Types Of Ballroom Dance Styles - 23+ Ballroom Dances

Summary

This video from Passion for Dancing explains the main styles of ballroom dance, focusing on the two major categories: International and American. International style is divided into Latin and Standard, while American style splits into Rhythm and Smooth. The video also highlights non-traditional partner dances, such as Swing, Salsa, and Bachata, which some consider part of the ballroom umbrella. The speaker emphasizes key differences between these styles and invites viewers to explore more detailed lessons on the Passion for Dancing website.

Takeaways

• 💃 There are two main styles of ballroom dancing: International and American.
• 🕺 The International style is divided into International Latin (Cha-cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, Jive) and International Standard (Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz, Quickstep).
• 💃 The American style is divided into American Rhythm (Cha-cha, Rumba, Swing, Mambo, Bolero) and American Smooth (Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz).
• 🕺 The International style has a total of 10 dances, and the American style has 9 dances.
• 💃 While some dances appear in both styles (e.g., Cha-cha, Rumba, Waltz), the technique and steps can differ between the International and American versions.
• 🕺 In American Smooth, dancers can break away from close hold, unlike the International Standard which requires staying in close hold.
• 💃 The International style is popular worldwide, including in the USA, Europe, and Asia, while the American style is gaining global popularity.
• 🕺 Non-traditional ballroom dances include swing dances (e.g., West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, Boogie Woogie) and Latin nightclub styles (e.g., Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Club Cha-cha).
• 💃 Other non-traditional partner dances like Hustle and Polka are sometimes considered part of the ballroom genre.
• 🕺 Passionfordancing.com offers lessons on both International and American styles, along with non-traditional dances.

Q & A

What are the two main styles of ballroom dancing?

The two main styles of ballroom dancing are the International Style and the American Style.

How is the International Style further divided?

The International Style is divided into two categories: International Latin, which includes Cha-Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, and Jive, and International Standard, which includes Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz, and Quickstep.

How is the American Style ballroom dancing structured?

The American Style is divided into two categories: American Rhythm, which includes Cha-Cha, Rumba, Swing, Mambo, and Bolero, and American Smooth, which includes Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, and Viennese Waltz.

What is the main difference between International Latin and American Rhythm?

While both International Latin and American Rhythm include similar dances like Cha-Cha and Rumba, they differ in terms of technique, steps, and syllabus.

What are some key differences between International Standard and American Smooth?

In American Smooth, dancers are allowed to separate and move apart, whereas in International Standard, dancers must stay in a close hold throughout the dance.

Where is International Style ballroom dancing predominantly danced?

International Style ballroom dancing is danced all over the world, including in Europe, Asia, and the USA.

Is American Style ballroom dancing only popular in the USA?

No, while American Style ballroom dancing used to be predominantly danced in America, it has become more popular globally.

What are some non-traditional dance styles that fall under the ballroom umbrella?

Non-traditional styles under the ballroom umbrella include swing dances like West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, Boogie Woogie, Charleston, and Balboa, as well as Latin nightclub styles like Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, and Club Cha-Cha.

Which swing dances are still commonly danced today?

West Coast Swing and Lindy Hop are still commonly danced today, while some others like Boogie Woogie and Charleston are less frequently seen.

What are some additional partner dances considered part of the ballroom genre?

Some additional partner dances considered part of the ballroom genre include Hustle and Polka, among others.