Standard/Smooth

The main difference between standard and smooth dancing is the amount of time a couple can spend dancing apart from one another. Typically, in standard dances, the couple must remain connected for a majority of the dance, whereas in smooth separation is encouraged. While they may share many similar figures, each dance is unique and has its own beauty.

Waltz: This is the granddaddy of all ballroom dances. It grew out of the Germanic dances of the 17th and 18th century and is danced in triple time. This is the dance that people associate most with ballroom dancing. It is used in both styles of dancing.

Tango: This is a sensual ballroom dance that originated in Buenos Aires, Argentina in the early twentieth century. Tango is usually performed by a man and a woman, expressing an element of romance in their synchronized movements. It is used in both styles of dancing.

Foxtrot: Think about the smooth dancing of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rodgers. Because of its smoothness, it is often referred to as the Rolls Royce of the standard dances. It is used in both styles of dancing.

Viennese Waltz: This whirling, thrilling dance dates back to the early 1700’s in Europe. It was a dance first popular with the common folk and then with the upper classes. It is a faster version of the waltz. it is used in both styles of dancing.

Quickstep: The quickstep is a light-hearted member of the standard ballroom dances. The movement of the dance is fast and powerfully flowing and sprinkled with syncopations. Developed in the twenties in New York, it was first danced by Caribbean and African dancers. It is only used in international dancing.

Latin/Rhythm

There is a more apparent difference between Latin and rhythm dancing. The counts for many of the figures to the music are different between the styles. Rhythm dancers are encouraged to bend their knees and use very expressive movements. Latin dancers are taught to keep their legs straight and use refinement in their body movements.

Cha-Cha: This is a fun, flirty dance that grew out of the Cuban Mambo and became immensely popular in the United States in the 1950’s. This is an exuberant dance that will get your heart pumping and put a smile on your face. It is used in both styles of dance.

Rumba: This dance is universally recognized as the dance of love. It is danced to slow, sensual music with a Latin beat. Rumba is derived from the Afro-Caribbean dance “Son”. Rumba is sometimes known as the ‘Latin Waltz’ due to its contrasting difference to the other Latin dances. It is used in both styles of dance.

Samba: This dance is the national dance of Brazil, celebrated every year during Carnival where hundred of thousands of costumed revelers parade in the streets singing, drumming and dancing. It was made into a partner dance for the purposes of ballroom dance and is danced in a 2/2 rhythm. This dance is mainly used in latin dancing, but a rhythm version does exist.

Jive: Jive is similar to a triple-step East Coast Swing. Jive, however, is much faster, arguably more elegant (and less earthy), and uses a lot of knee and hip action. This is used in Latin dancing.

East Coast Swing: This dance (and all contemporary Swing) has its roots with the Lindy Hop dances done at the great Savoy Ballroom in Harlem in the 1920’s and 1930’s. East Coast Swing is an energetic, fast dance, done usually with triple steps and rock steps to Big Band or contemporary music that ‘swings’.This is used in rhythm dancing.

Paso Doble: Paso Doble is a stirring and dramatic dance based on a Spanish bull fight. The leader in this dance represents the Matador and the lady symbolizes his red cape. Paso Doble features beautiful body shapes and sharp, flamenco-like footwork. This is used in latin style dancing.

Mambo: Mambo evolved from a fusion of danzon, son and American jazz. Mambo is a fast and spicy dance characterized by strong Cuban motion, staccato movement and expression of rhythm through the body. This is used in rhythm dancing.

Social Dances

Social dances are dances that are non-competitive in nature. These dances are meant to bring people together by using a more 'laid-back' style. These dances are not typically technique heavy and are meant to be easily dance-able.

West Coast Swing: West Coast Swing is smooth (no bounce) and danced in a slot. The dance allows room for syncopated footwork and improvisation. Followers have more freedom than any other dance, performing their syncopations at will. West Coast Swing can be danced to a wide range of music including Rhythm and Blues, Country Western, Funk, Disco, Rock and Pop.

Hustle: The Hustle is the partner version of disco dancing. It is a fast moving, energetic dance characterized by its many turns. The lady spins almost constantly while her partner draws her close and sends her away.

Merengue: Merengue is a fun, fast and easy dance made up of simple steps. It is mainly a non-progressive dance but can also travel counter-clockwise around the floor. This dance encourages creativity as it’s fun and easy to create arms movements to go with the simple steps. Merengue is characterized by its marching rhythms.

Salsa: Salsa as a dance style began in New York when Puerto Rican, Cuban, and Dominican immigrants created it in the 1960’s and 1970’s. Salsa music features a distinct clave rhythm in it which gives it its unique sound.

Bachata: Bachata is a style of dance that originated in the Dominican Republic. It is danced widely all over the world but not identically. The basics to the dance are three-step with a Cuban hip motion, followed by a tap including a hip movement on the 4th beat.

Zouk: Zouk is a dance derived from the Brazilian Lambada. It is a flowy, soft, and close dance that can include unique head movement.

Rueda de casino: Rueda de casino is a Cuban salsa dance in which partnerships form a circle. A single cantante calls out the moves and the partnership perform the move called. This can include emphasizing certain rhythms with claps, stomps, or chants as well as fast partner spins and switches.

Don't worry if this list makes no sense to you; that is why you come to the club to learn!