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


Smooth:
Foxtrot . Tango . Viennese Waltz . Waltz

The Tango, a sensual, dramatic dance made famous by Rudolph Valentino, originated in Buenos Aires and was stylized by the Gauchos in Argentina before making it to the United States. The Tango is known for flexing steps and posed pauses. Widely considered to be the "dancer's dance," it has become even more popular due to its presence in films like “The Scent Of A Woman” and “Evita.”

© Fred Astaire Dance Studios, Inc 2005