Foxtrot - great for big band and jazz standard music.

Waltz - the most formal of all the ballroom dances.

Tango - wonderful for that added sophistication and flair.

Rumba  - great for slow dances.

Cha Cha - great for fast latin, cuban, or pop music.

Salsa - a must learn dance for cruises, travel, or upbeat cuban music.

Swing - there are 3 types depending on tempo, learn them all !

Samba - very trendy and used in the latin clubs.

Merengue - Super fast and super fun !

Our instinct tells us to express rhythm.

Just as children bob their heads to music and senior citizens tap their canes to the beat, dancing comes naturally to both young and old alike.

Some form of social dancing has probably existed since the beginning of time, moving from ritualistic dancing to social interaction for pure enjoyment.

Modern ballroom dancing has withstood the test of time and is now more popular than ever.


Fox Trot

Harry Fox, a vaudeville star who trotted around the stage with various partners, chosen alternately from a dancing group, is generally accepted as the initiator of the Fox Trot. Mr. Fox was the first to use the “slow step,” hence the birth of the Fox Trot.

This first free style use of the “slow step” came into vogue around 1912. During this period of ragtime, beginning in 1910, a completely new phase of ballroom dancing was born. Partners danced closer together, ad-libbed to the music, found this new ragtime music exciting and exhilarating. Prior to this time, the Polka, Waltz, and the One-Step were popular. In these dances partners were held at arms' length and a set pattern was observed.

By 1915 another change was taking place… a new and melodious type of music was being written. Tunes like “Oh, You Beautiful Doll” and “Ida” were the smash hits of the day. The public was quick to appreciate the change to a smoother, more rhythmic style of music, and their dancing began to absorb the better attributes of the older dances. From 1917 up to the present time, the accent has been on smoother dancing and individualized expression.

Fox Trot music is written in 4/4 time and should be played at a tempo of 34-38 measures per minute for examinations and competitions. The Fox Trot is a progressive and turning dance moving along the Line of Dance. The figures are taken with body flight and are designed for the larger ballroom floor. However, these same figures are also suited to the average nightclub floor when danced more compactly. Sway and Rise and Fall highlight the smooth style of the Fox Trot.


Waltz

The Waltz dates back to the country folk dances of Bavaria , but it was not introduced into society until 1812, when it made its appearance in the English ballrooms. In the 16 th century, it was danced as a round dance called the “Volte.” When the Waltz was eventually introduced into the ballrooms of the world in the early 19 th century, it was met with outraged indignation. A man dancing with his had around a lady's waist? No proper young maiden would compromise herself in such a way.

The Waltz did not become popular among the European middle class until the first decade of the 20 th century. Until then, it was the cherished property of the aristocracy. Yet in the United States , the citizenry was dancing it as early as 1840. Immediately upon its introduction to the States, it became one of the most popular of all American dances, and was the only dance to survive the “Ragtime Revolution.” With the beginning of Ragtime in 1910 however, the Waltz slipped into second place in the American's fancy, being supplanted by the many walking, strutting dances of that era.

The latter part of the 19 th century found composers writing Waltzes to a slower tempo than that of the original Viennese Waltz style. Then an even slower tempo came into prominence in the early 1920s, with the result that today we have three distinct tempos: the fast “Viennese” style, a medium tempo Waltz, and the slow Waltz, the last two being of American invention.

Waltz music is written in 3/4 time and should be played at a tempo of about 36-40 measures per minute for most social dancing. The Waltz is a progressive and turning dance moving around the dance floor. The figures are designed for both a larger ballroom floor and the average nightclub floor. A swaying motion and an up and down (rise and fall) of the body highlight the smooth lilting style of the Waltz.

