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One of the most enduring in popularity of all the social ballroom dances, named in 1914 after a performer, Harry Fox, who danced in a "trotting" manner.
Social Foxtrot is characterized by smooth movement, long, gliding steps to slow and medium tempos.
Danced to faster music, it is called Quickstep - Quarter turns, Chasse' and Lock step are the basic components of this delightful dance.
...is distinguishable by its 3-count rhythm. Originally, it was a fast moving, continuous turning dance, known as Viennese Waltz. The music of Strauss made Vienna the fast waltz capital of the world. Waltz is one of the oldest social dances. Slower Waltz music first appeared in the 20's.
The important thing to remember about the Waltz is to accent the first of each three beats and maintain flowing, lilting movement. Waltz is danced in every ballroom and at most formal occasions.
...is a high energy social dance. Speed of music, era, and area have influenced the various styles of Swing. Lindy in the 20's and 30''s; Jitterbug in the 40's; East Coast
Swing (Triple-time and Single-time), Rock & Roll, and West Coast Swing in the 50's & 60's; Disco Hustle in the 70's; Country Western Swing prevailed in the 80's. Movies brought a resurgence of Lindy Hop in the 90's.
British dancers standardized Jive for dance
competition. Presently Swing, in all its interpretations, is danced and enjoyed by all ages.
...is the dance of Argentine Gaucho. Its dignified, good posture style was introduced by Rudolph Valentino. The Tango has been a very popular social dance since that time. Danced with fervor, it is characterized by catlike movement, promenades, and abrupt stops. Its strong beat and definite phrasing create one of
the most fascinating dances. There are other styles of
Tango being danced socially.
Derived from Mambo, appeared on the scene in the
1950's. Dancers, finding some of Tito Puente's Mambo music a little slow, developed Triple Mambo. When the music slowed further, Cha Cha Cha was born. Young and old alike love this lively, fun-filled dance.
From Cuba, was introduced to this country in the 30's with music of Xavier Cugat's "Peanut Vendor".
It tops the other dances in developing the knee-hip cushioned movement known as Cuban motion. It compliments and accents the woman's natural femininity.
With its bright, bouncy movements appeared in Carnivals as merrymakers cavorted to South American rhythms.
In the 30's, Carmen Miranda, with her fruit-covered headpiece, captivated the audience with her sprightly Samba. And,
dancers had modified its rhythm and
movement into one of the standard Latin dances.
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