Types of Dance

Roodepoort Branch

Our instinct tells us to express rhythm through movement so dancing usually comes naturally to both young and old alike. Since the beginning of time, social dancing has been in existence, moving from ritualistic dancing to social interaction for pure enjoyment. Social dancing remains the same today.

Types of Ballroom and Latin Dance Lessons

Ballroom dance can be enjoyed socially and in dance competitions, and is sometimes referred to as “partnership dancing”, because it is a type of dance that requires a dance partner. Ballroom dancing originated in the 16th century from dances held in the royal courts. There’s also evidence of influence from folk dances of the era – for example, the Waltz began as an 18th century Austrian folk dance.

Two Styles of Ballroom Dance

The International Style of ballroom dance was introduced in England in the early 1800s and became popular throughout the rest of the world by the 19th century, through the music of Josef and Johann Strauss. International Style is categorized into two very distinct sub-styles: Standard (or “Ballroom”), and Latin, and is typically used more in the competitive dance circuit. Here in the United States, ballroom dance adapted into the American Style between 1910 – 1930 mainly due to the influence of American jazz music, a more social approach to dancing and the iconic dance and choreography talents of Mr. Fred Astaire. Over the years, American Style has expanded to include dances such as Mambo, Salsa and West Coast Swing, and has always been driven by the constant development of music around the world. The American Style of ballroom dance is categorized into two distinct sub-styles: Rhythm and Smooth, and is used in both social and competitive ballroom dance arenas.

Smooth/Ballroom

Argentine Tango

Argentine Tango is a partner dance that developed over the last century in Argentina’s capital city, Buenos Aires. It…

Foxtrot

While most people think that Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers created the Foxtrot, it was really a Vaudeville performer…

Tango

The Tango, a sensual, dramatic dance made famous by Rudolph Valentino, originated in Buenos Aires and was stylized by…

Viennese Waltz

The Viennese Waltz, made popular in the 1880s by the invigorating music of Johann Strauss, is a very fast version of…

Waltz

The Waltz, with its 3/4 rhythms and strong accent on the first beat, was born in the suburbs of Vienna. When the dance…

The Differences Between International & American Styles

International Style is without a doubt the classic “old school” style of Ballroom. In International Standard, dance partners must remain in a closed dance position continually (meaning they stand in front of each other, in body contact throughout the dance). American Smooth is similar to its counterpart from overseas, but does allow the dancers to separate (called “open position”) in their dance frame. In the beginning stages of training, International Style is more disciplined than American Style (which typically starts first as a social Hobby, then progresses to Sport). American Style can also include “Exhibition” solo work which allows the couple more freedom in their choreography. Both styles can be very technical with a high level of proficiency requirements, but there is more freedom in the American Style when it comes to closed figures, where the International Style is more strict with fewer figures offered. In the world of ballroom dance competition, there are also differences between the dresses or gowns worn for American versus International Styles. Because dance partners stay in closed position when dancing International, these dresses often have floats coming from the tops which would not be conducive for American Style, which features both open & closed positions.

Rhythm/Latin American

Bolero

The Bolero, originating in Spain, is danced to a very slow type of Rumba rhythm. With its slip pivot and body rise…

Cha-Cha

The mid-tempo Cha-Cha is a spin-off of the Rumba and the Mambo. With its two slow steps followed by three quick ones (…

East Coast Swing

Back in the good old days of Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry, the East Coast Swing originated as a simplified 6-count…

Hustle

The hustle is danced to the contemporary pop dance music of the last 20 years. It is a fast, smooth dance. Ladies…

Mambo

A Cuban band leader named Perez Prado is credited with starting the Mambo dance craze in the mid-1950s. The Mambo is a…

Merengue

The Merengue, the national dance of the Dominican Republic, was created in the mid-1950s. With its simple steps and 1-2…

Paso Doble

The Paso Doble is characterized by sharp movements as it moves around the floor. The dance is based on the pageantry of…

Rumba

Steamy! The most famous Latin American dance to gain popularity in North America and Europe is, without doubt, the…

Salsa

Salsa, a fusion of Cuban, Puerto Rican and American styles, describes the fast, Latin music coming out of New York City…

Samba

The spirited Samba always gets feet tapping! Originally from Brazil, the festive Samba was popularized in the movies of…

West Coast Swing

The official state dance of California, the West Coast Swing originated from the Savoy Style Lindy dance. Brought to…

Getting your Dance On

At Fred Astaire Dance Studios, we offer instruction in both International and American Ballroom Styles, and then some! And as a Fred Astaire dance student, you choose which dance style you’d like to learn first based on what’s most appealing to you, and your individual dance goals. For example, individuals interested in high-energy lessons for improved physical health would likely choose a different style than couples looking for an elegant First Dance for their wedding. No matter your age, ability level or whether you’re planning to take lessons with a dance partner or on your own – you’ve come to the right place.