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.

Outlines

00:00

💃 Overview of Ballroom Dance Styles

In this video, Leon from PassionForDancing.com introduces viewers to the different types of ballroom dance styles, aiming to clarify the confusion about which dances to learn. He breaks down the two major styles of ballroom dancing: International and American. The International style consists of two sub-styles: Latin (Cha-cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, and Jive) and Standard (Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz, and Quickstep). The American style also has two sub-styles: Rhythm (Cha-cha, Rumba, Swing, Mambo, and Bolero) and Smooth (Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, and Viennese Waltz). Leon highlights that, although some dances appear in both styles, they differ in technique, steps, and syllabus.

05:02

🕺 Differences Between International and American Styles

Leon discusses the differences between the International and American ballroom dance styles. For example, in American Smooth, dancers are allowed to break apart, whereas in International Standard, they must remain in close hold. He hints at making a future video to delve deeper into these distinctions, but for now, emphasizes understanding that both the International and American styles are divided into specific sub-styles. The International style is more globally popular, while American style, originally exclusive to the U.S., is gaining popularity worldwide.

🎵 Swing and Latin Nightclub Dances

Leon introduces non-traditional ballroom dances, which are still considered part of the ballroom genre because they are partner dances. These include swing dances (West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, Boogie Woogie, Charleston, and Balboa), although some, like Lindy Hop, are more widely danced today. He also mentions the Latin nightclub style, which includes Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, and Club Cha-cha. While these are not traditional ballroom styles, many consider them part of the ballroom family due to their partnered nature.

🌟 Other Non-Traditional Dances

In addition to swing and Latin nightclub styles, Leon talks about other non-traditional dances, such as Hustle and Paso Doble, which some people consider part of the ballroom genre. While not as commonly danced, they still fall under the broader umbrella of partner dances. Leon refers viewers to an in-depth blog post on PassionForDancing.com, where they can explore these styles in more detail.

👍 Wrapping Up and Further Learning Resources

Leon concludes the video by encouraging viewers to give it a thumbs up and share it with friends. He also invites viewers to subscribe to the YouTube channel and visit PassionForDancing.com for lessons on both traditional and non-traditional ballroom dances. The website offers a comprehensive platform to learn ballroom and Latin dances from home.

Keywords

💡Ballroom Dance

Ballroom dance refers to a set of partner dances enjoyed both socially and competitively. In the video, the speaker highlights various traditional and non-traditional styles within the ballroom dance genre. These include styles like the Waltz and Tango under 'traditional ballroom' and dances like Salsa or West Coast Swing under 'non-traditional ballroom.'

💡International Style

International Style is one of the two main categories of ballroom dance. It is further divided into International Latin and International Standard styles. The video explains that International Latin includes dances like the Cha-Cha, Samba, and Rumba, while International Standard includes the Waltz and Tango. This style is danced worldwide, including in the USA, Europe, and Asia.

💡American Style

American Style is another main category of ballroom dance, mostly danced in the United States but gaining global popularity. The video breaks it down into two styles: American Rhythm, which includes dances like Cha-Cha and Rumba, and American Smooth, which features dances like the Waltz and Tango. Unlike International Style, American Smooth allows for more freedom in dance positions.

💡International Latin

International Latin is a subset of International Style, consisting of five dances: Cha-Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, and Jive. These dances are typically faster and more rhythmically dynamic. The video notes that these are globally recognized competitive ballroom dances.

💡American Rhythm

American Rhythm is one of the two styles within American ballroom dance. It includes the Cha-Cha, Rumba, Swing, Mambo, and Bolero. The video compares this style to International Latin, noting that although some of the dances overlap, the techniques and steps differ.

💡International Standard

International Standard is a category within the International Style of ballroom dance that includes traditional smooth dances like the Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz, and Quickstep. According to the video, these dances are typically performed in a closed hold, meaning the partners remain in close physical contact throughout the dance.

💡American Smooth

American Smooth is a style within American ballroom dance. It includes dances like the Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, and Viennese Waltz. The video emphasizes that, unlike the International Standard style, dancers in American Smooth are allowed to break the traditional closed hold, offering more flexibility and expressive movements.

💡Non-Traditional Ballroom Dances

Non-traditional ballroom dances are partner dances that fall outside the traditional ballroom styles but are still commonly grouped under the ballroom umbrella. The video mentions dances like Swing (West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop), Salsa, Merengue, and Bachata, which are often performed in social settings rather than competitive ones.

💡Partner Dances

Partner dances involve two dancers moving together in coordination. Ballroom dancing is a key example of this, as it focuses on the connection and interaction between the two dancers. The video covers various styles of partner dancing, both traditional (Waltz, Tango) and non-traditional (Salsa, Swing).

💡Cha-Cha

The Cha-Cha is a lively dance that is included in both International Latin and American Rhythm styles. Although it is part of both categories, the video notes that the technique and style of the Cha-Cha differ between International and American versions. It's characterized by its syncopated steps and vibrant rhythm.

Highlights

Introduction to ballroom dance styles, explaining the differences between traditional and non-traditional styles.

Two main types of ballroom dance styles: International style and American style.

International style is broken into International Latin and International Standard.

