Ballroom Dance Styles
International Standard
Waltz
The Waltz is a graceful and elegant dance characterized by its smooth, flowing movements and rise and fall action. It is danced in 3/4 time.
Tango
The Tango is a passionate and dramatic dance with sharp, staccato movements and a distinctive head snap. It is danced in 2/4 time.
Viennese Waltz
The Viennese Waltz is a fast and exhilarating dance with continuous rotation and a light, floating feel. It is danced in 3/4 time.
Foxtrot
The Foxtrot is a smooth and elegant dance with long, continuous movements and a combination of slow and quick steps. It is danced in 4/4 time.
Quickstep
The Quickstep is a fast and lively dance with quick steps, syncopated rhythms, and a playful character. It is danced in 4/4 time.
International Latin
Samba
The Samba is a vibrant and energetic dance with a distinctive bounce action and a variety of rhythms. It is danced in 2/4 or 4/4 time.
Cha-Cha-Cha
The Cha-Cha-Cha is a playful and flirtatious dance with a triple step and a distinctive Cuban motion. It is danced in 4/4 time.
Rumba
The Rumba is a sensual and romantic dance with slow, hip-rolling movements and a strong emotional expression. It is danced in 4/4 time.
Paso Doble
The Paso Doble is a dramatic and powerful dance based on the Spanish bullfight, with strong, marching steps and dramatic poses. It is danced in 2/4 time.
Jive
The Jive is a fast and energetic dance with kicks, flicks, and spins, and a lively, bouncy rhythm. It is danced in 4/4 time.
American Smooth
Waltz
Similar to the International Waltz, but with more freedom in the hold and variations in the patterns.
Tango
Similar to the International Tango, but with a smoother, more flowing style and less staccato movement.
Foxtrot
Similar to the International Foxtrot, but with a more relaxed hold and a greater emphasis on improvisation.
Viennese Waltz
Similar to the International Viennese Waltz, but with a slightly slower tempo and more variations in the patterns.
American Rhythm
Cha-Cha-Cha
Similar to the International Cha-Cha-Cha, but with a more syncopated rhythm and a greater emphasis on hip action.
Rumba
Similar to the International Rumba, but with a more dramatic flair and a greater emphasis on Cuban motion.
East Coast Swing
A lively and energetic dance with a triple step and a basic pattern of rock step, triple step, step-step. It is danced in 4/4 time.
Bolero
A slow and romantic dance with smooth, flowing movements and a distinctive rise and fall action. It is danced in 4/4 time.
Mambo
A fast and syncopated dance with a distinctive Cuban motion and a variety of patterns and rhythms. It is danced in 4/4 time.
Other Popular Dances
Salsa
A lively and energetic dance with a basic pattern of three steps and a pause, danced to a variety of Latin rhythms. It is often danced in a circular pattern with partners exchanging leads.
Bachata
A sensual and romantic dance with a basic pattern of three steps and a tap, often danced with close partner connection and intricate footwork. It is typically danced to music with a 4/4 time signature.
Merengue
A fast and fun dance with a simple two-step pattern, often danced with a marching feel and a lot of hip movement. It is typically danced to music with a 2/4 time signature.
West Coast Swing
A versatile and improvisational dance with a slotted movement and a distinctive elastic connection between partners. It can be danced to a wide variety of music genres and tempos.
Argentine Tango
A passionate and intimate dance with close embrace and improvisational lead and follow. It is characterized by its walking patterns, intricate footwork, and dramatic dips and turns.