Dances we teach
"Experiencing a dance is like imaginary travel to the country of its origin."
Source: vogue.com
Viennese Waltz
The classical dance from the ballrooms of Vienna remains one of the most enchanting and exhilarating dances [3]. While the patterns remain pure, the technique requires even more of the dancer as they strive to capture the graceful qualities of this dance.
Please click the links below to find out more about the Viennese Waltz.
The concert of André Rieu showing beautifully the original character of the Viennese Waltz 2004.
Viennese Waltz by Professional World Champions Christopher Hawkins & Hazel Newberry in Tokyo, Japan.
Traditional Viennese Waltz song- Waltz No. 2 by Dmitri Shostakovich.
Modern Viennese Waltz song- Bound to You by Christina Aguilera.
Paso Doble
Dancing Paso Doble is like travelling to Spain in your imagination. In the competitive form it is danced always to the famous song España Cañí which is full of characteristic highlights and accents. Many patterns of Paso Doble portrey the atmosphere of corrida de torros which is bull fight. In styling this dance has a strong Flamenco flavor.
Please click the links below to find out more about the Paso Doble.
Michael Malitowski & Joanne Leunis. Source: http://www.malitowskileunis.com/
Arunas Bizokas & Katusha Demidova. Source: kaoring works.
Waltz
Romantic melodies epitomize the grace and poise of the Waltz [3]. This dance will develop mastery of swing, sway, rise & fall, balance and control- concepts essential to experiencing the true joy of any ballroom dance.
Please click the links below to find out more about the Waltz.
Cha-cha
To learn the Cha-cha is is to love the Cha-cha [3]. Sharp staccato actions, rhythm changes and exciting patterns are just some of the fun aspects of this dance. The Cha-cha is one of most popular Latin dances and allows you to cut loose and let your personality show.
Please click the links below to find out more about the Cha-cha.
INTERNATIONAL Style Cha-cha by Eugene Katsevman & Maria Manusova at Ohio Star Ball 2008 in Columbus, Ohio.
AMERICAN Style Cha-cha by Dmitry Nikishkin & Olena Shvets-Nikishkin at Boca Ballroom 2019 in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
Traditional Cha-cha song- Corazon de Melon by Rosemary Clooney & Perez Prado.
Riccardo Cocchi & Yulia Zagoruychenko. Source: https://www.kentdance.co.jp/
Source: clasesdetangoenmadrid.com
Tango
No other dance captures the dramatic strength and romance of the relationship between partners like the Tango [3]. Accented by strong staccato movements the challenge of this dance makes it as exciting to perform as it is to watch.
Please click the links below to find out more about the Tango.
Samba
A street Festival dance that originated in Brazil, the Samba combines Latin rhythms with light bouncing action [3]. To achieve the true character of the Samba, a dancer must give it a happy, flirtatious and exuberant interpretation.
Please click the links below to find out more about the Samba.
Source: bbc.com
Stefano Di Filippo & Anna Melnikova
Source: wikidancesport.com
Jive
Jive is a lively, and uninhibited variation of the Jitterbug [5]. Many of its basic patterns are similar to those of the East Coast Swing. The basic look and feel of Jive are that it is performed with lots and lots of energy, with the legs portraying a pumping action. If you are looking for burning some calories while dancing, the Jive is your choice.
Please click the links below to find out more about the Jive.
Rumba
The Rumba will sharpen your sense of rhythm, timing and muscular control [3]. Working off the actions of the Cha-cha, the slower rhythm of the Rumba allows for dancers to develop the distinctive hip action of Latin dances called Cuban Motion.
Please click the links below to find out more about the Rumba.
AMERICAN Style Rumba by Professional World Champions Andre & Natalie Paramonov at Hollywood Dancesport 2019.
INTERNATIONAL Style Rumba by Troels Bager & Ina Jeliazkova at Disney in Paris, France 2017.
INTERNATIONAL Style Rumba by Dorin Frecautanu & Marina Sergeeva at Disney in Paris, France 2016.
International Style modern Rumba song- The Look Of Love by Diana Krall.
