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| Dance Styles and History |
| The first thing that comes to mind when people hear of the waltz is romance, beauty, and elegance. Most people believed the tango to be the world's most forbidden dance, but did you know that the waltz was considered to be the most forbidden dance? When the waltz was moved into Viennese dance halls, it was the first dance where partners were allowed to hold the women's waist. This was something that was not heard of and was slandered by church officials and Austrian community leaders. This dance was very much favored by the young, and it continues to be danced. Waltz comes from the German word for turn which is "Waltzen". The essence of the waltz step is the turn. The waltz is danced in 3/4 time with an accent on the first beat of every measure with turning steps and a close series of movements. The waltz dates back from the middle of the Eighteenth Century making it the oldest of ballroom dances. |
| Performed in the Jardin de Danse on the New York Theater's roof top, which was one of the largest theaters in the world. Harry Fox was then trotting steps to ragtime music. People watching him referred to these steps as "Fox's Trot. The elite of the dancing world were all trying to capture Harry Fox's unusual style and movements. A very talented American dancer named G.K. Anderson learned this dance and went over to London with partner Josephine Bradley. They competed and won many competitions sealing the style of the Foxtrot. Foxtrot was danced in a slow syncopated 4/4 rhythm and renamed on the spot. This became known as crush and later rhythm. The Foxtrot evolved from a two step into a broken beat rather than an even beat giving it a slow-slow, quick-quick. An established dancer was hired to promote the Foxtrot to the American public. This dancer was Oscar Duryea. Oscar replaced the trotting steps with a glide or a "saunter" feeling as the trotting was too much for the ladies. This remains part of the Foxtrot known today and an important part of the study curriculum of dancing. The Foxtrot is the easiest dance to pick up but the hardest to master. |
| Tango dates back to the late 19th century in the slums of Buenos Aires. Lonely immigrants from Europe and Africa and social outcasts needed an escape from their feelings. They went around seeking ways to drown out their sorrows by drinking, finding temporary friendship and entertainment to ease their depression, landing them in brothels. They expressed their feelings through music and developed a music and dance that showed their emotions of pain, sorrow, and fatality. The dance was developed to show the relationship between a pimp and his prostitute which was filled with emotions and sexual energy. Tango was further refined in the early 1900's in a less vulgar form. It was then exported to France where it gained popularity with Parisian high society. This added the classy clothes, lyrics, orchestra and the ballroom style. Tango became popular all over the United States of America and Europe and was embraced by Argentina's upper class who once shunned the dance in the beginning. |
Samba is an old Brazilian dance dated back to before 1914 when it was known as "Maxixe". This dance is of African origin with strong African rhythms and has been danced in the streets of Brazil during Carnival for 100 years. Ballroom samba is very different from the samba danced in the streets of Brazil. Ballroom samba is also known as Corioca Samba which comes from the rural "Rocking Samba". Samba is a very energetic dance. The dancers must give an interpretation of exuberance, happiness and flirtatiousness. This dance requires a pelvic tilt action, rapid steps, rocking motion and the dancing couple swaying. Once you begin to master the characteristics of the Samba it may become one of your favorite dances. So if you need to release some energy and want to have fun, the Samba is the dance for you. |
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Around the time of World War II, Salsa music traveled from
many Latin and Afro-Caribbean countries to Mexico City and
then to New York. The term "Salsa" was created in New York,
but the dance was not. New York made the nickname popular to
refer to the variety of different music that came from these
several countries of Hispanic influence. However the term didn't
really take off until the 1960's.
Salsa became popular in 1974 when Fania Records released
Larry Harlow's Salsa. Larry became very popular and his album
had tremendous sales. This unleashed and popularized Salsa.
Salsa varies from one song to the next and from place to place.
The complexity of the music and the diversity is what keeps
listeners enticed and dancers on their toes. There are many
varieties of Salsa including New York Style, Los Angeles Style,
Casino Rueda, and many more that are danced in night clubs.
Salsa looks very similar to the Mambo footwork done with a
partner and patterns fused with the wraps from the Hustle.
Salsa is considered one of the hottest club dances done all over
the world today.
many Latin and Afro-Caribbean countries to Mexico City and
then to New York. The term "Salsa" was created in New York,
but the dance was not. New York made the nickname popular to
refer to the variety of different music that came from these
several countries of Hispanic influence. However the term didn't
really take off until the 1960's.
