Social Ballroom Dances
Click on each dance for an additional lesson
Rumba
The rumba is a slow, sensuous, romantic dance with much flirtation. Many of the basic figures of the dance have a "tease and run" theme in which the lady first flirts with and then rejects her partner. The sexual overtures can be very aggressive. The Rumba spotlights the lady and in particular her rhythmic body action and sexuality. The slow Latin beat, the rhythmic body and hip action, and the steamy tease and run figures result in routines that can be close to X-rated. Unlike the Cha-Cha which effects a happy, carefree, party-time-like dance expression, the rumba effects a more serious and intense expression.
Salsa
The name "salsa" correctly describes the flavor of this dance: hot! Danced correctly, there's a lot of shakin', shimmying, and hip action going on. Don't be deterred - you can learn how to achieve all of this action. The basic step of salsa can be accomplished with less than 10 minutes of practice.
Cha-Cha
This dance has wide application because cha cha music is popular in all music genres, including country, funk, and hip-hop. Popular mainstream artists such as Santana, Marc Anthony, and Jennifer Lopez are putting out great cha cha music. This is a party dance! Whereas the Rumba might have an intense expression, the interpretation of Cha Cha music should produce a happy, carefree, party-time-like dance expression.
Foxtrot
The foxtrot and the waltz are similar in many ways and they share many figures. They are both smooth dances that travel along a line of dance in a counterclockwise fashion around the ballroom floor. The long walking movements of the foxtrot involve a subtle rise and fall action.
East Coast Swing
Also called The Jitterbug, East Coast Swing is the official "sock hop" swing dance for jump blues. East Coast Swing is a circular, rotating swing dance that has many wraps, tunnels, and turns.