Dances that we teach
Ballroom Style
History:
Ballroom dance originated in the 16th century, primarily in European courts. Over the years, it evolved, becoming a popular social activity in ballrooms across the world. With the rise of competitive dance, ballroom dances like the Waltz, Foxtrot, and Tango have been standardized, while social ballroom dancing continues to thrive at events and parties.
Description:
Ballroom dance typically involves a couple moving gracefully around the dance floor in a synchronized manner. It emphasizes posture, smooth movements, and a strong connection between partners. Each dance has its unique tempo, style, and character, ranging from the romantic and flowing movements of the Waltz to the sharp, dramatic steps of the Tango. Popular ballroom dances include:
- Waltz: An elegant and graceful ballroom dance characterized by its smooth, flowing movements and distinctive "rise and fall" technique. Danced in a closed hold, it features gliding steps in a three-quarter time, creating a romantic and timeless atmosphere on the dance floor.
- Foxtrot: A smooth and sophisticated ballroom dance characterized by its long, flowing movements and gentle rise and fall. Danced in a four-four time signature, it features a mix of slow and quick steps, giving it an elegant and jazzy quality on the dance floor.
- Quickstep: A lively and fast-paced ballroom dance known for its light, nimble footwork and joyful energy. Characterized by quick hops, runs, and skips, it glides effortlessly across the floor, creating a fun and buoyant atmosphere.
- Tango: A passionate and dramatic ballroom dance characterized by sharp movements, staccato steps, and a close partner embrace. Its intensity and controlled, deliberate motions create an atmosphere of tension and romance on the dance floor.
- Viennese Waltz: A fast, elegant ballroom dance characterized by its rapid, sweeping turns and continuous, flowing movement. Danced in a closed hold to a lively three-quarter time, it captures a sense of grace and romanticism on the dance floor.
- Argentine Tango: An intimate and expressive dance characterized by its close embrace, intricate footwork, and improvisational movements. Known for its deep connection between partners, it features slow, sensual steps mixed with sharp, dramatic pivots, creating a mood of passion and drama.
Latin Style
History:
Latin dances have roots in African, Indigenous, and European influences, with origins stretching back to the vibrant cultures of Latin America. These dances became popular worldwide in the 20th century, particularly with the advent of ballroom competitions. Dances like the Cha-Cha, Rumba, Samba, and Jive now feature prominently in both social and competitive dance arenas.
Description:
Latin dances are known for their passionate, rhythmic movements. Unlike ballroom dances, Latin styles are often more grounded, with energetic steps, fast footwork, and hip movements. Popular Latin dances include:
- Cha-Cha: A lively, playful dance characterized by fast footwork and hip movements.
- Rumba: The dance of love, with slow, sensual movements and a romantic feel.
- Samba: A Brazilian dance filled with bounce and rhythm, reflecting the spirit of Carnaval.
- Salsa is a lively and energetic Latin dance known for its quick footwork, vibrant hip movements, and rhythmic partner connection. Originating from Afro-Cuban roots, it features spins, turns, and expressive styling, all danced to infectious, upbeat music.
- Bolero is a slow, romantic Latin dance that combines smooth gliding movements with dramatic dips and turns. Characterized by its graceful rise and fall, it emphasizes close partner connection and expressive, sensual motion, often set to soft, melodic music.
Swing Style
History:
Swing dance originated in the 1920s and 1930s in the United States, developing alongside jazz music in dance halls and clubs. Its evolution includes various styles like Lindy Hop, Charleston, Jitterbug, and East Coast Swing. Known for its improvisational spirit, swing dance embodies the vibrant, joyous energy of the jazz age.
Description:
Swing dances are characterized by lively, fun, and often spontaneous movements. With a focus on rhythm and playful interaction between partners, swing styles include:
- East Coast Swing: A simpler, more structured form of swing dancing, perfect for beginners.
- West Coast Swing: A smooth, slotted dance with an emphasis on partner connection and musical interpretation.
Country Western
History:
Country Western dancing has roots in American folk traditions, influenced by European immigrants who brought various dance styles to the U.S. in the 19th and 20th centuries. As country music evolved in rural areas, particularly in the Southern and Western states, so did the dance styles that accompanied it. These dances became popular in honky-tonks and dance halls, characterized by their relaxed, social nature. They have since evolved, incorporating elements of swing, ballroom, and line dancing, reflecting the spirit and lifestyle of country music culture.
Description:
- Two-Step: A lively and smooth partner dance featuring quick-quick-slow steps that glide around the dance floor in a circular motion. It’s the heart of country western dance, known for its ease of learning and upbeat tempo.
- Nightclub Two-Step is a smooth, romantic partner dance known for its relaxed, flowing movements. Danced to slow ballads in a four-four time signature, it features gentle side steps, rock steps, and a swaying motion, creating an intimate and easygoing atmosphere on the dance floor.
