I'm being taught to step left and back as the lead for cha cha. On this site, the lead starts right and then forward. On another site the lead is shown to start left and back as I'm being taught.

As the follower in Samba, I'm being taught to start with left foot going forward first and then bringing the right foot to touch along side . On this site and on the other dance site I frequent, the follower starts with the right foot going forward first; then brings the left foot to touch beside the right!

Am I being taught incorrectly, or is there a difference in style, such as club style vs ballroom style...or perhaps a difference in american and international?

Latina. One is called a Natural Basic Movement. The other is called a Reverse Basic Movement. Both are correct. It is neccessary to be able to do both. It seems that the Natural Basic Movement in the USA is more prevalent. The Samba is without a doubt the most difficult of all the dances any style to do correctly. Good Luck.

Serendipidy, thank you for clarifying! I've been confused by this for a long time.
Samba is my favorite dance. I've learned just enough, however, to realize that it won't come easily or quickly...probably never progressing beyond intermediate. I enjoy it though, regardless of level.

I worked witn a teacher briefly who started a Samba routine with Stationery Samba Walks (ie with feet apart front to back when taking up hold) - THAT was odd!

I too was taught to begin left side and back as a lead.
Though it was made clear to me by my instructor not everyone started the same way and I would have to learn to be clear in my lead so tha the lady would know to follow even if she was used to starting in a different way.

Then again my old studio also started the rumba to the left after beginners bronze to emphasize the hip movement.

CliveHarison. To start a Samba with Stationary Samba Walks is a bit odd and very advanced. The timing is entirely different to a Natural or Reverse Basic. On it the RF moves back on the count of and. The feet are together on the solid beat. Usually four bars of music are used.

Actually -- rhythmically speaking-- there is a difference in the truer musical interpretation of latin by commencing back . .

the objective of its " form " is the " call and response " dictated by clave rhythm .
The man should commence with a backward motion, signalling to the lady-- respond .

Bolero, Mambo etc. all commence in this direction. it follows the musical intonation of the 1st bar of the octave.

For reasons best known to him ( Pierre ) it was changed to its current form in the Intern .style .
(Have thoughts on why )

If you read the history of the genre, it makes it abundantly clear, why the format takes its place in the form that it does .
Your " Latin " is based on Yambu, Danzon, and several other indigenous forms of dance .

Santeria( the religion ) also plays a large role .

Just as a point of info, I had a similar question with the rumba - one studio starting one way and another a different way.

Both studios' mantra though is the man always starts on his left because the lady is always right (as in "correct"). (Except for the Argentine Tango where the man leads with his right. Most of the time. )

I sincerely hope he leads with his body !!

Man, you guys are hardcore. Point well taken...