Our instinct tells us to express rhythm. Just as children bob their heads to music and senior citizens tap their canes to the beat, dancing comes naturally to both young and old alike. Some form of social dancing has probably existed since the beginning of time, moving from ritualistic dancing to social interaction for pure enjoyment. Modern ballroom dancing has withstood the test of time and is now more popular than ever. Both American and International style ballroom dances are divided into the following categories:


Rhythm:
Bolero . Cha-Cha . E Coast Swing . W Coast Swing . Hustle . Lindy Hop . Mambo
Merengue . Polka . Rumba . Salsa . Samba . Two Step

Salsa, a fusion of Cuban, Puerto Rican and American styles, describes the fast, Latin music coming out of New York City in the late 1960s. Salsa dancing is characterized by a complicated rhythm, small steps, Cuban motion, and a compact hold. Salsa has a recurring 8-beat pattern, with patterns using 3 steps during each 4 beats. The skipped beat is usually marked by a tap or a kick. Salsa dancing is always sassy, sexy, and fun!


Smooth:
Foxtrot . Tango . Viennese Waltz . Waltz

© Fred Astaire Dance Studios, Inc 2005