Waltz
The Waltz is considered to be one of the most romantic ballroom dances—the dance of true love. Its character is regal, graceful, and elegant. The Waltz was born in the heart of Vienna. By the 17th century, it was danced in the ballrooms of the Hapsburg Court in Germany, and later, in the early 1800s, it was introduced into the ballrooms in England. Today, the beautiful Waltz is a popular dance for weddings and other social events.
Tango
The Tango is a steamy and aggressive dance. The movement and music of the tango is driving, compelling, and staccato in nature, suggesting a burning love, desire, and jealousy. This dance was originally born in the West Indies, and the name is derived from the African "Tanganya." During the late 19th century, immigrants brought the Tango to Argentina and into the brothels of Buenos Aires. Later, the Tango made its way to Europe and, at last, to the United States around 1914. Although this dance had crude beginnings, it developed into a sophisticated and emotional style of dance known today by such names as Argentine Tango, International-Style Tango, and American-Style Tango.
Foxtrot
The Foxtrot is considered to be one of the most enjoyable social dances. It is characterized by flowing movements and graceful continuity. This dance is highly versatile, in that it can be danced to a wide variety of musical styles and tempos. The music is upbeat and light, as in songs by Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole. Although the Foxtrot was conceived in New York City by Harry Fox in 1914, it remains, today, a popular dance with both the young and old.
Viennese Waltz
The Viennese Waltz is a vibrant and lively dance. It is the origin of all partner ballroom dances. The music is fast, and of a specific genre introduced during the romantic era in Vienna. However, the Viennese Waltz can be danced to not only Strauss and other similar composers, but also to many styles of modern music that are not Viennese in origin, such as Top 40, country western, classical, Celtic, or instrumental. (It can even be danced to the ever-popular theme song of the Harry Potter movies!) Truly, the Viennese Waltz is as exciting and fresh today as it was upon its conception.
Quickstep
The Quickstep, also know as the "Quick-Time Foxtrot", became popular in the early 1850s. This dance is a non-stop explosion of dynamic energy speeding across the floor, and the music and movement will have your heart racing. It is often danced to the ever-popular song, "Sing, Sing, Sing." The dance incorporates elements of other dances, such as the smooth, gliding steps of Foxtrot and the quick, hopping steps of the Charleston. While dancing the Quickstep, you will fly across the dance floor with astonishing speed.
Cha Cha
The Cha Cha is the ultimate dance for fun and flirtation, and the mood of the dance is carefree and sassy, evoking a party atmosphere. The dance originated in the 1940s in New York as a modified Cuban Mambo. It is highly animated, with sexy body rhythms expressed through hip action called "Cuban Motion"
Samba
The most vivacious of the Latin Dances, the Samba is the dance of the Brazilian Carnivale. The music and movement is always upbeat and exciting, using elements of Cuban Motion and the signature Samba bounce. In the 1930s, an evolved form of the Samba came to the United Kingdom and then to the United States. Movies with Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, and Carmen Miranda helped popularize the dance. Today, Samba rhythms can be found on the radio’s "Top 40s" and in mainstream clubs world wide. For instance, Gwen Stefani’s "Holla Back Girl," Will Smith’s "Switch," and Madonna’s "La Isla Bonita" are excellent songs for dancing the Samba, which is why the Samba is a popular choice for the social dancer.
Rumba
The Rumba is the dance of desire and seduction, portraying dancers burning like fire and yearning for fulfillment. It is a suggestive dance with its use of sexy body rhythms and hip action called Cuban Motion. The Rumba was introduced in America in the mid 1920s from Cuba. The study of Rumba emphasizes Cuban Motion, balance, and an understanding of the male/female elements of dancing.
Paso Doble
The Paso Doble became fashionable around 1920. It is the most fiery and intense of the Latin dances. The Paso Doble is based upon the movements executed by a matador during a bull fight, when the stakes are life or death. The woman often represents either the matador’s cape or the bull. The exciting Paso Doble is generally a competitive dance, because it is based on previously-determined choreography and arranged specifically to the timing of the music.
Bolero
The Bolero was introduced to the United States in the 1930s from Cuba. While Rumba may be the dance of desire, the Bolero is the ultimate dance of love, characterized by slow, graceful movements. The music is frequently arranged with Spanish vocals and is usually accompanied by a guitar and subtle percussion instruments such as conga or bongos. However, contemporary romantic ballads such as "My Heart Will Go On," from the hit movie Titanic, are examples of popular music ideal for the Bolero.
Salsa / Mambo
In theory, the Salsa and the Mambo are the same dance. The music for both styles of dancing is very similar, dictated by a common factor called the Clave beat. Salsa is a Spanish word, which, when translated, literally means "sauce." Hot, spicy, and full of exotic Latin flavor, the Salsa dance is true to its name. People flock to nightclubs to enjoy the music, the movement, and the experience which is Salsa. The Mambo originated from Cuba, but it was discovered in Mexico by Perez Prado, while the Salsa was developed in night clubs. Salsa dancers are often called "foot dancers," and they generally use little or no hip action. Because a Mambo dancer is usually trained to use hip action, the dancers of each style start on different beats. Nevertheless, a Mambo dancer can dance the Salsa while still incorporating Cuban Motion. As a result of these differences, the Salsa focuses on foot work and fluidity of movement, while the Mambo incorporates dynamic body rhythms and more staccato elements. Either way, the Salsa and the Mambo are high energy dances that are fun to do in any night club.
East Coast Swing
East Coast Swing originated from the Lindy Hop. By the mid 30's Lindy Hop was widely dance throughout the US and Europe. In the early 40's Lindy Hop was modified to be less wild and more refined and thus East Coast Swing was born. East Coast Swing is fun and energetic and can be danced to rock and roll, country music and swing music making this dance very versatile.
Jive
Jive is a fun, playful, all-American dance that is very fast and aerobically demanding. This dance evolved from the Jitterbug and was heavily influenced by other swing forms, such as the Boogie and Rock and Roll. The Jitterbug made its way to Europe in 1944 and was transformed into the Jive by London dance teacher Victor Silvester. It is said that he removed the acrobatic components and added technique, creating a more refined polished form of swing dancing. Regardless of the name, the Jive, the Jitter Bug, and the Boogie are all great fun.
Lindy Hop
The Lindy Hop dates back to the 1920s. Its popularity skyrocketed on March 26, 1926, when the Savoy Ballroom opened its doors in New York. This and other clubs attracted some of the best dancers in New York City. The name was inspired in 1927 by a headline about Charles Lindbergh's flight to Paris -- "Lindy Hops the Atlantic."
West Coast Swing
The West Coast Swing is the state dance of California. Its origins are firmly in the Lindy Hop, but it is distinctive because it travels in a "linear slot." This dance existed in San Diego dance halls as far back as 1938. Many US Navy personnel seemed to be exploring the smooth style, or were just too drunk to do anything but let the woman go forward and backwards up and down the "slot." This dance is also characterized by a particular connection that gives the dance a distinctive elasticity and makes the dance dynamic. The West Coast Swing is the most difficult and improvisational of the swing dances.
Hustle
The Hustle is a fun dance performed to contemporary pop music of the last 20 years, including the Bee Gees’ "Stayin’ Alive," "More Than a Woman," and "Saturday Night Fever". The Hustle, like most disco dances, has roots in such dances as the Samba, Cha Cha, and Mambo. Although the Hustle went through many transformations, it is believed to have originated in New York in 1970. Thanks to John Travolta and Saturday Night Fever, the Hustle became a popular dance for men. In this dance, you move and spin constantly to the energetic music, staying true to its name... the Hustle.