Latin Dance Glossary: SBK, Milonga, WS and More
This page is a reference translation of the Japanese original (日本語の原文). It has not been checked by a native speaker. Please confirm details with each organizer.
This glossary explains words you often see in Latin dance notices. Meanings can differ a little by region and school.
List of terms
| 用語 (Japanese term) | Meaning |
|---|---|
| パーティ (party) | A social event where people dance to music |
| レッスン (lesson) | A class taught by a teacher |
| WS（ワークショップ） (workshop) | A short course that is complete in one session or a few sessions |
| SBK | Short for salsa (S), bachata (B) and kizomba (K) (see the differences) |
| DJ | The person who chooses and plays the songs |
| ミロンガ (milonga) | A place to dance Argentine tango. Also the name of a music genre (details) |
| タンダ (tanda) | A set of three or four songs at a milonga |
| コルティーナ (cortina) | A short piece of music played between tandas |
| カベセオ (cabeceo) | A signal made with the eyes to invite someone to dance |
| ルエダ (rueda) | A style of salsa danced in a circle (rueda de casino) (details) |
| コール (call) | The voice that tells the group the next move in rueda |
| リード／フォロー (lead / follow) | The side that guides the movement / the side that responds to it. Anyone can take either role, regardless of gender |
| 内履き (indoor shoes) | Indoor shoes that you bring for the venue |
| ソーシャルダンス (social dance) | A format where you change partners at a party (tips for when you feel nervous) |
Note: the meaning of a term can differ a little by school and organizer.
Related articles
- Latin Dance Glossary in 8 Languages (Japanese)
- Guide to Getting Started in Sapporo / Party, Lesson or Workshop? The Differences
FAQ
What does SBK mean?
It is a short name made from the first letters of salsa (S), bachata (B) and kizomba (K).
What is a milonga?
It is a social place for dancing Argentine tango. It is also the name of a music genre.