Can't tell merengue from samba? Here are some of the basics about Latin American music and dance:

BRAZIL

Samba: With African roots, this style took off in Rio de Janeiro early in the century; now it's emblematic of the nation. Listen for responsive singing, syncopated melodies, and pronounced percussion. Clara Nunes, Beth Carvalho, and Martinho da Vila are among its legends.

Bossa nova: Born in Rio in the mid-'50s, this mix of jazz and samba is known for the beauty of its lyrics and soft melodies. In the United States, it was popularized by hits like "The Girl from Ipanema." Big names include singer/composer Antonio Carlos Jobim, composer Vinícius de Moraes, and singer Joao Gilberto.

MPB (Brazilian Popular Music): This music emerged during the military dictatorships of the '60s to the '80s. It has rich rhythms and songs that often have covertly political themes. MPB artists drew on such genres as jazz, reggae, and rock. Among famous performers: Chico Buarque, Elis Regina, Caetano Veloso, and Gilberto Gil.

CUBA

Son: Probably Cuba's most popular traditional music, it's the basis of salsa. It's usually played with the clave (two sticks struck together), tres (a mini guitar), bongos, maracas, and guitar. Important performers include the groups Los Van Van, Cubanismo, and Buena Vista Social Club (which sparked the current Cuban music explosion in the United States).

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Bachata: This dance has a slow and sensual beat, accentuated by a back-and-forth step with a kick. Juan Luis Guerra is among those who've led its revival.

Merengue: Known for its rapid rhythms and catchy beat, it's danced by swinging the hips from side to side while maintaining one stiff leg and making many turns. It's traditionally played with tambourine, accordion, and guiro (a notched gourd scraped by a stick). Hot on the club scene is Puerto Rican Elvis Crespo.

Merengue-House: Popular in the clubs and often fused with hip-hop, this music pulsates on the dance floor. The group Los Ilegales is among the standouts.

PUERTO RICO/NEW YORK

Salsa: One of the best-loved Latin rhythms worldwide, this broad term covers the Puerto Rican-dominated music that burst from the New York barrios in the '60s. With a rapid beat and intricate arrangements, it makes heavy use of improvisation, horns, and percussion. Among the pioneers: Puerto Rican groups El Gran Combo and Fania All, and singer Willie Colón. Various styles emerged as it spread through Latin American, with stars like Venezuelan Oscar D'León and Cuban salsa queen Celia Cruz. Marc Anthony is one of today's salsa sensations.

- Tanya Peréz-Brennan