Isn’t it fascinating how ballroom dance encompasses such a wide array of captivating styles? Whether you’re an experienced dancer or just beginning your journey, exploring the various types of ballroom dance can be incredibly exciting. We’re here to guide you through it! In this article, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of 19 distinct Types Of Ballroom Dances, detailing what makes each style unique and appealing. Use the table of contents below to easily navigate to your dance of interest. 👇
Table of Contents
Alt text: Animated graphic showcasing various ballroom dance silhouettes in motion, representing the diversity of ballroom dance styles.
International Latin
Explore International Latin Dance Style
1. Cha Cha
Imagine a playful, ongoing flirtation brought to life through dance – that’s the International Cha Cha. Originating from Cuba, this vibrant dance is recognized for its distinctive breaking action on count “2,” a characteristic shared with Rumba and Mambo, and its syncopated rhythm on counts 4&1, often counted as “cha cha cha.” A key differentiator from the American Cha Cha, the International style emphasizes a straight leg action throughout, adding to its crisp and precise aesthetic.
2. Samba
The Samba ballroom dance draws its vibrant energy and rhythmic inspiration directly from the exhilarating Brazilian carnival dances. While traditional Brazilian Samba is often performed solo, the International Latin Samba adapts these energetic movements for partnered dancing. Notably a “bouncy” and lively dance, Samba is celebrated for its complex combinations of timings and varied rhythmic patterns, making it both challenging and incredibly fun.
3. Rumba
As the slowest of the International Latin dances in terms of tempo, the International Rumba, also known as the “dance of love,” is a favorite for its romantic storytelling. It masterfully uses varied timings to create moments of quickness within its overall slow, sensual rhythm. Unlike the American Rumba, the International style, similar to the Cha Cha, is characterized by a straight leg action, contributing to its smooth and controlled movements.
4. Paso Doble
Surprisingly, the dramatic Paso Doble has its roots in France, reflected in many of its terms like “appel,” meaning “call to action.” This term describes a weight transfer that involves full foot articulation with the floor, often creating a powerful stomping sound. Inspired by the Spanish bullfight, Paso Doble is a captivating and theatrical dance where partners embody the roles of the Spanish Bullfighter (Matador) and either the Matador’s Cape or a Spanish Dancer, creating a visually stunning and emotionally charged performance.
5. Jive
It’s time to party! International Latin concludes with the high-spirited and energetic Jive. This dance is a fusion of various Swing styles, including East Coast, West Coast, Lindy Hop, and Jitterbug. Known for its rapid footwork, dynamic energy, and fun, showy tricks, Jive is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, often inspiring spontaneous applause and cheers.
International Ballroom
Explore International Ballroom Dance Style
6. Waltz
The classic and elegant International Waltz is often considered the quintessential “ballroom dance,” evoking images of fairy tales like Cinderella. Famous for its signature “1-2-3” count, the Waltz is danced in a closed hold throughout, where partners maintain a continuous frame and connection – a defining feature of all International Ballroom dances, emphasizing partnership and fluid movement.
7. Tango
The Tango is a dance of intensity and passion, characterized by sharp, staccato movements and strong, deliberate leg actions. Dancers maintain a flatter, more grounded appearance across the floor due to the absence of “body rise” in this style. These elements, combined with varied dance positions and distinctive footwork, highlight the unique technical aspects that set Tango apart from other International Ballroom dances, giving it a dramatic and powerful presence.
8. Viennese Waltz
Originating from Vienna, Austria, the Viennese Waltz is significantly faster in tempo than the traditional Waltz, which is often called “Slow Waltz” to distinguish the two. Comprising only seven basic figures, dancers in Viennese Waltz focus intensely on creating expansive, flowing movements that seem to effortlessly glide and race around the dance floor, emphasizing continuous rotation and graceful momentum.
Learn How to Dance Viennese Waltz
9. Foxtrot
The jazzy Foxtrot in its International Ballroom style presents a smooth and sophisticated appearance, flowing across the floor with an ebb and flow reminiscent of ocean waves. Intricate rise and fall actions, achieved through precise footwork, have anecdotally earned Foxtrot the reputation as the most technically challenging Ballroom dance, demanding exceptional control and finesse.