Troels Bager & Ina Jeliazkova. Source: pinterest.com
Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers. Source: nytimes.com
Foxtrot
The Rolls-Royce among the Ballroom dances. The classical dance of light, continuous and flowing movement which must be maintained at all times [4]. A controlled, slow leg action is the ultimate quality of the dance to keep the couple moving elegantly across the floor. American style is characterized by stronger beat, faster pace of the music and bouncy body action. Broadway elements are visible in the choreographies of many American Smooth couples.
To find out more about the Foxtrot, please click the links below.
Quickstep
The fastest and the most energetic of all Standard Dances. Contains the elements of Body Swing, Chassés, Step Hops and Tricks. As you learn the Quickstep you will soon understand why this speedy dance is the light-hearted favorite of all accomplished dancers [3].
To find out more about the Quickstep, please click the links below.
Quickstep by Professional World Champions Christopher Hawkins & Hazel Newberry in Tokyo, Japan 2004.
Quickstep by Domenico Soale & Goia Cerasoli at German Open 2006 in Stuttgart, Germany.
Traditional Quickstep song- Tu Vuo Fa l'Americano by Dany Brillant.
Traditional Quickstep song- Sing, Sing, Sing by Benny Goodman.
Domenico Soale & Goia Cerasoli. Photo by Jonathan S. Marion.
Andre & Natalie Paramonov. Source: nytimes.com
Bolero
The Bolero is the most romantic of the Latin dances [3]. Taking cues from the Rumba and the Waltz, the Bolero has distinct characteristics of long sweeping side steps and use of rise and fall to create both softness and dramatic movement.
To find out more about the Bolero, please click the links below.
Mambo
The Mambo is high energy Latin dance where the music is characterized by a stirring Afro-Cuban beat [3]. As a parent of the Cha-cha and Salsa, the Mambo is an exciting dance that includes crisp leg actions flirtatious interactions with your partner and a fun intensity.
To find out more about the Mambo, please click the links below.
Emmanuel Pierre-Antoine and Liana Churilova. Source: nytimes.com
Source: chatspalace.com
Swing
The most uniquely American of all dances, the Swing brings forth a buoyant, carefree movement that is contagious [3]. Swing may be danced comfortably over a wide range of tempos and variations. The lively spirit and bounce of the Swing gets everyone on their feet to join in.
To find out more about the Swing, please click the links below.
West Coast Swing by Jordan Frisbee and Jessica Cox at Phoenix Swing 2010.
East Coast Swing by Dmitry & Olena Nikishkin at Dutch Open 2017 in Assen, Netherlands.
Traditional Swing song- Rockin' Pneumonia And The Boogie Woogie Flu by Johnny Rivers.
Modern Swing song- All I Do Is Dream of You by Michael Bublé.
Marengue
The simplicity of the Marengue makes it perfect "Party dance" [3]! The march type beat helps dancers keep a steady timing so they can interact with their partner. Walking and side steps are the basic foot components of the Marengue and therefore more freedom is allowed in creating fun patterns on the floor and animated arm styling.
To find out more about the Marengue, please click the links below.
Source: atomicballroom.com
Daniel and Desiree. Source: ocf.berkeley.edu
Salsa & Bachata
The Salsa is the unique blending of traditional Latin music and dance steps with freedom of turning actions [3]. The Bachata has simple footwork that is easy to do and can be danced to many differnet styles of music. Both are great nightclub dances and must for Latin social dancing.
To find out more about the Salsa & Bachata, please click the links below.
Sources:
Modern Ballroom Dancing, Victor Silvester, Trafalgar Square Publishing, North Pomfret VT 2005.
Ballroom. Dance & Glamour, Jonathan S. Marion, Bloomsbury, London 2014.
The Internet. Arthur Murray Dance Centers. https://arthurmurray.com/ 11/18/2020.
The lecture of Anthony Hurley at Blackpool Congress 1998 –Choreographic Characterisation of Competitive Standard Dances.
The Internet. https://www.liveabout.com/ 11/18/2020.