Dance Types in USA

Type of Dancing
Which dances should be included in the canon of 'ballroom dances' is a
matter of debate. However, the following are all generally considered to
belong to the world of ballroom dance:

1. RHYTHM dances: Rumba, Cha-Cha, Samba, Mambo, Salsa, Bolero,

East Coast Swing, Jive, West Coast Swing.
2. LATIN dances: Rumba, Cha-Cha, Samba, Mambo.
3. SMOOTH dances: Foxtrot, Tango, Waltz, Viennese Waltz, Quickstep,
Night Club Two-Step.

Many of these dances have both an American style and an International

style.

Country dancing is usually considered to include the following: Country Cha-

Cha, Country Waltz, Texas Two-Step, Night Club Two-Step, Country Swing.

Other popular partner dance styles include: Lindy Hop, Argentine Tango,
East Coast Swing, Polka.

Thank you Dance Colorado for the following dance descriptions:

Waltz This slower version of the Viennese Waltz emerged in the 1920s out
of a fad dance called the Boston. It is the most elegant and romantic of all
the ballroom dances. The Waltz will inspire feelings of love, if only with the
dance! Danced to a 3/4 time, the Waltz glides gently across the floor. It is
easy for beginners to learn and is a great choice for the First Dance of any
wedding celebration.

Tango This exciting dance evolved from the Argentine Tango, which
originated in the back streets of Buenos Aires, then gained popularity and
traveled to Europe, and finally to the US in the 1910s. Danced to strict
tempo music and used mostly in competitions, the Tango incorporates
sharp, catlike steps with passion and intensity. Words that describe any
style of Tango are dramatic, sensual, urgent and sexy. No matter which
style you dance, the Tango is likely to raise your temperature!
Foxtrot Evolved out of the Two-Step Era around 1915, in the US. It is a
smooth combination of slow and quick beats danced in a 4/4
rhythm. Reputedly named after Harry Fox, a popular Broadway singer and
dancer, it is still as popular as ever. This dance is perfect for weddings and
galas or a trip to the Rainbow Room. If you enjoy the music of Frank
Sinatra, Dean Martin or Ella Fitzgerald, youll definitely want to learn the
Foxtrot!

Viennese Waltz Is the oldest of all the dances still danced today, and has
its origin in 17th century Germany. It achieved its greatest artistic
expression in Vienna in the 1880s. The fast tempo and close embrace
stifled its acceptance in the US. The Viennese Waltz and the Slow Waltz are
the only dances that use music written in 3/4 timing. Youll feel like royalty
as you sweepingly cover the floor dancing to such classics as the
Anniversary Waltz and the Blue Danube. It is an exciting and challenging
dance that you will grow to love.

Latin American
Cha Cha Originating in Cuba as an off-shoot of Mambo, Cha Cha is danced
to slower music. It has a distinct sound suggesting the 1/2 1/2 1, or cha-
cha-cha, that embodies the scraping sound made by the feet while dancing
the triple rhythm added to the middle of the basic salsa movement.

Rumba Learning this dance is a prerequisite for good Latin dancing. The
Cuban Motion is essential in most Latin dances. The Rumba is used by good
dancers everywhere and provides interesting variety suited to a limited
space. Neat, attractive, precise footwork gives you confidence in your
dancing. The Rumba will sharpen your sense of rhythm, timing, and
muscular control.

East Coast Swing Is strictly comprised of six count patterns. The Swing is
a spot dance with a carefree, relaxed style and is a dance easily mastered by
most people. The various speeds are excellent training for quick footwork
and good leading & following, which will add comfort and ease in other
rhythm dances. After mastering the patterns, both men and women will find
East Coast Swing a fun and exciting dance to learn and practice. Perhaps
the most uniquely American of all dances, the Swing brings forth a buoyant
carefree movement. Its one of the dances that becomes contagious.

Bolero Originally a Spanish dance in 3/4 time, it was changed in Cuba into
2/4 time and then eventually into 4/4 time. It is now present as a very slow
type of Rumba rhythm. This dance is often said to have the rise and fall of
Waltz, the contra-body motion of Tango, and the rhythm of Rumba. It is a
favorite of dancers, as it incorporates many techniques similar to other
dances to create a slow, sensual, romantic dance.

Mambo Is a fusion of Cuban and American dancing. The music is

characterized by a stirring Afro-Cuban beat. Mambo is an exciting dance
which allows you to develop your own feeling and expression. Because
Mambo is such a fun dance, good Mambo dancers are always popular and in
demand as partners. The wild, exciting music and rhythmical body
movements make the earthy Mambo irresistible.

Hustle Is a general name for many different forms of hustle. Back in the
late 1970s, most disco dances were called Latin Hustle or NY Hustle. The
dance has evolved greatly over the years through at least six major
changes. The earliest version (approximately 1975) looks like it was
developed by women doing the womans part in West Coast
Swing. Originally it was a 6-count dance, then changed to 3 count around
1980. About 1980 the dance had a rock-step in it, but that was changed to
a together-forward around 1982. Many people believe they are doing NY
hustle; however, they are generally doing older versions of
Hustle. Originally, NY Hustle was a catch-all name, and some versions of it
were identical to some versions of Latin Hustle. By 1983, the other versions
of hustle had faded away, and what was left we call NY Hustle. Hustle
helped to highlight a partner dancing revival back in the 1970s and is quite
fun and challenging.

Merengue Originated in the Dominican Republic. It is one of the easiest

Latin dances to learn and very simple to follow and make up
steps. Beautiful, sensuous body movements are typical. The Merengue
is usually danced to very fast tempos.

Samba Improves the flexibility of the body and helps achieve easy
movement and lightness. The Samba rolling action teaches the body to be
supple. To move lightly, quickly, and smoothly without effort takes study
but only at the start. Although considered a good exercise, Samba should
be danced smoothly and in a relaxed manner giving the appearance of
effortless movement. Sometimes called the South American Waltz, the
Samba pulsates to a unique Latin rhythm.

West Coast Swing Is one of the most popular partner dances. It

developed from the Lindy, and more specifically Dean Collins Swing, and was
done originally to Rhythm & Blues style music. West Coast Swing is a bit
more sultry and sexy than other swing dances. Smooth and rolling, the
current scene has people dancing to a wider variety of music blues and
R&B, as well as some country, pop, and rock. Because of this you can have
fun with this dance style in an extensive variety of settings and
venues. West Coast Swing, in its most fun and competitive form, combines
6 & 8 count rhythms with syncopated footwork, embellishments and breaks.