10. Quickstep
Imagine leaping, kicking, and running across the dance floor, all while maintaining a close connection with your partner. In Quickstep, dancers navigate a flurry of steps and patterns, much like playing Tetris while simultaneously maneuvering through “traffic” on the dance floor. It’s a true display of skill, coordination, and joyful energy, making Quickstep a vibrant and exhilarating dance to watch and perform.
American Rhythm
Explore American Rhythm Dance Style
11. Cha Cha
The American Rhythm Cha Cha distinguishes itself with a bent-to-straight leg action, a technique unique to the American style, providing a different feel and look compared to its International counterpart. While the figures in American and International Cha Cha share similarities, they often have different names and are executed with subtly different techniques, reflecting the stylistic nuances of American Rhythm.
12. Rumba
The American Rumba is an engaging blend of International Cha Cha and Rumba elements, allowing for a quicker tempo and more dynamic steps than the International Rumba. Characterized by its bent-to-straight leg action, the American Rumba is upbeat and expressive, featuring strongly accentuated hip movements known as “Cuban Action,” adding a distinctive rhythmic and sensual quality to the dance.
13. East Coast Swing
The American Swing, commonly known as “East Coast” Swing, originated in the North American East Coast during the early 20th century. While it is more grounded, less bouncy, and slightly slower than the Jive, it retains a fun and infectious energy. East Coast Swing is a definite crowd-pleaser, known for its accessible steps and joyful, social nature, making it a popular choice for dancers of all levels.
Learn How to Dance East Coast Swing
14. Bolero
Bolero is a unique and graceful dance that beautifully combines aspects of the American Waltz and International Rumba. Though these two dances may seem disparate, they merge seamlessly in Bolero to create a dance characterized by exceptional flow and lyrical movement. Think of Bolero as similar to Rumba, but enriched with the elegant rise and fall action of Waltz, resulting in a romantic and expressive dance form.
15. Mambo
Get ready for a Cuban Mambo – which means it’s fiesta time! Bursting with shimmies and shakes, this energetic dance typically breaks on count two and shares close ties with Salsa and Cumbia. In social dance settings, Mambo is richly varied in its interpretations, influenced by different regional and cultural styles, making it a vibrant and improvisational dance experience.
American Smooth
Explore American Smooth Dance Style
16. Waltz
American Smooth Waltz allows dancers the freedom to move beyond the closed frame position, creatively blending International Waltz techniques with elements of Jazz and Contemporary dance. Smooth Waltz transitions fluidly between closed position, shadow position, side-by-side arrangements, and various other holds and proximities, all while maintaining the traditional “1-2-3” waltz rhythm, offering a more versatile and expressive approach to Waltz.
17. Tango
The Smooth Tango is an exciting and passionate style that merges the intensity of International Tango with classic Argentinian Tango elements. Defined by staccato actions, sharp lines, and abrupt changes in direction, Smooth Tango retains the dramatic character of Tango while incorporating the fluidity and varied holds characteristic of the American Smooth style, resulting in a dynamic and visually striking dance.
18. Foxtrot
Made famous by Harry Fox in New York City, the Smooth Foxtrot incorporates elements of jazz, seamless transitions, and a sense of lighthearted charm. A slightly faster tempo than the International Foxtrot contributes to a more upbeat and energetic version of the dance. When envisioning Smooth Foxtrot, picture the iconic partnership of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers – embodying bright energy, enthusiasm, and effortless grace.
19. Viennese Waltz
Completing the American Smooth Style dances, the Smooth Viennese Waltz is a sweeping, emotional, and rapid-paced dance. Significantly slower than the International Viennese Waltz, it allows dancers greater opportunity to explore a wide range of dance positions and styling, facilitating enhanced storytelling and emotional expression through movement, while still capturing the whirling essence of the Viennese Waltz.
Learn How to Dance Viennese Waltz
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