Salsa became popular in 1974 when Fania Records released
Larry Harlow's Salsa. Larry became very popular and his album
had tremendous sales. This unleashed and popularized Salsa.
Salsa varies from one song to the next and from place to place.
The complexity of the music and the diversity is what keeps
listeners enticed and dancers on their toes. There are many
varieties of Salsa including New York Style, Los Angeles Style,
Casino Rueda, and many more that are danced in night clubs.
Salsa looks very similar to the Mambo footwork done with a
partner and patterns fused with the wraps from the Hustle.
Salsa is considered one of the hottest club dances done all over
the world today.
 |
| Merengue (easiest to learn) |
The Merengue is the national dance of the Dominican Republic. There was
a Republic soldier who was wounded in one leg, was at a social dancing
event, and could only shuffle sideways in a pronounced limp dance style.
Other patrons not wishing to offend the hero, copied the soldiers
movements. Another story tells of Dominican shackled slaves working in
sugar cane fields cutting down sugar cane. As they walked down the rows
they had to take small side steps to cut down the sugar cane because of the
shackles. However this dance came to be, it became very popular in the
Dominican Republic in the mid 1800's. It is not known when the dance
actually came to the US, but it has enjoyed constant success for many
years.
The Merengue is a fun and probably the easiest dance to learn. Its basic
movement is made up of simple side steps that progress in a counter-
clockwise direction around the floor. It involves various turning
movements and changes of rhythm can be used. It can be danced with a
strong Cuban Motion which is good for beginning students that are being
introduced to this style of hip motion'
The Merengue is danced in 2/4 timing, the music has two clear even beats
to the bar that are played in a marching rhythm. Different styles allow for a
various number of beats within each part of the bar.
a Republic soldier who was wounded in one leg, was at a social dancing
event, and could only shuffle sideways in a pronounced limp dance style.
Other patrons not wishing to offend the hero, copied the soldiers
movements. Another story tells of Dominican shackled slaves working in
sugar cane fields cutting down sugar cane. As they walked down the rows
they had to take small side steps to cut down the sugar cane because of the
shackles. However this dance came to be, it became very popular in the
Dominican Republic in the mid 1800's. It is not known when the dance
actually came to the US, but it has enjoyed constant success for many
years.
The Merengue is a fun and probably the easiest dance to learn. Its basic
movement is made up of simple side steps that progress in a counter-
clockwise direction around the floor. It involves various turning
movements and changes of rhythm can be used. It can be danced with a
strong Cuban Motion which is good for beginning students that are being
introduced to this style of hip motion'
The Merengue is danced in 2/4 timing, the music has two clear even beats
to the bar that are played in a marching rhythm. Different styles allow for a
various number of beats within each part of the bar.
| Cha Cha (popular Latin) |
In the late 1940's Havana, Cuba had one of the most popular resorts for North Americans especially those
residing along the East Coast. All of the most famous American dance bands and outstanding Latin bands in
Cuba played at the casinos. Some of the bands combined the American Jazz beat with the Cuban Rumba
rhythm which created a new rhythm called the Mambo. A dance was developed to the new mambo rhythm
which was danced on the off beat rather than the traditional downbeat. There were three versions of the
Mambo one of them was called the "Catch" which evolved the three quick changes of weighting and two
slow steps. By the 1950's this dance was comprised of many variations of the basic footwork. This style
became very popular and was renamed Cha Cha.
The Cha Cha is a non-progressive, lively, fun dance, which uses a "ball flat" action and keeps the body over
the feet. The hips and legs are used to produce a strong, rhythmical movement that compliments the music.
This dance has closed positions as well as single handhold and double handhold movements. Because of this
dance's easy adaptation of modern music, the Cha Cha is probably the most popular of the Latin dances.
residing along the East Coast. All of the most famous American dance bands and outstanding Latin bands in
Cuba played at the casinos. Some of the bands combined the American Jazz beat with the Cuban Rumba
rhythm which created a new rhythm called the Mambo. A dance was developed to the new mambo rhythm
which was danced on the off beat rather than the traditional downbeat. There were three versions of the
Mambo one of them was called the "Catch" which evolved the three quick changes of weighting and two
slow steps. By the 1950's this dance was comprised of many variations of the basic footwork. This style
became very popular and was renamed Cha Cha.
