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BALLROOM

Viennese Waltz: Suggested dance experience of 3 months Smooth Dancing in Waltz or Foxtrot.
Viennese Waltz is characterized by swift right and left turns, with hesitations every so often to change direction, or to allow the dancers a pause to catch their breath and to strike a "line" (pose). This is the oldest of the ballroom dances, originating in the 1700's and becoming popular in the early 1800's. The Viennese Waltz is one of the most challenging dances to master, but also one of the most exhilarating to dance. Viennese Waltz is danced to ¾ time music with a fast tempo  

Waltz: Suggested dance for the new dancer.
Over time, the lilting ¾ time music of the Viennese waltz was slowed down for less formal ballrooms and the dance adapted to the slower tempo. This is the dance we think of when we hear "waltz" or ¾ time music. A more varied set of steps is performed at the slower tempo, but the dance still contains the lilting sway of the quicker Viennese. The American version of the dance will sometimes be danced apart from the partner, as in Underarm Turns and side by side positions.  At its higher levels (SILVER 1 2 3) we suggest dance experience of 6 Months to 1 year in basic Waltz.  

Foxtrot: Suggested dance for the new dancer.
Foxtrot originated in 1913 when a Vaudeville performer by the name of Harry Fox performed a little trot which appealed to the social dance teachers in New York. It has gone through many changes since that time and is now comprised of soft and fluid linear movements. The Foxtrot can be a most deceiving dance as it looks very easy, but at the higher levels, is one of the most difficult dances to master. Foxtrot and Waltz share many moves in common, but the timing and style differences in the music make each dance unique. Foxtrot is danced to medium slow to slow 4/4 time music and is characterized by the "Fred Astaire/Ginger Rogers" look. At its higher levels (SILVER 1 2 3) we suggest dance experience of 6 Months to 1 year in basic Waltz. 

International Style Waltz: Suggested dance experience of 3 months Smooth Dancing in Waltz.
This style of Waltz never releases the partner to an apart position as does it's American counterpart.  Dance figures (patterns) are also different.  Over time, the lilting ¾ time music of the Viennese waltz was slowed down for less formal ballrooms and the dance adapted to the slower tempo. This is the dance we think of when we hear "waltz" or ¾ time music. A more varied set of steps is performed at the slower tempo, but the dance still contains the lilting sway f the quicker Viennese.

International Style Foxtrot: Suggested dance experience of 3 months Smooth Dancing in Waltz or Foxtrot.
In the European style this dance is not danced in "apart positions" as is the American version.  The Foxtrot can be a most deceiving dance as it looks very easy, but at the higher levels, is one of the most difficult dances to master. Foxtrot and Waltz share many moves in common, but the timing and style differences in the music make each dance unique. Foxtrot is danced to slow 4/4 time music and is comprised of soft and fluid linear movements.

Quickstep: Suggested dance experience of 3-6 months Smooth Dancing in Waltz, Foxtrot & Tango.
Another International (or European) dance.  As the name implies, the Quickstep is a very quick and lively dance, comprised of running steps, hops, skips and kicks. The dance began as a quick version of Foxtrot mixed with the Charleston, and has a Jazz music influence. The music is of a very fast tempo in 4/4 time. Dixieland jazz is perfect for quickstep, as is the fastest swing music.

Tango: Suggested dance experience of 3 months Smooth Dancing in Waltz or Foxtrot
Tango evolved in the bordellos of Buenos Aires, Argentina and was refined during its travels to Europe and America. Ballroom Tango is more stylized than the more intimate and improvisational Argentine Tango, but still retains the tension and sensuality of the original. Tango is danced in a slightly different manner than the other smooth (non-Latin) dances. The closed hold is closer, with the lady's left hand hooked under the right arm of the man, with the man's right arm further around the back of the lady. This creates a firmer hold for quick staccato action and stylized poses. American and International Tango are danced to 4/4 time music with an 8 count phrasing. Movies with different styles of tango include 'The Tango Lesson, Strictly Ballroom, and, Scent of a Woman'.

International Style Tango: Suggested dance experience of 3 months Smooth Dancing in Waltz or Foxtrot.
The European version difference is again, no separating from your partner. Tango evolved in the bordellos of Buenos Aires, Argentina and was refined during its travels to Europe and America. Ballroom Tango is more stylized than the more intimate and improvisational Argentine Tango, but still retains the tension and sensuality of the original Tango is danced in a slightly different manner than the other smooth (non-Latin) dances. The closed hold is closer, with the lady's left hand hooked under the right arm of the man, with the man's right arm further around the back of the lady. This creates a firmer hold for quick staccato action and stylized poses. American and International Tango are danced to 4/4 time music with an 8 count phrasing. Movies with different styles of tango include 'The Tango Lesson, Strictly Ballroom, and, Scent of a Woman.

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LATIN

Bolero: Suggested dance experience of 3 months in Cha Cha and Rumba.
A slower version of Rumba and the slowest Latin ballroom dance. The movements are drawn out and delayed, or held to release in an explosive movement. The music is 4/4 time, of a slow, romantic flavor.

