Dances We Teach

American Smooth Dances

Foxtrot

The Foxtrot has been a standard of American social dances since 1913, when it was first introduced by Harry Fox. Its basic components are walking steps and side steps, which vary in length to conform to a wide range of tempos. The Foxtrot is highly versatile and provides an excellent foundation for many of the other ballroom dances

Waltz

The Waltz is one of the world's most popular and romantic ballroom dance. Its name comes from the Latin word “volvere”, which means to rotate. Its graceful turns and glides are unmistakable as dancers sweep across the floor. The Waltz is danced in ¾ time, with a pronounced accent on the first beat of each measure.

Tango

The Tango is a dramatic, sensual, and supremely expressive dance. Dancers' weight is transferred from foot to foot with a fast, staccato action as they move across the floor, and the music is strong and rhythmic. There are 3 major styles of Tango, Argentine, American and International. The structure of the American Tango closely correlates to the musical phrasing and incorporates a freedom of expression not present in the International style.

Viennese Waltz

The Viennese waltz is the oldest and most elegant of the ballroom dances and, like slow Waltz, is unique due to its 3/4 timing. It was first developed in Vienna as a fast paced dance to the music of Johann Strauss. The Viennese waltz is characterized with quick motion as couples spin around the dance floor.

American Rhythm/Latin Dances

East Coast Swing (Jive)

1.	1. 4-Count Rhythm
	A wonderful dance that is perfect for the beginning social dancer. This dance is very easy to lead and follow, and consists of a very basic step and a variety of turns. 4-Count Swing can be danced to most moderate tempo music. The steady tempo of this dance makes it easy to learn.
2.	Single Time Rhythm
	Single rhythm is a lively, upbeat dance with roots similar to the Jitterbug and the Lindy and gained much popularity with the rise of big band music. It is danced with an open frame and slow bouncy footwork. Basic steps and underarm turns are the beginning steps but there is virtually no end to turns, tucks, and kicks.
3.	Triple Time Rhythm
	Also called East Coast swing, Triple Time Swing is an American Folk dance originated in the 1940's and was popularized by Swing Bands, and called the Jitterbug at its much faster tempo. The version we do today is slower and done to the slower tempo of beach music or country music.
4.	Double Time Rhythm
	Double Time Swing is a combination of both Single Time Swing and Triple Time Swing and can be danced to either tempo. This dance is the hardest of the swings due to the tap steps involved, but adds excitement and variety for the more advanced dancer.

Rumba

The rumba originated from Afro-Cuban folk rhythms and became popular in the 1930's. The steps are reminiscent of the waltz, but danced slowly and sensuously in a Latin rhythm. Danced in 4/4 time, the basic step is slow, quick, quick. Rumba is considered one of the sexiest of the Latin dances.

Cha-Cha

Cha-Cha is an exciting, syncopated Latin dance that originated in the 1950's in New York City by area dance instructors who danced the triple Mambo. The beat is slow and the dance gets its name from its distinct repetitive foot rhythm or cha-cha-cha. Considered a flirty dance, it is a favourite among many dancers

Merengue

This dance originated in the Dominican Republic by combining African and Latin dance styles. Merengue is danced at a moderate tempo with very basic steps and Cuban hip motion, and one can incorporate all the arm movements of the swing and salsa.

Mambo

Mambo was developed in Cuba. The mambo is the predecessor of cha-cha, and many of the same steps can be done in both dances. Considered a little more difficult than cha-cha, once learned, the mambo is a favourite of the dance enthusiast.

Samba

The samba is the national dance of Brazil, characterized by rhythmic bouncy steps with a Latin style body movement. This dance incorporates the jumping actions of African dance tempered with the more sensual movements of ballroom.

Bolero

Bolero, like the Rumba, is a slow and sensuous Latin dance, but this variation is much slower, more graceful and more dramatic then it’s Rumba cousin. Also danced to the timing of slow, quick-quick, the Bolero is more advanced due to the amount of body control and balance required to dance at this slow tempo. It is the American “show dance” and is highly popular with the advanced dancers.

Night Club Dances

Foxy

A "slower" version of the Foxtrot, Foxy is danced to slow romantic ballads. This dance is very easy and a perfect dance for weddings or slow night club dancing. Learning this dance will not only add a little flair to your "regular" slow dance, it will also teach the basics of lead and follow in a closed dance position.

Night Club Two-Step (Not to be confused with country 2-step)

Night Club Two-Step is a romantic, fun and easy dance to learn. By not having to adhere to strict ballroom technique, you'll find yourself expressing your creativity. This dance is an easy playful dance that can be done to many modern soft rock songs as well as romantic country songs. It is done to 4/4 time music and has similar patterns to those found in salsa, although the style of this dance is much slower and smoother.

Salsa

Salsa is the Spanish word for "sauce" denoting a "spicy" and "hot" flavour to this popular dance style. Originating from Mambo in the 1970’s, its exciting music also reflects the fusion of an Afro-Cuban beat with enhanced jazz textures. Salsa is a casual, adaptable dance using many of the other Latin dance figures.

Country Dance

If you love country music, keep in mind that country music includes all the rhythms of the so called ballroom dances such as Waltz, Rumba, Bolero, Nightclub 2-step, East Coast Swing and Cha-cha

Two-Step

Country Two-Step utilizes the steps of the Foxtrot with the turns of the Swing. An exciting upbeat dance, the Two-Step is mainly danced in country-western bars and nightclubs.

Polka

Polka originated as a folk dance in Bohemia and later versions spread throughout the world to become a dance craze in the mid-19th century. The Polka is a lively and rapid dance in 2/4 time. The basic step is straightforward and characterized by a skipping motion with the couple spinning around the dance floor.