Your Waltz lesson begins by the two dance partners facing each other in dance position. The man's right hand is placed on the lady's back just below the shoulder blade with his right elbow held up and away from the body. His left elbow is held in the same manner as the right elbow with his left hand extended up. The lady then places her left hand on the man's right shoulder and allows her arm to lightly rest along the man's right arm. Her right hand is placed in the man's left. If you are practicing alone, extend your arms out in front of you with your elbows bent as if in dance position.


Tango

The Tango, a sensual, dramatic dance made famous by Rudolph Valentino.  In the midst of the greatest dance revolution in the history of America (1910-1914), the Tango made its bid for popularity. It instantly struck the dance-conscious public's fancy since its interesting, asymmetrical and sophisticated figures added the needed suavity to dancing.

There is not a clearly defined country of origin to which the Tango may be credited. It is claimed to have originated not only in Argentina , but also in Brazil , Spain , and Mexico . The earliest traces of the Tango date back to the 19 th century, to the folk dances of Argentina . The “Milonga,” thought to have Moorish, Arabic, and Spanish ancestry, was at first an ancient Spanish song form adapted to the dance by early country folk of Argentina .

Years later, the Argentinean plainsmen, the “Gauchos,” danced a modified version of the “Milonga” in the bawdy cafes of Buenos Aires . The youths of Argentina and Cuba changed the name to “Tango” and the style to one that was more acceptable to society. The Cubans danced it to the Habanera rhythms which are syncopated, and obscured the basic Milonga rhythm. It was not until after it went to Paris, and was re-introduced to Argentina , that the music was restored to its native style.

For the last 60 years or so, the 4 beat Tango rhythm has endured, and has continued to enjoy undiminished favor everywhere. The music is now universal, with many types of different styles depending on the customs of the country. Of all the dances, which came into being in the early 20 th century, only the Tango has continued to enjoy so much popularity.

Tango music is written in 4/4 time (some are written in 2/4 time) and should be played at a tempo of 30-33 measures per minute. It is a progressive dance which moves around the dance floor rather than staying in one spot. A staccato movement of the feet and flexed knees highlight the dramatic style of this dance. Perhaps one reason for its widespread popularity is that it is danced close to the partner.

Your Tango lesson begins by the two dance partners facing each other in dance position. The man's right hand is placed on the lady's back just below the shoulder blade with his right elbow held up and away from the body. His left elbow is held in the same manner as the right elbow with his left hand extended up. The lady then places her left hand on the man's right shoulder and allows her arm to lightly rest along the man's right arm. Her right hand is placed in the man's left. If you are practicing alone, extend your arms out in front of you with your elbows bent as if in dance position.

Widely considered to be the "dancer's dance," it has become even more popular due to its presence in films like "The Scent Of A Woman" and "Evita."


Rumba

Steamy! The most famous Latin American dance to gain popularity in North America and Europe is, without doubt, the rumba.  The Rumba, which originated with the African slaves of Cuba more than 400 years ago, is that tantalizing rhythm that first invaded the USA in the early 30s, and remains one of our most popular social dances. The earliest form of the Rumba was an expressive pantomime danced by natives under the spell of elemental music. Our social Rumba is, of course, a far cry from these fascinating primitive demonstrations. Danced properly, the Rumba is a delightful favorite, characterized by a smooth, subtle hip motion and a rather heavy walking step.

Of the three styles of Rumba introduced to the USA , the Bolero-Rumba, the Son-Rumba, and Guaracha-Rumba, only the Bolero-Rumba (shortened to Bolero) and the Son-Rumba (shortened to Rumba) have survived the test of time. The Guaracha-Rumba quickly faded from vogue when the more exciting Mambo was introduced to Americans in the later 1940s.

Rumba music is written in 4/4 time and should be played at a tempo of 32-36 measures per minute (Son-Rumba tempo). The following rhythm is mandatory: Quick, Quick, Slow – Quick, Quick, Slow, which translates musically into 1, 2, 3, (hold 4).

