The most popular modern Lain styles for dancing are Salsa and Merengue, but some bands also play examples of other styles for variety. All styles use at least one singer, plus backing vocals.
Merengue: up-tempo, energetic, easily accessible music, originally from the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean, where it is actually their "Pop" music, although it evolved out of country folk-dance music in the 1880's. In the past, bands consisted of accordion, percussion and sax, but accordion is now replaced by piano + bass guitar, and there are often up to 4 brass instruments. Merengue is very big in all Latin countries today.
Cumbia: is rootsy music native to Colombia, with a laid back feel, similar to reggae. It usually features lots of percussion, and the sound of sax and trumpet.
Bugaloo: a throw back to the 60's when it was very popular, it has come around again. A funky, jazzy, slower sound, often with much brass.
Bomba: similar to merengue music, also from the Caribbean area, Puerto Rico and Venezuela. A very Caribbean feel, but sung in Spanish.
Lambada: by special request! Lambada actually comes from Brazil, where the music is very different to other Latin styles, but as it is also a sexy couples dance, it fits in very well with salsa.