Waltz

Also known as the slow waltz, this style is danced in 3/4 time. It's basic step outlines a box, and glides gracefully around the floor. The waltz is known for it's rise and fall and long flowing movements. American waltz breaks contact for under arm turns and open figures, while the international style stays in a closed position.

 

Foxtrot

Foxtrot is danced in 4/4 time and is similar to the waltz in that they both are known for long flowing movements. Foxtrot is a slightly more upbeat style of dance and is danced to big band music. American foxtrot breaks contact for under arm turns and open figures, while the international style stays in a closed position.

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Tango

Known for its staccato movements and dramatic dramatic head snaps, tango is a very fiery and passionate dance. American tango breaks contact for under arm turns and open figures, while the international style stays in a closed position.

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East Coast Swing

Other names include jitterbug, eastern swing, east coast lindy, and triple swing. Based off of lindy hop, a basic step consists of two triple steps followed by a rock step taking up six counts. For faster music, a single step can replace the triple steps, keeping the rest of the timing the same. This is a high-energy dance with lots of turns and pretzel-like arm movements.

 

West Coast Swing

Also based off lindy hop, west coast swing is a slightly more smooth, laid back swing style that is danced primarily in a slot. Traditional timing includes both 6-count and 8-count steps. Danced to slower swing music than it's east coast counterpart, this style of dance allows for both partners to improvise steps while dancing together.

 

Viennese Waltz

What is today known as the viennese waltz is actually the original form of the waltz. Usually danced about 180 beats per minute, viennese waltz is a very fast-paced style, moving down the floor in a rotary action with partners usually moving counter clockwise around each other. American style viennese waltz breaks contact for under arm turns and open figures, while the international style stays in a closed position. This is the oldest style of the current ballroom dances.

 

Cha-Cha-Cha

Named after the shuffling sound of the dancer's feet, cha-cha-cha consists of a chasse with two rock steps. If started on a rock step, this style is danced: two three, cha-cha-cha, two three, cha-cha-cha. The hip action found in this dance and other latin styles is derived from the alternating bending and straightening of the knees.

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Salsa

Salsa is a latin style alternating the feet in two rock steps. Although there is no standard structure for salsa, it is usually danced one two three, hold four, five six seven, hold eight. It is a fast style known for its fun spins and different arm positions. The hip action found in this dance and other latin styles is derived from the alternating bending and straightening of the knees.

 

Rumba

Rumba is a very sensual, slow romantic latin style. Taking small steps, the basic step for american style rumba is a box step, while the international style looks similar to the cha-cha-cha but holds the chasse as a single step. Today's rumba is based off the "son" or "danzon" found in cuba. The hip action found in this dance and other latin styles is derived from the alternating bending and straightening of the knees.

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Hustle

Usually set to disco music, hustle has a three count basic and is very similar to swing dancing. Starting with a rock step, hustle is danced and one, two, three, and one, two, three. A simpler variation takes four counts and every step has its own count. Hustle is an excellent club style to learn with fast turns, syncopated steps, and the ability to stay in one place on the dance floor.

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Merengue

Also known as the national dance of the Dominican Republic, merengue is known for it's stiff-legged limping action. Although merengue has quick footwork to face-paced music, turns and other steps are usually slow and take multiple steps to complete.  This style is great for crowded dance floors, as the small marching steps do not take up much room and usually circle around each other. The hip action found in this dance and other latin styles is derived from the alternating bending and straightening of the knees.

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