The Rumba is danced in a spot rather than moving around the room. The steps are quick compact with foot placement usually no more than 12 inches apart. A smooth, subtle, Latin hip movement is used throughout the Rumba. Latin Hip Movement is the authentic roiling lateral motion of the hips, which occurs as each step is taken. Although Rumba is not danced with the same body contact that is used in some of the smoother dances, such as Fox Trot, there may be times when partnership looks and feels more attractive when a closer contact is used.

Your Rumba lesson begins by the two dance partners facing each other in dance position. The man's right hand is placed on the lady's back just below the shoulder blade with his right elbow held up and away from the body. His left elbow is held in the same manner as the right elbow with his left hand extended up. The lady then places her left hand on the man's right shoulder and allows her arm to lightly rest along the man's right arm. Her right hand is placed in the man's left. If you are practicing alone, extend your arms out in front of you with your elbows bent as if in dance position. The Rumba is sometimes referred to as the "Dance Of Love" because couples stare deeply into each other's eyes while they dance.


Cha Cha

Most dances that have become popular have, with few exceptions, derived their personal heritage from the influence of another dance. The One-Step influenced the Fox Trot, and so it goes. The Cha Cha follows this theory to an uncommon degree. It gathers its personality, character, rhythm, basis, and charm from three primary sources. It is a derivation of the Mambo, the Rumba as well, and is also a stepchild of the Swing, as it is danced to the same “1-2-3” triple step rhythm.

The Cha Cha is a geographical half-breed, springing up from Latin American roots in Cuba , and flowering under North American influence. Each country has used a slightly different styling and pattern form. While closely identified with the Mambo, the Cha Cha has enough intrinsic individuality to be classified as a distinct dance. Much has been said about the Rumba and Mambo, but little has been written about the history of the Cha Cha, possibly because it is so closely identified with the mambo. The tempo can be slow and staccato, much like a sensational blues number, or fast and lively. It is so much an “on the beat” dance that you can't help but inject your own feeling into it. This facet, more than any other, makes the dance fun for people of all ages. It is a real “let yourself go” type dance.

Cha Cha music is written in 4/4 time and should be played at a tempo of 30-34 measures per minute. The timing is mandatory in this dance since the “Cha Cha” should be danced on 4 & 1; therefore, you would count Cha Cha in the following manner: 1, 2, 3, 4 & 1, 2, 3, 4 &, etc. The Cha Cha is danced in a spot rather than moving around the room. The steps are quite compact with the feet usually no more than 12 inches apart, and a short, staccato, Latin hip movement is used throughout the Cha Cha. The Cha Cha rhythm can still be heard in the music of contemporary performers like Ricky Martin, Enrique Iglesias and Gloria Estefan

Your Cha Cha lesson begins by the two dance partners facing each other in the dance position. The man's right hand is placed on the lady's back just below the shoulder blade with his right elbow held up and away from the body. His left elbow is held in the same manner as the right elbow with his left hand extended up. The lady then places her left hand on the man's right shoulder and allows her arm to lightly rest along the man's right arm. Her right hand is placed in the man's left. If you are practicing alone, extend your arms out in front of you with your elbows bent as if in dance position.


Swing

The Swing started in the 20s along with the explosion of jazz music. Many different forms of the Swing exist, such as the Lindy Hop, Jitterbug, Jive and the Shag. But all of them include turns and intricate hand movements. The Eastern Swing, originally called the Lindy Hop, was born in the southern United States , and represents the most famous American folk dance. The best forms of Swing include Charleston , Black Bottom, Shag, and Lindy Hop. In the early 40s, these forms consolidated into what was called the Lindy.

The Lindy was first danced as a modified Box Step, with a slight shuffling movement. The shuffling movement of the original Lindy can by linked to today's single rhythm in Swing. As the shuffling, or singly rhythm progressed, it evolved into both the Double and Triple Lindy, and today all three forms the basic of good Swing Dancing. About 50-60 years ago, the Swing was danced in the Harlem section of New York City … at a time when such band greats as Chick Webb, Duke Ellington, and Benny Goodman were holding sway. It was in Harlem where the Swing took on most of today's popular steps and styling.

