Types of Dances We Teach:
Waltz:
The Waltz is arguably the most recognizable of all ballroom dances. With its signature 3/4 timing, airy rise and fall, and music.
Box-like hold, no other dance better conjures images of romance and grace. As functional as it is lovely, the waltz is the perfect dance to improve balance, strength, and softness in your movement.
Tango:
The Tango is known as the dance of passion, mystery, and seduction. However, it can also be hauntingly beautiful, deeply introspective, or at times, quite flirtatious and whimsical. Tango dancers are often seen in a closed embrace gliding skillfully across the floor, weaving their legs around (and sometimes in between) one another. Tango is also famous for its dramatic “picture lines”, which explains why it is one of the most photographed dances in the world.
The specific patterns and techniques of the Tango vary depending on the style. The traditional or “Argentine” Tango is the most recognizable with its passionate hold and provocative leg flourishes. The standard ballroom version of Tango takes the intensity of the dance in a rather different direction. In this style, dancers use a more conventional ballroom frame and move quickly around the room with sharp, striking steps. Finally, the American style is a fusion of both techniques – more conventional than the Argentine and more legato than the standard. This style also incorporates more “open” patterns where dancers separate, an allusion to the choreography seen in the great American musical.
Foxtrot:
If you have ever dreamed of dancing in a long gown or a sleek tuxedo and floating across the floor like Fred and Ginger, then Foxtrot is the dance for you! Rooted in the music of “The Great American Songbook”, foxtrot is an elegant dance that glides effortlessly across the floor before whisking into a series of pivot turns or picturesque lines. The classic dance for a wedding or gala, foxtrot is simple enough for beginners to learn quickly and broad enough to challenge ballroom enthusiasts for years.
Viennese Waltz:
Viennese Waltz‘s defining characteristic is its whimsical turning. Significantly faster than it’s namesake, Viennese waltz harkens back to the grand balls of Austria, and is arguably the “dreamiest” dance of all. While it is not as common socially in this day and age, it is still an excellent dance for learning grace, agility, balance, and posture. It is dashing, graceful, and few sights compare to the grandeur of a room full of couples waltzing around the floor!
American Style Viennese Waltz is danced in both open and closed dance positions and has much more freedom than it’s International counterpart. It’s full of fun interpretations with a more theatrical feel leaving closed position to explore alternative holds, underarm turns and side by side choreography.
Quickstep:
Quickstep is unmistakable in it’s playful gliding, jumping, and sometimes running motion across the dance floor! This smooth alternative to swing dancing is similarly danced to the classic sounds of American big band music. Although quickstep looks intimidating to the television or competition viewer, the basics of the dance are surprisingly easy and enormously fun! Quickstep is a wonderful dance to work on smooth movement, proper dance frame, and obviously, fast feet.
Cha Cha:
Cha Cha is a fun, flirtatious, dance that emphasizes fast footwork, playful hip action, and a strong internal sense of rhythm. Applicable to a wide variety of music styles, this iconic dance is a great way to raise both your heart rate and your spirits!
The Cha Cha, a lively and energetic ballroom dance, has captured the hearts of dancers and audiences alike with its infectious rhythm, playful movements, and captivating charm. Originating from Cuba and popularized in the 1950s, Cha Cha has since become a staple in the ballroom dance scene worldwide, celebrated for its vibrant energy, dynamic movements, and irresistible charm. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or a newcomer to the dance floor, the Cha Cha offers a captivating experience filled with rhythm, excitement, and joy. Take the leap and explore the thrilling world of Cha Cha, and let the dance sweep you off your feet!
East Coast Swing:
The East Coast Swing is a descendant of the incredibly popular Lindy Hop style of the American ’20s, 30’s, and 40’s. A great starter dance for those interested in all that swing has to offer, the East Coast Swing can be performed in a simple “single time” form or in it’s more common “triple time” rhythm that focuses heavily on energetic movement, a variety of turns and spins and, appropriately enough, a “swinging” action in the hips. Versatile, fun, and challenging, the East Coast Swing is a great dance to have in your repertoire!
Bolero:
Unique to the American Rhythm style, Bolero is a beautiful fusion of smooth, sultry Latin movements and sexy bossa nova-based rhythms. Few dances are as intriguing or alluring. Sometimes referred to as the “ballroom dancer’s Latin dance”, Bolero layers an almost waltz-like rise and fall action on top of the traditional Cuban motion, making it one of the more challenging dances to learn but also one of the most rewarding.
Mambo:
Mambo is the quintessential latin dance. Steeped in afro-cuban musical history, a good mambo relies on exceptional rhythm, coordinated rib and hip movement, and expression. Differing slightly from the salsa, Mambo “breaks” on the second count of a musical measure, which provides an excellent opportunity for the student to improve musicality along with the many physical skills the dance offers. Perhaps most importantly, Mambo teaches the joyful “soul” of how to latin dance.
Paso Doble:
Paso Doble is the ultimate dance for those looking to escape into the passion and excitement of latin dancing! Created to mimic the bullfights of Spain, Paso Doble is strong, seductive, and confident. Though rarely used socially, Paso Doble still has great functional value to the student, requiring a strong sense of rhythm, sharp turns, and powerful movement across the floor. For the competitor, the boldness and deliberateness of its presentation provides an enormous benefit. Few dances are more stylized…or more fun.
Rumba:
Rumba is arguably the most sensual of all Latin dances, combing long leg lines, rolling hip actions, and beautiful arm styling. One of the slower dances, Rumba puts great focus on core strength, balance, and “Cuban motion.” Simple and versatile for the beginner while offering a fun challenge to the competitor, it is no wonder Rumba, with its seductive rhythm, is one of the most popular dances we teach.
in the traditional American Rhythm style, the basic step is a box movement, and the hip movement is achieved through the alternate bending and straightening action of the knees, Rumba is danced compactly, with the feet usually no more than shoulder-width apart, subtle hip motion and a heavy walking step.
Samba:
Samba is an intoxicating dance rooted in the heart-pulsing rhythms of Brazil. It is an excellent dance to work on body isolation, musicality, and personality on the dance floor. Sometimes fast and frenetic, sometimes smooth and sultry, once you start to samba, it is hard to stop.
Born in the Bahia region of Brazil with strong West African roots, Samba is an icon of Brazil. To any Brazilian it is the solo dance that you can see danced by the thousands at the Carnival. The International Ballroom version of samba is a lively, rhythmical partner dance that differs from Latin dances in that it progresses around the floor with various combinations of timings and beat values as well as a variety of partner positions.
Salsa:
The Salsa is arguably the most popular of all current partner dances, and for good reason. The salsa is a fun, flirty, and simple dance designed to accommodate the many different styles of music that make up its history. Usually danced quite quickly, salsa is a fun way to get in shape, work on musicality, and introduce yourself to the “language” of latin dancing.