The Cha Cha is a non-progressive, lively, fun dance, which uses a "ball flat" action and keeps the body over
the feet. The hips and legs are used to produce a strong, rhythmical movement that compliments the music.
This dance has closed positions as well as single handhold and double handhold movements. Because of this
dance's easy adaptation of modern music, the Cha Cha is probably the most popular of the Latin dances.
| Rumba (flirtatious) |
The Rumba mostly evolved in Cuba in the 16th century. Versions
of this dance were to be seen on other Caribbean islands and in
Latin America generally. In the late 1920's, such band leaders as
Xavier Cugat introduced the Rumba in the United States. In the
1930's this dance became popular in London. The Rumba is built
around the famous "Cuban Box," and features "Cuban Motion."
The Rumba is danced in 4/4 timing, the music has 4 even beats
with the accent on the first beat of the bar. Slow sensual melodies
are used, often with vocals. Using "Cuban Motion," this dance
should display a sensuous movement of the hips and a sense of
flirtation between the man and lady. The various rhythms and
body expressions make this a very popular dance to watch and to
participate in.
of this dance were to be seen on other Caribbean islands and in
Latin America generally. In the late 1920's, such band leaders as
Xavier Cugat introduced the Rumba in the United States. In the
1930's this dance became popular in London. The Rumba is built
around the famous "Cuban Box," and features "Cuban Motion."
The Rumba is danced in 4/4 timing, the music has 4 even beats
with the accent on the first beat of the bar. Slow sensual melodies
are used, often with vocals. Using "Cuban Motion," this dance
should display a sensuous movement of the hips and a sense of
flirtation between the man and lady. The various rhythms and
body expressions make this a very popular dance to watch and to
participate in.
| Bolero |
Bolero is called the "Cuban Dance of Love" It is a slow, expressive, beautiful dance. Bolero is the slowest
of all the American Style Rhythm dances. It is a combination of the rise and fall action of the Waltz and the
dance patterns of the Rumba. It is danced at a slower tempo than the Rumba to music in 4/4 time.
Depending on where you are, whether it be Mexico, Spain, Cuba or around the world, Bolero can be danced
as a solo or as a couple with many timings.
Bolero is a slow, smooth dance using gliding movement, dramatic arm styling and has a romantic feel.
Bolero is a mixture of the Tango using contra body movements, the Rumba with Latin music and Cuban
motion, and the Waltz.
of all the American Style Rhythm dances. It is a combination of the rise and fall action of the Waltz and the
dance patterns of the Rumba. It is danced at a slower tempo than the Rumba to music in 4/4 time.
Depending on where you are, whether it be Mexico, Spain, Cuba or around the world, Bolero can be danced
as a solo or as a couple with many timings.
Bolero is a slow, smooth dance using gliding movement, dramatic arm styling and has a romantic feel.
Bolero is a mixture of the Tango using contra body movements, the Rumba with Latin music and Cuban
motion, and the Waltz.
| Hustle (50's-60's dance) |
The Hustle was believed to have been created in New York in the
1970's and was originally a Line Dance but developed into a partner
dance. This dance is considered a member of the Swing Family and
is like the West Coast Swing in pattern. It has a distinct flavor
utilizing the Disco style music. It brought partner dancing back in
vogue among night club dancers. John Travolta and "Saturday Night
Fever" made dancing the Hustle the "in" thing, especially for men.
The Hustle is a smooth, fast dance, with the lady spinning almost
constantly, while her partner draws her close and sends her away.
This dance is characterized by its three count basic step and has a
four count as well. The Hustle is danced to popular disco music
from the 70's from artists such as Donna Summer, The Bee Gees,
Chic and many more.
1970's and was originally a Line Dance but developed into a partner
dance. This dance is considered a member of the Swing Family and
is like the West Coast Swing in pattern. It has a distinct flavor
utilizing the Disco style music. It brought partner dancing back in
vogue among night club dancers. John Travolta and "Saturday Night
Fever" made dancing the Hustle the "in" thing, especially for men.
The Hustle is a smooth, fast dance, with the lady spinning almost
constantly, while her partner draws her close and sends her away.
This dance is characterized by its three count basic step and has a
four count as well. The Hustle is danced to popular disco music
from the 70's from artists such as Donna Summer, The Bee Gees,
Chic and many more.