For many years, the wilder forms of the Swing have been frowned upon in social atmospheres because the acrobatics involved limited the number of people who could dance at one time. It is possible, however, to do a fine swing in a relatively small area, providing the dancers are better than average and have an assortment of dance breaks. There is no question that the dance is here to stay. In all parts of the country you will find dancers adding their own interpretations and changes of style. All dances, in order to survive, must be built up from a firm basic movement so that ad-libbing and complete freedom of expression can be interpreted into the dance. The Swing has these attributes.

Swing music is written in 4/4 time and should be played at a tempo of 36-45 measures per minute. The Swing is danced in a spot rather than moving around the room and free, rhythmic interpretation using single, double, and triple rhythms is characteristic of the dance. Relaxed, shuffling movements and the use of the counter sway highlight the style of the dance.

Your Swing lesson begins by the two dance partners facing each other in dance position. The man's right hand is placed on the lady's back just below the shoulder blade with his right elbow held up and away from the body. His left arm is held down with the palm up and the fingers turned in. The lady then places her left hand on the man's right shoulder and allows her arm to lightly rest along the man's right arm. Her right hand is placed palm down in the man's left. If you are practicing alone, extend your arms out in front of you with your elbows bent as if in dance position.

Western Swing

The Western Swing has quickly gained popularity across the United States because of its sophisticated style and easy adaptation to today's modern rock style music. Originally a regional style popular in the west and southwest regions of the US, the Western Swing made its bid as a nationally accepted Swing style in the late 1950s and has been gaining popularity ever since.

The Western Swing incorporates many forms of Swing including the Lindy, Shag, Whip, and Push. Versatile dancers are always creating new and interesting movements in the Swing. The Western Swing can be danced in a relatively small area, provided the dancers have an assortment of dance breaks. Ad-libbing and complete freedom of expression can be interpreted into the dance.

Western Swing music is written in 4/4 time and should be played at a tempo of 30-36 measures per minute. It is a spot dance with a slower tempo that allows for shuffling movement and upright position. Occasional use of Hip Movement and/or Push style is also used to enhance this style of dance. The use of Slot dancing is a major part of the dance.

Your Western Swing lesson begins with the man and lady changing places with each other in a slot established by the man when he leads the lady to Open position. In most cases, the man will therefore travel as much as the lady. The man's use of different Link Steps regulates the position and direction of the Slot.


Salsa

Salsa is a fun, trendy Latin dance, which is very popular within the Latin scene.


Mambo

Today, in the dance world, one thing is certain… there is no escaping the Mambo. The extent of the Mambo's all-conquering invasion may be appreciated in the fact that its rhythm, not content in being restricted to Latin melodies, may have invaded the popular music market where they have attached themselves to all kinds of materials, much of which would be completely lost without its distinctive flavor.

Across the length and breadth of the nation, dancers who never progressed beyond the Waltz and Fox Trot are clamoring wildly for Mambo instruction. More and more, dancers are coming to the realization that here is one of the most abandoned, fun-filled crazes of any era. They are having a whale of a time, but they would undoubtedly be surprised to learn that the enjoyment they have so obviously found is said to be almost completely the work of one man: Perez Prado.

During the early 30s, the Latin dance bands came increasingly before North American audiences. Noro Morales and Xavier Cugat were among them, bringing a welter of Rumbas, Sambas, and Tangos to a delighted public. Then In the mid-1950’s, Perez Prado recorded an opus entitled “Mambo Jambo” and the fun was on. Prado took the rhythm of the dances performed by the sugar-cane cutters and syncopated it. Appearing first in Mexico City, he created more excitement, and perhaps for revolution, than Pancho Villa; the ensuing conflagration spread rapidly throughout the rest of those countries below the Rio Grande and now is consuming just about everything above.

