Ask any competing professional or amateur which is the hardest dance they will all say the Samba. A friend of mine went to the Uk as a A grade dancer. He was kept eight weeks just on the Samba bounce and body tick. Another that I know of spent $A170 just to learn how to do the whisks correctly. Remember. No rising like a cork in a mill pond.

I think any of the Latin dances are "hard" when you work on getting the best technique that you can. I find Bolero very challenging, for instance, when you incorporate rise and fall; and drop and drift.

I found a challenge in Samba as well--but once I "got it" it has become one of the dances that I can do most instinctively. I found it extremely fulfilling after so much training to gain profiency in Samba as it is one of the most enjoyable dances and rhythms around.

Ray Sison
DanceMakers of Texas
Fort Worth, Texas

well, i think the tango is the hardest, but you don't have it listed. for most beginners it is very difficult because it requires such as strong dance frame and the hips have to be in full contact the whole time. its an attitude dance.

It is great to read about experience and the various perspectives. I agree with one person who said the Samba was hard to learn however once it is learned it becomes something almost instinctive. I can also relate to the Rumba and the comment about maintaining balance. I think there is a great effort required to get a feel and understanding for the various dances however once achieved (to a comfortable level) you are over the worst of it and you can enjoy the dance. Cheers Sandra

Samba is the hardest latin dance I've not been able to master. Rhythm is easy to listen. Body movement needs to reflect the spirit of samba (is not easy). Needs strong footwork, straight legs & lots of strength. The simple samba walk(s) are actually the hardest to do. The crunching & hip movement while doing the walk is hard to maintain when the music is fast.

Actually, I have found that you use bent legs far more in samba than straight legs.

Tango is a smooth or standard dance, not a latin dance (which is contrary to what a lot of people would instinctively think).

If I am correct, I think Samba always involves the using of straight legs before you bend your legs. Many people have omitted the straight leg action, and always have bent legs throughout.

Hey, even though I have been dancing for 5 years already, haven't done Paso Doble yet...However, to my mind, rumba is the very hardest one..

I agree with Moon that Argentina Tango is the hardest dance. I dance all the Latin and Ballroom dances but given up after trying the Argentina Tango.

I have no problem myself but unlike other dances, you can never do it right without a skilled partner. It ends up like an ugly wrestling match.

The hardest dance for definate is the Samba i find it really difficult to get the samba bounce. And the eastiest is the Jive it is so fast that you dont have time to thing and its the most fun with the rock and roll lifs and the chicken walks. But the samba can go and jump in a ditch lol