Salsa is a style of music and dance that originated in Cuba in the 20^th century.  Salsa bands often feature trumpets and trombones, but it is the wide array of percussion instruments that defines the salsa sound. Salsa music often uses bongos, congas, claves, guiros, and maracas. The music follows a strophic (verse/chorus) form and frequently includes elements of call and response.

The famous tango dance was born on the streets of Buenos Aires, Argentina in the 19^th century. The music is typically played by an orquesta tipica, an ensemble of violin, piano, bass, and an accordion-like instrument known as the bandoneon. Tango is a slow-moving dance that is typically in 4/4 time with emphasis on beats 1 and 3.
 

The Brazilian samba developed in 19^th century Rio de Janeiro. It is faster and more syncopated than tango music. (Syncopation is when the rhythmic emphasis does not fall on the beat.) Samba music has probably the most diverse instrumentation of all the Latin dance genres, using saxophones, trumpets and trombones, guitar, banjo, bass, keyboard, and – of course – a wide range of percussion instruments.
 

One of the most famous genres of Latin American music is mariachi, a style originating in the Jalisco region of Mexico. Mariachi bands include violins, trumpets, and three types of guitars: a traditional six-string guitar, a small five-string vihuela, and a large bass guitarron. Although mariachi music is not strictly for dancing, it is not uncommon to see people singing and dancing along with mariachi bands in Mexican cities.