Mambo music tempo is written in 4/4 time and should be played at a tempo of 45 measures per minute for examinations and competitions. The following timing is mandatory: 2, 3, 4 hold 1 – 2, 3, 4, hold 1. The Bronze Mambo music is a spot dance not moving along the Line of Dance. Steps are quite compact, with feet usually no more than 12 inches apart. Latin Hip Movement is used throughout the Mambo, unless otherwise indicated. A more staccato Hip Movement is characteristic of the Mambo.  The Mambo can be danced according to the individual dancer's temperament. Conservative dancers can maintain a closed position, while more daring dancers can perform breakaway steps and completely separate themselves from each other.


Samba

The Samba was imported from Brazil and was introduced to the DANCE MASTERS ASSOCIATION of New York in 1929. Like many Brazilian dances, the music is based on Negro rhythms combined with an expressive melodic line, usually in 2/4 time and written in a major key. It is a serenade in form, with repetitions of the melodic pattern continually interrupted by strumming of a stringed instrument. It first became famous in Rio de Janeiro and later the fascinating form was taken up by serious Latin American composers.

The Samba is danced in a moderate to slow tempo in South America, but usually to a faster tempo in the United States . However, at a slower pace, one has more control and the tantalizing elements of the dance may be more easily affected. The basic spring-like knee action, a fall and rise movement called the “Samba Pulse” must be continuous, with emphasis on the downward rather than the upward movement.

The brightly spirited dance has endured the test of time and now ranks high among the popular social dances. The Bronze Samba music is usually written in 2/4 time (some are written in 4/4 time) and should be played at a tempo of 52-56 measures per minute for examinations and competitions.

The Samba is a spot dance, however some progression along the Line of Dance is seen. Steps are generally quite compact, with feet no more than 12 inches apart, however, slightly larger steps are sometimes taken when more progression is needed. Samba Pulse is used throughout the dance, unless otherwise indicated. The spring-like knee action of the Samba Pulse can be danced smoothly with only slight flexing and rise; or with a more pronounced and spirited flexing and rise, as the music directs. This dance has a forward and backward movement of the upper body, called the “Pendulum Motion,” as well as a rolling effect executed on some turning figures. It's part of the Latin trend.


Merengue

Both Haiti and the Dominican Republic claim that it was their country that originated the Merengue. The Haitian story is that an early ruler of the country had a lame son who liked to dance. In order that he would not feel embarrassed about his affliction, the entire government took to dancing the Merengue as if they too were lame. The Dominican store differs only slightly. They claim it was born at a dance given for a great hero returning from the wars. He got up to dance and limped on his wounded left leg. All the other men present, rather than embarrass the hero, also favored their left legs as they danced.

Regardless of who claims to have originated the dance, the Merengue continues to enjoy favor with American dancers, who find its music lively and spirited and fun to dance to. The lame leg theory, originally introduced to America when the dance was brought here in the early 50s, has slowly disappeared from sight, making the Merengue one of the easiest Latin dances, and great fun to dance.

Merengue music is written in 4/4 time and should be played at a tempo of 30 measures per minute for examinations and competitions. The Merengue is a spot dance not moving along the Line of Dance. Steps are quite compact, with feet usually no more than 12 inches apart. Since it doesn't move around the dance floor, it's perfect for small, crowded dance floors. Latin Hip Movement is used throughout the Merengue, unless otherwise indicated. A more staccato Hip Movement is characteristic of the Merengue. At times, a slight counter Sway is also used with Latin Hip Movement on Chasses and some turning figures.


Paso Doble

The Paso is the "bullfighter's dance."  It is similar to Tango - very passionate and expressive.


Bolero

This is a very romantic dance.  It uses a very slow Rumba tempo.


Viennese Waltz

This dance is a much faster version of the American Waltz.  It flies around the dance floor.