login-button
join-button
DSP videos
Ballroom Basics
Dancesport Competition
Social Dance
Wedding Dance
DSP Shop
DSP Live Lessons

Dance Style Categories

Download Print Send a summary of this page to someone via email.
| Next
 

 

With such a wide variety of dances, it can be confusing to understand their categorization and which dances will suit you best for your goals. Here is a brief description of how the dances are grouped:



International Latin:

  • Cha cha
  • Samba
  • Rumba
  • Paso Doble
  • Jive


                           Current World Latin Champions
                 Michael Malitowski & Joanna Leunis - Poland

 

International Standard:
 

  • Waltz
  • Tango
  • Viennese Waltz
  • Foxtrot
  • Quickstep


                    
                       Current World Standard Champions
                       Mirko Gozzoli & Alessia Betti - Italy




The International dances are based on a worldwide standard and syllabus. These dances are most usually used for competitive dancing. A dancer who dances both the Latin and Standard styles is called a 10-dancer.  In the standard dancers, the partners never break their hold with one another. Although rumba, tango and foxtrot are listed in both the International and American categories, the dances are danced differently in the two classifications, most notably the rumba, which is basically an entirely different dance, although sharing the same name.



American Rhythm:

  • Cha Cha
  • Rumba
  • East Coast Swing
  • Bolero
  • Mambo


                 Current World American Rhythm Champions
                 Jose Decamps & Joanna Zacharewicz -  USA




American Smooth:

  • Waltz
  • Tango
  • Foxtrot
  • Viennese Waltz


                 Current World American Smooth Champions
                 Slawek Souchaki & Marzena Stachura - USA

The American dances are both used for social dancing and for competitive dancing. Socially, there are a great many variations for each of the dances which can be easily led. Competitors in these styles mainly come from the US and Canada.  A dancer who dances both the Rhythm and Smooth styles is called a 9-dancer.



Nightclub Dances: (related dances are in parenthesis)


  • Salsa (Merengue, Bachata, Cumbia)
  • West Coast Swing (Nightclub 2-Step, Hustle)
  • Argentine Tango
  • Lindy


              Current US Open West Coast Swing Champions
                   Jordan Frisbee & Tatianna Mollmann - USA


These dances are mainly danced in nightclubs or venues featuring the particular style of music associated with the dances and are strongly centered around lead/follow and variations.  Although specialized competitions do exist for these dances, most enthusiasts of these styles enjoy them for the purpose of social dancing. The above mentioned American style Smooth and Rhythm dances are also widely used for social dancing purposes. Social dancing is an excellent form of physical and mental exercise, a great way to meet new people, develop confidence and to have FUN!

0 Comments Posted Leave a comment

 

Add a comment:

Sign in to comment on this entry. (Optional)






To make text bold [b] insert text here [/b]
To make text italic [i] insert text here [/i]
To underline text [u] insert text here [/u]
To insert a link [url=http://insert link here]Insert text here[/url]



ENTER  STORE
Shopping FAQ

Search the Site