Cha Cha: Suggested dance experience of 1 month in Rumba & Merengue.
During the 1950s, the Cha Cha was made famous by many Latino bands such as Xavier Cugat and Perez Prado. Cuban in origin, the Cha Cha rhythm is found in much of today's popular music. It is related to the Rumba and Mambo. A rhythmic innovation in the dance music changed the slow step held on the last beat of one measure through the first beat of the next measure to step - close - step (three steps to two beats of music). Cha cha cha is danced to syncopated 4/4 time Latin and popular music with a medium to fast tempo. The dance is characterized by a rhythmic tic in the upper body and "Cuban motion" of the legs and hips.

International Style Cha Cha: Suggested dance experience of 3-6 months in Cha Cha & other Latin Dances.
In the European Style of Latin Dance more is required of the lady dancer, as more patterns are apart from the partner rather than simple mirror images.  During the 1950s, the Cha Cha was made famous by many Latino bands such as Xavier Cugat and Perez Prado. Cuban in origin, the Cha Cha rhythm is found in much of today's popular music. It is related to the Rumba and Mambo. A rhythmic innovation in the dance music changed the slow step held on the last beat of one measure through the first beat of the next measure to step - close - step (three steps to two beats of music). Cha cha cha is danced to syncopated 4/4 time Latin and popular music with a medium to fast tempo. The dance is characterized by a rhythmic tic in the upper body and "Cuban motion" of the legs and hips.

Salsa: (also known as Mambo): Suggested dance experience of 1 month in Rumba and Merengue.
A Latin dance of Cuban origin, internationally popular in the late 1940's and early 50's. It is danced as a quicker off beat Rumba in which a step taken on the last beat of music in 4/4 time is held through the first beat of the next measure. Mambo foot patters and breaks are essentially the same as in the rumba, the basic movement being front, back, close. Mambo is danced to syncopated Latin music in 4/4 time and a rapid tempo. Salsa is similar to Mambo and is danced to the faster Mambo music, but is not as syncopated and can be danced without accenting any beat. Movies showing Mambo include 'Dirty dancing', 'The Mambo Kings', and a new movie 'Shut Up and Dance'.

Merengue: Suggested dance for the new dancer.
A Latin Festival dance, this dance originated in the Dominican Republic and /or Haiti. It is a very simple dance with a limping step to driving 2/4 time music with an insistent steady beat. Perhaps the best dance to learn Latin Motion, which is used in all the other Latin and Swing Dances.

Paso Doble: Suggested dance experience of 6 months in Cha Cha, Rumba & Framed Dances.
A march, different and more dignified than Merengue.  A Spanish dance incorporated into International Style Latin dance competitions. It is not danced often socially in the United States. It is a very stylized, theatrical, dance with the man portraying a bullfighter and the lady his cape. Based on Flamenco and gypsy dancing, the character of the dance is arrogant and passionate. The man is the main focus in this dance, while in the other Latin dances; the lady is the focus of attention. The Paso Doble is the main dance featured in the movie 'Strictly ballroom'. Although this version is more like the Flamenco style than the ballroom style, it gives a good portrayal of the character of the dance.

Rumba: Suggested dance for the new dancer.
A Latin dance of Afro-Cuban folk dance origin that became internationally popular in the early 20th century. Best known for the dancers' subtle side to side hip movements with the torso erect, (Cuban motion), the rumba is danced with a basic pattern of two quick side steps and a slow forward step. Three steps are executed in each bar of music. The music, in 4/4 time, has an insistent syncopation and is slow to medium in tempo.

International Rumba: Suggested dance experience of 3 months in other Latin Dances.
In the European Style of Latin Dance more is required of the lady dancer, as more patterns are apart from the partner rather than simple mirror images.  A Latin dance of Afro-Cuban folk dance origin that became internationally popular in the early 20th century. Best known for the dancers' subtle side to side hip movements with the torso erect, (Cuban motion), the rumba is danced with a basic pattern of two quick side steps and a slow forward step. Three steps are executed in each bar of music. The music, in 4/4 time, has an insistent syncopation and is slow to medium in tempo.

Samba: Suggested dance experience of 1-3 months in other Latin Dances.
The Latin dance of Brazilian origin, popularized in Western Europe and the U.S. in the early 40's. Characterized by a simple forward and backward step and tilting, rocking body movements, it is danced to music in 4/4 time with a syncopated rhythm. Couples may dance in a closed Latin hold or separate to dance variant steps. Musical movies of the late 30's and early 40's featuring Carmen Miranda give many examples of early Samba.

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SWING

Big Band Swing (Single Swing, American Swing, East Coast Swing): Suggested dance for the new dancer.

