Learn Ballroom Dances Online: How To Choose......

Ballroom Dances and Latin Dance Styles!

Introduction

---

If you opt to learn ballroom dances at a dance studio, you quite likely will be advised to first enroll in a beginners group class. These classes are usually designed to provide a sampling of the ballroom dances most suitable for a new dancer. Dancers can then choose which dances they would like to learn more about.

If you want to learn Ballroom Dances or Latin Dance Styles online, but are not sure which one, you will find a short description of each of the dances below!

Pick the one(s)at your level that appeals to you the most!

Please note, as you are browsing for a dance to learn; Ballroom Dances are sometimes referred to as the Standard or Smooth dances only.

I have included the Latin and Rhythm dances here as well for your convenience.

Standard (INT) / Smooth (AM) Dances

Smooth/Standard dances are referred
to as traveling dances, moving counter clockwise around the dance floor along the LOD (line of dance).

• Waltz

• Slow Rhythm

• Slow Foxtrot

• Quickstep

• Tango

• Viennese Waltz

Learn How to Slow Dance (Slow Rhythm)

---

If you want to learn ballroom dances, the Slow Rhythm, is definitely the most popular of the social dances, incorporating a unique combination of basic steps from the Quickstep danced on the soft music of the Slow foxtrot. This dance is very versatile, and can be danced to many different musical styles.

An easy dance to learn, Slow Rhythm is always an excellent choice for beginners of all ages!

Learn Tango

---

The Tango is characterized by its sharp staccato movements and quick head turns. With very distinctive music and style, the Tango is an ever popular choice among dancers. Who can forget Al Pacino in the movie Scent of a Woman?

Although beginner dancers sometimes feel a bit intimidated by the rather aggressive style of the Tango, they soon succumb to its addictive qualities!

Slow Foxtrot Dance(INT)

---

The Slow Foxtrot (International) is known as the dance for dancers, and is probably the most difficult of the ballroom dances to master. Many feel that it is also the most elegant of the dances.

Requiring core strength and balance, this dance is usually first learned by intermediate level dancers.

Learn How to Quickstep (INT)

---

With hops, skips, and fast footwork, the Quickstep is a lively dance indeed! The music is also lively and fast paced. Great fun for intermediate level dancers to learn.

Ballroom dances of the Big Band Era always included the Quickstep!

Learn How to Viennese Waltz

---

The Viennese Waltz is much faster and more energetic then the Slow Waltz, and is characterized by fast sweeping turns. The huge popularity of this dance in Vienna in the 1870's, eventually gave rise to the creation of many of the ballroom dances of today.

You may want to learn ballroom dances that require fewer technical skills, if you are just starting out!

Latin (INT) / Rhythm (AM) Dances

With the exception of the Samba and the Paso Doble, the Latin/Rhythm dances do not travel around the dance floor.

• Cha Cha

• Rumba

• Jive

• Samba

• Paso Doble

• Swing

• Bolero

• Mambo

Rumba Dancing

---

If you are interested in learning a slower, more romantic and sensual style of latin dance, the Rumba is for you! Danced to music with a slow Latin beat, officially characterized by the sound of the " woods", the Rumba is always a popular choice for new dancers.

Learn How to Cha Cha

---

The Cha Cha is a playful, flirtatious, and fun dance! Danced on music with a strong beat and distinctive rhythm, the Cha Cha is an easy dance to learn.

Samba Dancing(INT)

---

The Samba is a lively, rhythmic dance originating in Brazil, characterized by constantly changing rhythms and unique bounce-like movements.

This one can be a bit challenging for a new dancer!

El Paso Doble(INT)

---

The Paso Doble is danced to Spanish march music typically played during a bullfight! This lively and dramatic dance moves progressively around the dance floor, often with the leader and follower representing the matador and his cape.

How to Swing Dance (AM)

---

There are many styles of Swing dancing, but not all have been standardized by the National Dance Council of America. A relative of the International Style Jive, Swing is also quite easy to learn, and is a popular choice for beginner dancers.

Learn How to Bolero(AM)

---

The Bolero has a smooth, romantic character, much like the Rumba, but danced on music with a slower tempo and different rhythm.

A new dancer may wish to learn the Rumba first.

Learn How to Mambo(AM)

---

The Mambo is very quick paced and sensual, danced on music with African and Cuban rhythms.

Usually danced by advanced dancers, the Mambo led to the development of the Cha Cha Cha, which is enjoyed by dancers at all levels of expertise!

---

Have you got one or more picked out?

Still undecided? Try the Waltz, Slow Rhythm/Foxtrot, or Cha Cha, and you just can't go wrong! These are the tested and true starters!

Go ahead, learn ballroom dances! and have some fun!