Ballroom Dancing

Ballroom dance, refers collectively to a set of partner dances, which originated in the Western world and are now enjoyed both socially and competitively around the globe. Its performance and entertainment aspects are also widely enjoyed on stage, in film, and on television.

While historically ballroom dance may refer to any form of formal social dancing as recreation, with the eminence of Dancesport in modern times the term has became much narrower in scope, usually referring specifically to the International Standard and International Latin style dances (see dance groupings below). In the United States, two additional variations—"American Smooth" and "American Rhythm"—have also been popularized and are commonly recognized as styles of "ballroom dance".

Please check our class schedule for upcoming classes in this dance style.

Latin Dancing

Dances from Latin America

Typically these dances are Cha cha cha, Rumba, Samba, Salsa, Mambo, Merengue, Bachata, Cumbia, Bolero. Some dance instructors also include Tango and Argentine Tango in this list, although these differ from the rest in their style. In Argentina Tango is not considered folk dance as is the case with dances like Chacarera, Gato, Escondido and Zamba. Typical Bolivian folk dances are Morenada, Kullawada, Llamerada, Caporales and the recently created Tinku. In Colombia one of the typical dances is the Cumbia, not to be mistaken with Argentine Cumbia, a popular music genre influenced by Caribbean reggae and ska.

Latin Ballroom Dancing

The term Latin Ballroom Dancing is used to describe a category of International style ballroom dances, also called Latin American dances or International Latin. It consists of the following five dances: Cha cha, Rumba, Samba, Paso Doble, Jive. Notice that the last two dances are not in fact of Latin American origin. Compared to typical ballroom dance, Latin dances are generally faster-paced, more sensual, and have more rhythmic expression. Time is 4/4 straight rhythm or related. Couples in the basic position stand face-to-face. Music may be Latin American traditional or contemporary popular music.

In DanceSport competitions, with their formal classification of dance programs, the International Latin class is subdivided into Professional Latin and Amateur Latin categories, as may be seen in competition listings. This is because formal dance competitions are carried out separately for professionals and for amateurs. In United States, the Pro-Am category is also used, when competing couples consist of one professional and one amateur.

Please check our class schedule for upcoming classes in these dance styles.

Social Dancing

Social dance is a major category or classification of dance styles, where sociability and socializing is the primary focus (in contrast to other styles that are primarily competitive or performance-oriented by nature.)

Many social dances are partner dances. In fact, quite often when social dances are spoken about, ballroom or other partner dances are kept in mind. However; any of the following dances might be considered for social dance opportunities:

* Ballroom dances
* Swing dances
* Circle dances
* Club dances (partner or solo)
* Contra dances
* Country and Western dances
* English country dances
* Folk dances (or Ethnic dances)
* Line dances
* Novelty dances
* Scottish country dances
* Square dances
* Street dances
* Tango

Please check our class schedule for upcoming classes in these dance styles.