Smooth and Standard Ballroom Dances

The Waltzes

First became popular in Vienna during the 18th Century. In the early 1900’s hesitations were added which are commonly used in modern Waltzes. The original, faster form of Waltz is now known as Viennese Waltz. American style waltzes allow for open dance positions and figures. This style of waltz was made popular by persons such as Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers in the 1930’s and 40’s

International style waltzes, which are danced almost exclusively outside of the United States, are danced in closed position only, not allowing the dancers to break contact. The use of elegant poses and dramatic hesitations makes this an incredibly beautiful and dreamlike dance.

The Foxtrot

Invented by Harry Fox around 1914, it quickly became the premiere ballroom dance. An incredibly versatile dance, it can be danced to ragtime, big band and swing music. Foxtrot too branched into different categories such as American and International. These are the most common modern forms. Aside from name, the two styles are very dissimilar. The Peabody, Quickstep and Swing are all descendants of Foxtrot. Some could say that Foxtrot revolutionized ballroom dancing.

The Quickstep

An International Standard dance, born in Europe during the 1920’s. Although the Quickstep is a faster dance, it retains its elegance and glamour. The Quickstep is not included in American Ballroom but is still a popular social dance as it can be danced to swing and big band style music.

The Tango

Originated in South America. The descendent of African dances, it eventually became the dances we know today as Argentine Tango, American Smooth Tango and International Standard Tango. We tend to see some mix of these three dances in modern films such as Shall We Dance and Take The Lead. Tango has attitude and passion which is the reason why it stands out among other ballroom dances. One of the most romantic dances, it is commonly referred to as the dance of love.

The Latin Dances

The Rumba

Rumba was first seen in the United States in the 20th century but it's roots can be traced back to afro-cuban rhythms. Considered to be the most sensual latin dances, rumba incorporates hip movement and slow rhythms. It is known as the dance of love.

The Cha Cha

Cha Cha is either danced to authentic latin music, or more contemporary latin pop or latin pop. The music for the ballroom Cha-cha-cha is energetic and with a steady beat. The "Latin" cha-cha-cha is slower, more sensual and may involve complicated rhythms. Cha Cha, originally known as Cha-Cha-Cha, has its origins in the Cuban Mambo. It gets its name from the distinctive syncopated triple step (cha cha cha) danced between 2 rock steps. It came to this country in the middle 1950's. The Cha Cha is also a spot dance and is expressed though body animation. The character is fun, flirty, playful.

The Samba

The Samba is one of the most popular forms of music in Brazil. It is widely viewed as Brazil's national musical style. Samba developed as a distinctive kind of music at the beginning of the 20th century by black people in the Brazilian state of Bahia and then brought to Rio de Janeiro where it gained its popularity. It is characterized by a syncopated 2 by 4 rhythm with a muted beat and a main beat. It is the one latin dance that moves around the floor similar to waltz and can be dance to most popular music.

The Jive

Jive or (the correct term jitterbug jive)named after a 30's Mickey mouse cartoon where Mickey and mini were dancing a country style jitterbug.Jitterbug being the Dancers and Jive meaning fake or not right actually Derived originally from country dancing.The turns and overhead moves are a direct decendant from some Very old English country dances where couples cross over in a diagonal.Jive actually has nothing to do with Lindy Hop, Charleston or any other body lead dance of the time ,this is due to the dance being hand lead rather than body lead as in all the other swing dances of the 30's and 40's

The Paso Doble

Pasodoble is based on music played at bullfights during the bullfighters' entrance (paseo) or during the passes (faena) just before the kill. The leader of this dance plays the part of the matador. The follower generally plays the part of the matador's cape, but can also represent the bull or a flamenco dancer in some figures.