“It’s an amazing place and a good time. Just be warned, it’s addicting.”
– Amanda C, February 2025

The Dance Styles We Teach

We offer instruction in both International and American Ballroom Dance Styles! 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.

Here in the United States, the American Style of ballroom dance developed 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. It is categorized into Rhythm and Smooth, and is used in both social and competitive ballroom dance arenas.

Visit the Fred Astaire Dance Studios YouTube account for an introduction to the various dance styles!

Contact us at (208) 514-0440 to get started!

Rhythm Dances

These dance styles typically keep the couple in one spot on the dance floor.

Salsa

Oozing with a sensuous style, Salsa has it all – passion, energy, and joy. There are several popular styles.

West Coast Swing

Best with contemporary music, its relaxed movement incorporates many forms of swing.

Rumba

With smooth, subtle hip motion and a heavy walking step, perhaps the most romantic of all dances.

Bachata

Bachata is a very sensual dance, often centered around subjects of heartbreak or romantic feelings.

East Coast Swing

With a relaxed shuffling movement, the use of upper body sway is also used to highlight the swing.

Cha Cha

A lively, dance full of passion and energy. The tempo is anywhere from slow to fast and lively.

Hustle

Developed during the “disco era," this is a fast, upbeat dance with similarities to early swing dancing.

Mambo

One of the most emotional Latin American ballroom dances, developed in Cuba in the 1940s.

Bolero

Bolero is truly the “dance of love.” One of the most expressive dances you’ll ever see on the floor.

Samba

One of the most popular Brazilian dances, the Samba is a festive and lighthearted serenade.

Merengue

A fun and easy dance made up of simple steps, with its marching rhythms and Cuban motion.

Jive

This lively form of swing dance originated in the United States as a variation of the Jitterbug.

Paso Doble

This lively dance is modeled after the sound, drama, and movement of a Spanish bullfight.

Smooth Dances

These dance styles are performed with the couple moving over the entire dance floor.

Waltz

This dance style is marked by long, flowing movements, where dancers appear to glide around the floor.

Foxtrot

Best known for smooth, flowing movements across the floor to swing or big-band music.

Tango

Tango is a vibrant, playful, and sensual dance style filled with expression and connection.

Quickstep

This is a very quick version of the foxtrot using syncopated fee rhythms and runs.

Argentine Tango

Said to be felt in the heart, not the feet, this form of tango relies on intuition and connection.

Viennese Waltz

Different than slow waltz, this is a quick rotating ballroom dance with a subtle rise and fall.

International Versus American Dance Styles

International Style is 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, but this dance style does allow the dancers to separate — called “open position” — in their dance frame. American Style can also include “Exhibition” solo work which allows the couple more freedom in their choreography.