Dance Styles
Although the origins of some dances, like the Nightclub 2 Step, are quite recent and well documented, other dances, such as the Waltz, have been in existence for centuries. What follows are descriptions of American Style Dances supplied by Diane Jarmolow of the Ballroom Dance Teachers College and reprinted with permission.
Nightclub and Swing Dances
These are generally dances that originated in a social dancing environment that encourages compact dancing on a small floor. However, several of these dances can be danced effectively in a large space.
Rhythm Ballroom Dances
These include the following American Style dances: Rumba, Cha Cha, Bolero, Mambo and Swing. These dances generally include a lot of Cuban Hip motion.
Smooth Ballroom Dances
These include the following American Style dances: Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango and Viennese Waltz. These dances generally do not include hip motion, and tend to look much more flowing and smooth.