public thanks to her ability to not only dance well but also sing and act. She is from a generation of entertainers that needed to do all three in order to make it in show business. Throughout the decades she has dance with a wide range of partners including Ricardo Montalban and even the Muppets. She won an Oscar playing Anita in the movie version of West Side Story.
Ricky Martin
Ricky Martin was an important figure in the 1990s as he helped to bring Latin dance back into the mainstream pop culture. His popular music videos featured a fusion of classic moves and hip choreography. Martin also brought a new kind of sensuality to the genre. After showcasing his hot moves on both the screen and stage, there was an explosion of Latin pop that has continued ever since.
Chita Rivera
Chita is another person on this list who played Anita in West Side Story. She was the original actress to do so on stage. Chita also played Velma Kelly in the initial run of Chicago. She is remembered for her amazing technical skills, as well as the ability to establish her personality in every dance performance. She has done so well as an actress and singer that it is easy to forget just how good she also is at the art of Latin dance.
Sara Baras
Mainstream audiences will recognise this dancer from her polka dot dresses and mantas. However, Baras should also be commended for her stirring renditions of the flamenco. Hers is a 21st-century take on the classical dance. She will often wear menswear while performing it. This ends up emphasising the strong femininity of the Spanish dance.
Norberto Esbrez
Norberto Esbrez has been nicknamed El Pulpo due to his intricate moves and impressive fluidity. He has mastered the art of quick movements in Latin dance, which are called pulpeadas. Esbrez is from Argentina and mainly specialises in tango. His legwork is particularly impressive, as is his ability to choose the perfect partners to match his sensual styles. When he is on stage, it is practically impossible to look away.
Carmen Miranda
Carmen Miranda is widely remembered for her flamboyant dresses and in particular, her iconic big hats made of fruit. However, there was more to this actress than just her sense of fashion. Miranda managed to merge a wide range of Latin dance styles into one. She was truly a master of Portuguese-Brazilian dance. Her exceptional skills are often overshadowed by her larger than life costume choices. It should never be forgotten that she not only looked great, but danced great too.