Bolero music originated in Spain in the 18th century. It was further developed in Cuba and Mexico in the 19th century.

In Brazil the dance is also known as “Bolero Carioca”. “Carioca” is a person who is born in Rio de Janeiro.

This couple dance style started to emerge in Brazil in the 1940's when the sung boleros became popular worldwide. Movements from Tango and Waltz were taken to create a richer style of dance.

Today music styles such as the traditional boleros, ballads, bachatas and rumbas are used to dance Bolero. It is seen as a romantic, smooth and very graceful dance style.