The Foxtrot evolved out of the "Two-Step" Era around 1915, in the US. It is a smooth combination of slow and quick beats danced in a 4/4 rhythm. Reputedly named after Harry Fox, a popular Broadway singer and dancer, it is still as popular as ever…perfect for weddings and galas or a trip to the Rainbow Room. If you enjoy the music of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin or Ella Fitzgerald, you'll definitely want to learn the Foxtrot!

This exciting dance evolved from the Argentine Tango which originated in the back streets of Buenos Aires, then gained popularity and traveled to Europe, and finally to the US in the 1910's. Danced to Strict Tempo music and used mostly in competitions, the Tango incorporates sharp, catlike steps with passion and intensity. Words to describe any style of Tango are dramatic, sensual, urgent and sexy. No matter which style you dance, the Tango is likely to raise your temperature!

This dance emerged in England in the 1920's, and grew out of the Foxtrot craze. It is a high energy, quick paced and lively dance that incorporates steps from the Charleston (a fad dance of the 1920's), Peabody, and the Foxtrot. The Quickstep will intoxicate you with its joyful rhythms and pulsating speed.

The Viennese Waltz is the oldest of all the dances still danced today, and has its origin in 17th Century Germany. It achieved its greatest artistic expression in Vienna in the 1880's. The fast tempo and close embrace stifled its acceptance in the US. The Viennese Waltz and the Slow Waltz are the only dances that use music written in ¾ timing. You'll feel like royalty as you sweepingly cover the floor dancing to such classics as the "Anniversary Waltz" and the "Blue Danube". It is an exciting and challenging dance that you will grow to love.

This slower version of the Viennese Waltz emerged in the 1920's out of a fad dance called the "Boston." It is the most elegant and romantic of all the ballroom dances. The Waltz will inspire feelings of love, if only with the dance! Danced to a ¾ time, the Waltz glides gently across the floor. It is easy for beginners to learn and is a great choice for the First Dance of any wedding celebration.

This dance originated in the Latin communities of NYC and Miami in the 1970's. Hollywood sparked a nationwide craze when John Travolta strutted his stuff in "Saturday Night Fever." Today's favored form of the Hustle is a 3-count Latin "street" Hustle. Easily danced to disco music and most upbeat pop music, the Hustle incorporates fun, syncopated patterns and many exciting turns…it is a sure crowd pleaser on any night of the week!

Salsa is the hottest dance on the club scene today, emphasizing undulating body movement, sassy turns and compelling rhythms. This "nubile" dance originally hailed from Cuba in the 1950's, and was greatly influenced by dancers and musicians in Puerto Rico, Miami and New York. Originally, a fast Mambo was called "Mambo con salsa" (Mambo with hot sauce). Now the world just calls it "Salsa!"

(see Salsa and Rumba)- The music and dance originated in Cuba and developed from the musical form called "Son." It began its climb in popularity in the US in the 1940's, and particularly in the 1950's and 1960's (see Cha Cha) at NYC's Palladium Ballroom. It had a revival in appeal in the 1990's. Mambo/Salsa should be your first dance choice when learning the Latin dances, as it is all the rage throughout the world today!

Having arrived in the US in the early part of the 20th Century from the Dominican Republic, Merengue is pure, playful fun. The rhythm is the simplest of the dances making the footwork easy, and the arms and turns more complex. Merengue is the perfect compliment to the Salsa and a must learn if you plan on going out to a Latin Club.

A spicy, upbeat Latin dance that is related to the Mambo (a slower version.) This dance gained popularity on the streets of NYC in the late '50's and '60's. Originally called "Cha Cha Cha" and a favorite with jazz musicians and the Latin Community, the Cha Cha of today is still as exciting as ever. It is such a versatile dance that it can easily be done to many different styles of music from classic Tito Puente to Santana and Ricky Martin.

A love story of two people, and officially christened the "dance of love," Rumba is the forerunner of other Latin dances. Its origins are deeply rooted in the Cuban music and dance called the "Son." The Rumba has manifested many forms and variations throughout the 20th Century (Beguine, Bolero, Danzon, etc.). It has a slower rhythm than the Mambo, making it a great dance for beginners. The sensual Rumba is a wonderful introduction to the tradition of Latin dances, Latin music and Latin body movement.