International Latin dances include Cha-Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, and Jive.

International Standard includes Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz, and Quickstep.

American style is split into American Rhythm and American Smooth.

American Rhythm dances include Cha-Cha, Rumba, Swing, Mambo, and Bolero.

American Smooth includes Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, and Viennese Waltz, with the distinction of allowing dancers to separate from close hold.

International style is danced globally, while American style originated in the U.S. and is becoming more popular worldwide.

Non-traditional ballroom dances like West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, Boogie Woogie, Charleston, and Balboa are also considered part of the ballroom dance umbrella.

Latin nightclub dances such as Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, and Club Cha-Cha are partner dances that some consider under ballroom dancing.

Other non-traditional dances include Hustle and Polka, also sometimes categorized as ballroom styles.

Differences between American and International styles are noted in both technique and syllabus.

The American Smooth allows for open hold, unlike the continuous closed hold required in International Standard.

Invitation to visit passionfordancing.com for learning various ballroom and Latin dance styles, including non-traditional dances.

Transcripts

[Music]

Leon here from passionfor dancing.com

and today I'm going to be talking to you

about the types of ballroom dance styles

out there yes because there's so many

out there you probably are confused

which dances should I learn which dance

styles should I pick up and so this

video is going to cover all of that

information we're going to talk about

the traditional Ballroom dances the

different styles that go into the

traditional Ballroom dances as well as

the non-traditional dances that people

do consider on the ballroom umbrella

because they're partner dances there is

two main styles of ballroom dancing that

is it okay um there's the international

style and then there's the American

style okay in the international style

you have it broken down into two more

Styles the international Latin which

includes Chacha Samba Ramba Pasad and

dve that's five and then there's also

the international standard which

includes the Walts 10 angle foxr vienes

Walts and quickstep did I count that

right I think so anyway let's move

forward now that's the international

style and there's 10 dances there in

those two uh Styles underneath it and

now there's the American style the

American style is also broken down into

two further Styles the American Rhythm

which includes the Chacha Ramba swing

Mumble and bolero and then the American

smooth style which includes the Walts

Tango foxr and vienes Walts that's right

that's not a mistake the American smooth

only has four dances okay so the

American style has a total of nine

dances and the international style has a

total of 10 dances so these are the

major styles of Ball Room dancing and

you can see there's some similarities

right the international style has the

Chacha and the Ramba right and the

American Rhythm also has the Chacha and

the Ramba but you should note that they

are a little bit different yeah both in

terms of how you do them so in terms of

the technique as well as the steps and

the syllabus that you're learning is

going to be a little bit different and

same goes for the international style

standard and the American smooth they

have very similar dances so they both

include the Walt Tango Fox vianes walls

but you should know that those are still

quite different styles for example in

the smooth dances you're allowed to go a

par you don't have to stay in close hold

the whole time as you're supposed to do

with the international style perhaps

talking about the differences between

these two Styles is for another video so

maybe I'll do that one in the future but

for now you just need to understand that

you have the international style and

then you have the American style and

each one of them is broken down into two

specific Styles and that's uh the major

Ballroom Styles I should mention that

the international style is predominantly

danced all over the world uh hence the

uh the world international is dense in

the USA as well as all over the world in

Europe and Asia and everywhere now the

American style while it used to be

predominantly danced in America it is

now also starting to be danced all over

the world so it's becoming more and more

popular before we move forward I just

want to mention that we do teach both of

these styles on our website at

passionford dancing.com so please check

us out if you want to learn all the

different steps that go into both of

these Styles so now that we talked about

the major styles of what makes B room

dancing uh let's talk about some of the

non-traditional styles that are also

considered to be in the same umbrella

and those include for example the swing

dances so a lot of people consider the

swing dances to be part of Ball Room

dancing you have the West Coast Swing

you have the Lindy Hop you have the

Boogie Woogie you have the Charleston

you have the Balboa some of these are

not danced very often anymore yes so you

you can still find a lot of people are

dancing the West Coast Swing and the

Lindy Hop the other non-traditional

Ballroom dances include the Latin

nightclub style which includes Dan es

like salsa Mor Bachata Club Chacha and

more these dances are also done in

partner dances so a lot of people say

that this is borro style and then

there's some other non-traditional

dances such as hustle paa and more that

some people also consider under the

ballroom dancing uh genre so this is a

great overview of the different Ballroom

dances that are out there and we do have

an extensive blog post on our website

that you can find in the description

below that lists all of these different

styles and dances and and explain the

dances a little bit more in detail if

you're looking for that there are

definitely more partner dances out there

that I probably didn't mention uh but I

just wanted to focus on the ones that

are most popular and the ones that

really relate to what people consider to

be in the ballroom dancing genre if you

enjoyed this video please give it a

thumbs up and share it with a friend as

well as subscribe to our YouTube channel

and don't forget to visit our website at

passionfor dancing.com where we teach

people how to ballroom and Latin dance

from their

[Music]

homes as well as some of the

non-traditional dances uh that a lot of

people consider under the

ballroom as well as the non-traditional

Ballroom dances as well as the

nontraditional as well as the

non-traditional dances that people do

consider

on