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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 worlds 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 touch in a closed position and the man's hand was on the lady'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 continued 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 as the series of movements. The waltz dates back from the middle of the Eighteen Century making it the oldest of ballroom dances. |
| The Foxtrot was originated by Vaudeville actor Harry Fox in 1914. While performing in the Jardin de Danse on the New York Theater's roof top which was one of the largest theater's in the world, Harry Fox was performing 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 name 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 remained on the spot. This became known as crush then 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 that 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 show 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. Tango became popular all over the United States of America, Europe, and 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 allover the world today.
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 allover the world today.
Merengue
The Merengue is the national dance of the Dominican Republic. There are many tales as to
how the Merenque originated. One tale is a Dominican Republic soldier who was wounded
in one leg was at a social dancing event and could only shuffle sideways in a pronounced
limp to dance. Other patrons not wishing to offend the hero, copied the soldiers movements
out of sympathy. Another story tells of Dominican shackled slaves working in sugar can
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 a good beginning for students that are being
introduced to this style of hip motion'
The Merengue is dance 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.
how the Merenque originated. One tale is a Dominican Republic soldier who was wounded
in one leg was at a social dancing event and could only shuffle sideways in a pronounced
limp to dance. Other patrons not wishing to offend the hero, copied the soldiers movements
out of sympathy. Another story tells of Dominican shackled slaves working in sugar can
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 a good beginning for students that are being
introduced to this style of hip motion'
The Merengue is dance 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 |
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 comprised of many variations of the basic footwork
which became very popular and being 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.
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 comprised of many variations of the basic footwork
which became very popular and being 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
The Rumba mostly evolved in Cuba in the 16th century with great influence from the
African slaves. Although this Spanish/African mix is considered to be Cuban, 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. This dance 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.
African slaves. Although this Spanish/African mix is considered to be Cuban, 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. This dance 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 Waltz.
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 Waltz.
Hustle
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 in thing especially 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.
The Hustle is danced to popular disco music from the 70's from artist such as Donna Summer,
The Bee Gees, Chic and many more.
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 in thing especially 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.
The Hustle is danced to popular disco music from the 70's from artist 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 encourage 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.
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 encourage 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 a descendant of the Lindy Hop and
Jitterbug, this dance is also known as the Triple Time Swing. It dates back from the 1920's
where the black community in the dance halls of Harlem discovered the Charleston and
Lindy Hop while dancing to Jazz music. 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, the 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.
Jitterbug, this dance is also known as the Triple Time Swing. It dates back from the 1920's
where the black community in the dance halls of Harlem discovered the Charleston and
Lindy Hop while dancing to Jazz music. 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, the 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, it was initially
performed by African and Caribbean dancers. 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, the faster version of the music became the Quickstep dance.
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.
performed by African and Caribbean dancers. 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, the faster version of the music became the Quickstep dance.
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.
| 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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