(see Rumba) A slower version of the Rumba, also sexy and intriguing, the Bolero emphasizes the drama of love in a relationship. There are two variations: the Cuban (predecessor of the International Style Rumba) and the American Bolero, which differ technically as well as in their rhythmical interpretation.

The exotic cousin of the spirited Caribbean dances, Samba has its own personality, ranging from gutsy and primitive, to zany and fun. Hailing from Brazil with a strong African influence, Samba is both a challenge in its rhythmic patterns and a physical workout. It is often referred to as the "Brazilian Waltz," since the step patterns are developed from the Waltz. Initially, this dance was called the "Maxixe," which was part of the "Animal Dances" of the 1920's. This dance makes no apologies for the spell it will cast on you.

This dance originated in Spain and retells the bullfight with the leader as the torero/matador, who leads "his cape," the follower, to attract the bull's attention. Still danced socially in Spain and Mexico, the Paso Doble had a revival in the US and Europe in the late 1950's, and has now evolved into a mostly competitive dance that incorporates Flamenco movements. Though you will not see this dance in any nightclub of NYC, you will still relish in the powerful feeling it inspires of a Spanish Bullfight, ole!

An intensely passionate dance that will capture your feet and your soul. Your life will never be the same as you enter the nocturnal world of ochos, sentadas, and milongas. On any given night, NYC provides dancers with many Tango dance spots to hone their new steps and technique. Enjoyable at any level, Tango becomes more physically and intellectually rewarding as your relationship with the Buenos Aires-born dance deepens. Other versions of the Tango evolved, which are now part of the American and International Styles of Ballroom Dancing. Whether it's the Argentine Tango or another style, this sultry dance will set your soul on fire!

Danced to Country Western music, it is related to Square Dancing and Foxtrot. Like the Country Western Waltz, it progresses around the room by passing the feet continuously. The early 1990's saw a rise in popularity of this dance and Country music in NYC and other parts of the world. Plucky and exhilarating, this dance will have you kickin' up your heels in no time.

A true American dance, it had its origin in Harlem of the 1920's, and has undergone many mutations. Almost every decade has its particular brand of Swing. After Charles Lindbergh's first flight across the Atlantic, it was called the Lindy Hop; shortly after, the Jitterbug evolved; and the advent of Rock 'n' Roll changed the dance again. Most styles contain 6 and 8 count patterns danced to upbeat, foot stomping, and energetic music. Depending on what geographic area you are in, you may hear it called different names such as: Philadelphia Lindy, Savoy Swing, or Carolina Shag. Jive, East Coast Swing and West Coast Swing are also very current styles. No matter what you like to listen to, you'll find a swing style to suit your taste!

Known as the "Sophisticated Swing," West Coast Swing incorporates slinky, smooth and sexy moves to Soul, Blues and Contemporary music. This dance began in Blues clubs in the 1940's, originating from the Lindy Hop. Since then, each region has developed a style and name for this slotted Swing dance. Examples are: The Texas Push, Chicago Steppin, and D.C. Hand Dancing. Whatever you call it, the West Coast Swing is "the" Swing Dance for today's music and is hotter than ever!

Nicknamed "Beach Dancing," the Shag originated on the beaches of South Carolina, particularly Atlantic Beach and Myrtle Beach, in the 1940's. It is danced to Old Motown, Blues, Oldies R&B, and slow to medium tempo Swing music. The Shag showcases fancy footwork and spins with a smooth, flowing feeling. Involving 6 & 8 count patterns mostly danced in a slot, the Shag is reminiscent of the West Coast and East Coast Swing. This dance was named the official state dance of South Carolina in 1984, and has remained popular in the South. You don't have to find a beach for this dance, but you could easily dance the Shag with a drink in your hand and pretend.

The Jive is Europe's version of the American Jitterbug. The term "Jive" was associated with Cab Calloway's Hepsters Jive Talk and was influencing the music and dancing of the era. During World War II, much of this "Jive Talk" crossed the Atlantic and spread throughout England and the rest of Europe. Today, in the U.S., it is taught mostly in the Latin Section of the International Style. It has a rock step first with an exaggerated bounce…add kicks and flicks and you've got one heck of a workout. Not to be shied away from, the Jive is fun, flirty and full of sass!