Social Dance: The Music

[Purr]

Of course there is a difference between can or want dance to it, and what originally was meant as an appropriate style. (Cha cha traces back to the cuban musican Enrique Jorrín and all those who were involved in the developement of this music).
So in relation to the OP´s question concerning students and not experienced dancers. Should they learn to identify rhythmical patterns and musical traditions? What do you think?

Uhmmm...my previous post was laughing about "pure" and the lyrics in "S&M", Rihanna's song. That's why I was laughing, not that it may fit any certain style. And FYI, I've danced cha cha to it just fine.

As for your question, yes, I think new students should be taught basic rhythmic patterns, and given examples, so they can identify them in a social situation. I think it's potentially easier for dances like foxtrot, where there are many examples from singers like Frank Sinatra or Michael Buble. Tango and waltz have distinctive rhythms. And issue can come up when new students try to dance waltz to a song that v. waltz tempo.