Dances – In Motion Ballroom

Dances

Dance Styles

Originating in the 16th century from royal court dances, ballroom dancing has evolved (and continues to evolve) into the many styles we have today. There are 2 main programs of ballroom dancing: International Style, developed in England in the early 19th century, and the American Style, which emerged in the early 20th century.

International Style is categorized into two distinct sub-styles: Standard (or “Ballroom”), and Latin, and is typically used more on the competitive dance floor. American Style, categorized into the sub-styles of Smooth and Rhythm, developed due to the influence of jazz music and a focus on social dancing. Over the years, American Style has expanded to include dances such as Hustle, Salsa, and West Coast Swing, and has always been influenced by the constant development of music around the world.

International Ballroom

International Style is without a doubt the classic “old school” style of Ballroom. In International Standard, dance partners must remain in a closed dance position continually (meaning they stand in front of each other, in body contact throughout the dance).

Waltz

A truly romantic dance, the Waltz is comprised of soft, round, flowing movements. ... Characterized by its “rise and fall” action, the Waltz includes a step, slide, and step in 3/4 time. Dancers should move their shoulders smoothly, parallel with the floor instead of up and down.

Tango

The English codified their own version of Tango for instruction in dance schools in 1922; the resulting style was referred to as English style, but eventually took on the name International style. The Tango is characterized by sharp and staccato movements that travel across the floor.

Viennese Waltz

International-style Viennese waltz is danced in closed position. The syllabus is limited to natural and reverse turns, closed and open changes, fleckerls, contra check, left whisk, and canter-time pivot turns. It is a progressive and turning dance that sweeps across the floor.

Slow Foxtrot

A beautiful, romantic dance, the foxtrot is composed of fairly simple walking steps and side steps. The footwork timing is usually "slow, quick, quick" or "slow, slow, quick, quick." The foxtrot must be danced very smoothly, with no jerking of the body.

Quickstep

The Quickstep, with its roots in Ragtime, was developed in the 1920’s in New York from a combination of Foxtrot, Charleston, Peabody and the One-Step. Quickstep is a combination of walks and chasses but in an advanced stage hops jumps & many syncopations are utilized. It is an elegant and glamorous dance and body contact is maintained throughout the dance.

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American Smooth

American Smooth is more elaborate and creative than traditional ballroom dancing – think old Hollywood! The basic principles and technique of ballroom dancing still apply; however, partners are not required to maintain continuous body contact.

Waltz

The Waltz dates back to the folk dances of Bavaria, some 400 years ago, but was not introduced into “society” until 1812. The Waltz is a progressive and turning dance with figures designed for both a larger ballroom floor and the average dance floor. The use of sway, rise and fall highlight the smooth, lilting style of the Waltz.

Tango

The Tango is a progressive dance where the staccato movement of the feet and flexed knees highlight the dramatic style of the dance. The Tango is one of the most highly stylized ballroom dances. It is dramatic with measured crossing and flexing steps and poised pauses.

Foxtrot

With its smooth and sophisticated feeling, most figures of the Foxtrot are designed for the larger ballroom floor. However, these same figures are also suited to the average dance floor when danced more compactly.

Viennese Waltz

The Viennese Waltz is a dance that requires a great deal of control and stamina, due mainly to the tempo of the music. The Viennese Waltz is a progressive and turning dance and features some figures that are danced in place. Rise and fall is used in the dance but differently than in other smooth dances.

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International Latin

International Latin is unique in its use of straight legs and balletic lines. Newcomers to Latin should be warned against thinking of International Latin as “authentic Latin dancing”. Samba, for instance, looks nothing like its festive counterpart danced today in the streets of Brazil. And while one can see a bit of Swing in the foundation of Jive, this one American dance has very little relation to its cousins in the Swing styles. Latin is based in large part on long leg lines and takes a tremendous amount of strength and expertise to be danced at a high level. Latin is a sexy, yet sophisticated style of dance.

Cha Cha

Cha Cha’s tempo is anywhere from slow and staccato to fast and lively. Popularized in the 1950’s with music by such artists as Tito Puente and Tito Rodriguez, today it is danced to popular nightclub and Latin music.

Samba

The music is an amalgamation of African and Latin American rhythm that is adorned with expressive, melodic lines. Originating in Bahia, Brazil, the dance first became popular in Rio de Janeiro, and later, its intoxicating rhythm was taken up by serious Latin American composers. The Samba is festive and lighthearted, and performed today in all parts of the world.

Rumba

The Rumba is considered to be one of the most beautiful Latin style dances, and is characterized by swaying hips, a still upper body, and close partner connections. The ballroom style of Rumba dance is still highly popular throughout the world. It is most largely embraced as a competitive dance, and in competition-style dancing, Rumba is the slowest of the five Dancesport Latin dances.

Paso Doble

The Paso Doble in its classical form dates back many centuries and was originally intended for use at bullfights when the matador was victorious in the arena. In the ballroom version of the Paso Doble, the gentleman usually portrays the bullfighter and the lady is his cape, although there are times when a very strong aggressive action in certain movements seems to suggest the actions of the bull. The Paso Doble moves around the floor and is characterized by sharp movements.

Jive

Jive evolved from the popular American dances of the 1930’s such as Jitterbug and Lindy Hop. The modern form of ballroom jive is a relaxed, springy action with lots of flicks and kicks in the advanced style.

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American Rhythm

American Rhythm includes five dances: Cha Cha, Rumba, East Coast Swing, Bolero, and Mambo. The Rhythm style dances utilize the bent knee throughout each dance, with the knee straightening only as the heel touches the floor. Rhythm is a fun style which gives dancers of all levels a wide range of steps from which to choose.

Cha Cha

Cha Cha is a dance of Cuban origin, and derives its name from the rhythm developed by a syncopation of the fourth beat.

Rumba

The Rumba is characterized by a smooth, subtle hip motion and is danced compactly.

East Coast Swing

East Coast Swing (or just Swing), evolved from the Lindy Hop and is perhaps the most famous American folk dance.

Bolero

The Bolero is one of the most expressive dances: the use of arms and hands, legs and feet, as well as facial expression, all contribute to its beauty.

Mambo

The Mambo can be danced according to the individual dancer’s temperament. Spins and turns are quite popular with Mambo dancers.

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Club Dances

These are dances that have their origins in night clubs and dance halls, as opposed to on the competition ballroom floor. Club style dances often have a full community of dancers who dance primarily one dance. Each of these club dances has its own evolving culture, legendary dancers, and legendary musicians, as well as new and evolving styles.

Learning how to dance can help improve balance, coordination, memory, and general fitness while enjoying great music and good company!

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