West Coast Swing
The West Coast Swing is directly related to the East Coast Swing and was undoubtedly born due to the style
of music being played in the 1940's, and the need for a dance that did not take up so much room. The West
Coast Swing has evolved into a "Slot" dance that allows more dancers into a small area, but encourages
more individuality from the participants.
The West Coast Swing is a slow swing, danced in a slot, to a medium tempo of music. Smooth, without
any bounce, the partners will stay in the slot with the Lady providing most of the movement across and past
the man. Within these moves, there is the opportunity for individuality by the use of various maneuvers
such as turns, spins, and different rhythms and footwork. Good music for this dance has come from a
variety of style - Rock and Roll and Country Western being just two.
of music being played in the 1940's, and the need for a dance that did not take up so much room. The West
Coast Swing has evolved into a "Slot" dance that allows more dancers into a small area, but encourages
more individuality from the participants.
The West Coast Swing is a slow swing, danced in a slot, to a medium tempo of music. Smooth, without
any bounce, the partners will stay in the slot with the Lady providing most of the movement across and past
the man. Within these moves, there is the opportunity for individuality by the use of various maneuvers
such as turns, spins, and different rhythms and footwork. Good music for this dance has come from a
variety of style - Rock and Roll and Country Western being just two.
| East Coast Swing |
The East Coast Swing is a true American Dance and known as
the Triple Time Swing. It dates back from the 1920's, descendant
of the Lindy Hop and Jitterbug. It followed the development of
"Ragtime" and then "Swing" music. During World War II the
American Forces introduced this dance to Britain, together with
the popular orchestras of the day, such as Benny Goodman, Artie
Shaw, Tommy Dorsey, and of course Glen Miller. Sometime
after war's end, a faster version stayed in Europe and became
known as the Jive. This dance continues to be popular with all
age groups as music is available from all eras.
The East Coast Swing is basically a stationary dance, with some
progressive movements. It should be fast, lively and full of fun.
Weight should be kept toward the balls of the feet so as to ensure
a slight "bounce" effect. There are a variety of movements that
can be danced such as spins, kicks, underarm turns and changes
of rhythm.
the Triple Time Swing. It dates back from the 1920's, descendant
of the Lindy Hop and Jitterbug. It followed the development of
"Ragtime" and then "Swing" music. During World War II the
American Forces introduced this dance to Britain, together with
the popular orchestras of the day, such as Benny Goodman, Artie
Shaw, Tommy Dorsey, and of course Glen Miller. Sometime
after war's end, a faster version stayed in Europe and became
known as the Jive. This dance continues to be popular with all
age groups as music is available from all eras.
The East Coast Swing is basically a stationary dance, with some
progressive movements. It should be fast, lively and full of fun.
Weight should be kept toward the balls of the feet so as to ensure
a slight "bounce" effect. There are a variety of movements that
can be danced such as spins, kicks, underarm turns and changes
of rhythm.
| Quickstep |
The Quickstep was developed in suburban New York during World
War I. The Quickstep is the faster version of the Foxtrot. In the
twenties many bands played the slow Foxtrot music fast, which
eventually created two different dances.
In 1925 the Charleston fever began and had a lot of influence in the
development of the Quickstep. The English developed the Quickstep
from the original Charleston without kicks and mixed in the fast
Foxtrot as a progressive dance. This was called "The Quick Time
Foxtrot and Charleston." In 1927 Frank Ford and Molly Spain danced
a version of the Quick Time Foxtrot and Charleston without the
Charleston knee actions and made it a dance for two instead of a solo
giving it the Quickstep look of today.
War I. The Quickstep is the faster version of the Foxtrot. In the
twenties many bands played the slow Foxtrot music fast, which
eventually created two different dances.
In 1925 the Charleston fever began and had a lot of influence in the
development of the Quickstep. The English developed the Quickstep
from the original Charleston without kicks and mixed in the fast
Foxtrot as a progressive dance. This was called "The Quick Time
Foxtrot and Charleston." In 1927 Frank Ford and Molly Spain danced
a version of the Quick Time Foxtrot and Charleston without the
Charleston knee actions and made it a dance for two instead of a solo
giving it the Quickstep look of today.
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American Dancesport Center 561-558-1234 |
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| American Dancesport Center 23076 Sandalfoot Plaza Drive Boca Raton, FL 33428 Phone: 561-558-1234 Fax: 561-482-5678 Copyright Anybody Can Dance, LLC All Rights Reserved. |
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| History of Several Dance Styles |
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