Ballroom dances are partner dances; generally those that fit into one of the several categories below. The term MPM stands fro Measures Per Minute.
To see our teachers and students doing some of these dances, visit our Video page. This may take a few weeks to be complete
American Style:
| Waltz 28-30 MPM | Tango 30-32 MPM | Foxtrot 30-32 MPM | Viennese Waltz 54-58 MPM |
| ChaCha 28-30 MPM | Rumba 32-36 MPM | Mambo 48-51 MPM | Bolero 24-26 MPM |
| Merengue 29-32 MPM | Samba 52 MPM | East Coast Swing 34-36 MPM | West Coast Swing 28-32 MPM |
Waltz: a "smooth" dance to 3/4 music (meaning 3 even beats per measure) characterized by a "rise and fall" action, as well as continuous rotation. Dancers must develop exceptional "floorcraft" as they learn to travel around the dance floor.
Tango: this American version of the argentine classic dance came from Europe, having been danced to music with more dramatic rhythm; and patterns that strayed (often quite far) from their origins. the music is 2/4 time (2 beats per measure) and has a characteristic staccato feel, promoting a sharp look, with quicker steps.
Foxtrot: This dance is entirely American in origin, first seen in the second decade of the 1900's. It is danced 4/4 time with a subtle up-down action (trot) Their are variations in technique from Basic Dance steps through intermediate that can make foxtrot the most challenging dance to master.
Viennese Waltz: Harkening back to the classical waltzes, this 3/4 time dance is twice as fast as the waltz. Mostly left and right turns moving down and around the dance floor in a straight line. This is the timeless symbol of Ballroom Dancing.
ChaCha: a popular dance from Cuba. Its characterized by sharp music, hip motions, fast pace, and a flirtatious attitude between the dancers.
Rumba: The American version of this music is more like the Cuban "Guajira". A medium tempo 4/4 time with more sensuality, with contrasting soft and sharp body actions.
Mambo: A Cuban Social dance that took hold in New York both as Dance and song. Fast Paced with tight compact hip action as well as Pulse.
Bolero: Both a song form and a dance. Boleros are long, slow songs, the dancers very close together, expressing both love and heartache. This is an excellent dance socially and for showing off.
Cuban music and dance has been overwhelmingly influential around the world, particularly north and south America. see our link on the History of Cuban Music.
Merengue: a march style dance from Haiti/Dominican Republic is highly popular due to the ease steps and rhythm. These element can be found in partnership, group dances and line dances.
Samba: From the Carnival of Brazil comes a dance of celebration and pulsating rhythms that is one of the most popular dances to watch or Dance, even though it is not normally taught in the beginning classes. The American/International version of this dance borrows from numerous patterns found in the Viennese waltz, allowing couples to synchronize their movements with greater ease.
East Coast Swing: This dance actually describes 3 different types of Swing: Single time (Jitterbug) Double Time (Be-Bop) and Triple Time (Rock n Roll, or Jive). These Variations also refer to the speed of the music.
West Coast Swing: GI's from the East Coast stationed in California brought Swing with them, but it evolved into a "slot" style dance, where the lady moves back and forth along a straight line. It has become popular in country-western circles to relatively slow rock n roll songs, but is danced to much faster tempi as well.