An exuberant dance popularized in the 1930's and 1940's, originating in the U.S. and spread internationally to U.S. armed forces during World War II. Its original free-wheeling acrobatic swings and lifts were modified for more conservative ballroom versions. Most versions are danced while holding one or both hands. Step patterns vary widely and include:

Lindy Hop Swing: Suggested dance experience of 1 month East Coast Swing or Club Swing.
(C. 1927, named for Charles Lindbergh's transatlantic flight) - the earliest version of swing, danced in the 30's and 40's and experiencing a renaissance today. The Lindy is danced to 4/4 time music and the basic step is an 8-count step with the couple moving around each other in a circular manner. More advanced steps can have either six or eight counts. Advanced Lindy Hop is energetic with many hopping, kicking steps and acrobatic moves called 'air steps'. Original Lindy Hop demonstrations can be seen in the movies 'A Day at the Races' and 'Hellzapoppin', and recreations can be seen in 'Swing Kids', and 'Malcolm X'

East Coast Swing: (Triple Step): Suggested dance for the new dancer.
The simplest version of the Swing (CLUB SWING) is danced to 4/4 time music with six counts in a basic step (slow – slow – quick - quick). This can be danced to a variety of music tempos too quick for the Jive or Triple Swing. East Coast Swing is danced in an overall circular motion with the partners changing positions with each other.

Jive: (also known as Triple Step Swing): Suggested dance experience of 3 months in East Coast Swing.
Dancers take a step-close-step to each side and a rock step (one foot back, one slightly forward). Competition Jive is danced to fast-paced swing music and concentrates on a bounce action in the knees. Social triple swing can be danced to swing music in a variety of tempos. Triple Swing can be a circular dance or can travel in a line with one or both partners moving down the line, depending on the moves danced.

Jitterbug, Jump, Hop, Shag, Balboa, East Coast Swing. These are terms which describe swing dance variations in different areas of the country and in different eras of time.

West Coast Swing: Suggested dance experience of 3 months in East Coast Swing.
A "slot" dance in which the man begins dancing by facing the lady, steps off a "track" while he leads the lady to pass him, and then steps back on the "track" to face the lady as she turns to meet him. The lady dances back and forth on this track, executing turns, spins, and syncopated movements. Swing music with a medium slow tempo and a blues feel epitomizes the style of West Coast Swing, but faster tempo swing music is also used, with the swing taking on a Hustle feel.   

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NIGHTCLUB

Hustle: Suggested dance experience of 3 months in Swing dancing.
(3-count HUSTLE)- a "slot dance with four steps taken in 3 counts of music, (quick, quick,slow, slow). The basic footwork timing is used to anchor the couple as man leads the lady to perform intricate turns, spins and wraps. Hustle is danced to quick music with a steady driving beat such as early Madonna, Techno, or "House" music. Today's Hustle should not be confused with the disco era hustle (Saturday Night Fever), which was slower and had many more open dance patterns, where the couple danced away from each other.

Four Count Swing: One of the "One-Step" or easiest dances to learn.  Also called Disco Swing or Four-Count Hustle, this dance is danced to the Disco music of the 70's and 80's. Same as above, but danced to 4 counts of music rather than 3.  The dance begins in closed positon, at right-angles to the partner.  Follow is released,  sending her straight out on a "track" while lead steps into the same track.  He steps off the "track" while he leads the lady to return to closed right-angle position, and then steps back on the "track" to face the lady as she goes back out. The lady dances back and forth on this track, executing turns, spins, and syncopated movements. Disco music with a medium to fast tempo with a Hustle feel.

Nightclub 2-Step: Suggested dance experience of 1 month in Smooth & Latin dances.
A dance devised by Swing dance Champion and Teacher, Buddy Schwimmer. The Nightclub 2-Step is danced to 4/4 time music with a slow to medium slow tempo, but without a Latin syncopation. R&B music is often perfect for this dance. The tempo is similar to that of Rumba, but the feel of the music is more fluid (closer to waltz that Latin). The dance has a simple quick, quick, slow, side to side motion, to which turns, cuddles, spins and traveling patterns across the floor are added. ‘Lady in Red’ is the quintessential Night Club 2 Step song

 At a dance event up to 15 different dance styles are played, so don’t sit down!  

American Style Dancing - Term given to dance styles standardized in the United States. In the smooth dances the couples may dance together and apart, (think Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers), and the goal in American Smooth dancing is to dance well in a closed hold partnership and to interpret the music lyrically with open work.

Latin dances include Mambo, Rumba, Cha Cha, Bolero, Samba, and Merengue.  

Ballroom dances are Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Viennese Waltz

vs.

International Style Dancing - Term given to the style of ballroom dancing which was standardized in England and worldwide. Emphasis is placed on the technique of the dancers. Couples may not separate in the smooth dances (Foxtrot, Waltz, Viennese Waltz, Tango, Quickstep), and strive for a perfect partnership, where the two bodies dance as one.

Latin styling is much more similar between American and International style dances, but some of the basic movements in the dances are different in the two styles. Only five Latin / swing dances are recognized in International Style for competition - Samba, Cha Cha, Rumba, Paso Doble, and Jive. 

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