Main Competitive & Social Categories:

International Standard: Known for its formal look, body contact, and flowing movement across the dance floor.

• Waltz: Slow, elegant, graceful, with rise and fall.

• Tango: Sharp, dramatic, passionate, with staccato movements (distinct from Argentine Tango).

• Viennese Waltz: Faster, rotational waltz with continuous turning.

• Foxtrot: Smooth, elegant, progressive dance characterized by long, gliding steps (specifically Slow Foxtrot in International style).

• Quickstep: Fast, energetic, light, and bubbly, incorporating hops, skips, and runs.

 

International Latin: Known for energetic, rhythmic expression, mostly danced in one spot, with Latin hip action.

• Cha-Cha (Cha-Cha-Cha): Lively, fun, flirtatious, and cheeky, with a distinct "cha-cha-cha" rhythm.
• Samba: Lively, bouncy, rhythmic dance with a Brazilian carnival feel.
• Rumba: Slower, sensual, romantic dance emphasizing hip movement (Cuban motion). Often considered the "dance of love."
• Paso Doble: Dramatic dance representing a Spanish bullfight, with the leader as the matador and the follower often as the cape or bull.
• Jive: Fast, energetic swing dance with kicks and flicks, related to Jitterbug.

  American Smooth: Similar elegance to International Standard but allows for more separation between partners (open positions) and more dramatic figures.

  • Waltz: Similar to International Waltz but allows open figures.
  • Tango: Similar to International Tango but allows open figures and has a slightly different character.
  • Foxtrot: Includes more variety in tempo and figures compared to International Slow Foxtrot.
  • Viennese Waltz: Similar to International Viennese Waltz but allows open figures and underarm turns.

    American Rhythm: Similar energy to International Latin but with different techniques, timings, and includes dances unique to the American style.

    • Cha-Cha: Similar rhythm to International, but technique differs slightly.
    • Rumba: Often considered more romantic and slower than International Rumba, with a different basic timing and technique.
    • East Coast Swing: Fun, energetic, versatile swing dance, often the first swing style taught.
    • Bolero: Slowest of the Rhythm dances, romantic and sensual, combining elements of Rumba and Waltz, using rise and fall.
    • Mambo: Fast, energetic Cuban dance with strong hip movements and syncopated rhythms.

Other Popular Social/Club Dances Often Taught:

• Salsa: Very popular club dance with Latin roots, characterized by intricate turns and patterns.
• Merengue: Easy-to-learn, fun Dominican dance with simple marching steps and hip action.
• Bachata: Romantic and sensual dance from the Dominican Republic, often danced in close proximity.
• West Coast Swing: Smooth, slotted swing dance known for its elastic look, improvisation, and suitability to various music styles (blues, R&B, contemporary).
• Hustle: Fast-paced, rotational disco-era dance.
• Nightclub Two Step: Simple, smooth, gliding dance perfect for slow romantic songs in crowded spaces.
• Argentine Tango: Improvisational, passionate, and intricate dance distinct from Ballroom Tango, often taught as a specialty.

 

 

A studio like Rondo Ballroom would likely focus on several dances from the American Smooth and Rhythm categories, as these are very popular socially and for weddings in the US, potentially supplemented by International styles and popular club dances like Salsa or West Coast Swing, depending on instructor expertise and local demand.