DANCESPORT - LATIN
SAMBA
Originating from Brazil, Samba was introduced to the US in the late 1920s through Broadway plays. American-styled Samba differs from Brazilian-styled Samba, where Samba is danced solo and during parades and carnivals. Today, Latin American Samba is characterized by its syncopated timing, rolling hip action, pelvic tilt and a slight bounce, while its rhythm is also expressed throughout the torso. Samba is a fun and lively dance that can be performed as an upbeat and sultry dance during a show or a competition, and as the joy of a party.
CHA CHA
The Cha Cha Cha is possibly the most popular of the five international Latin dances. Deriving from Cuba, Cha Cha is characterized by its fun and flirtatious hip movements, beautiful spins and figures, with a variety of upbeat rhythms. The Cha Cha can be danced to popular pop music, and its catchy beat makes this dance a great hit at parties and social dancing events.
RUMBA
Rumba, often nicknamed the “dance of love”, is derived from the Afro-Caribbean ballroom dance “Son” popular in the 1930s. Its slower, smooth and continuous hip actions, known as the ‘Cuban movement’, give it a romantic and sensual feel.
Rumba is a versatile dance that can be danced to Latin music and contemporary pop music, a romantic dance that is perfect for weddings, shows and social events.
PASO DOBLE
Paso Doble is a dramatic dance modeled after the Spanish bullfight, with the man representing the Matador. The woman, however, has various roles changing throughout the dance, such as a strong, Spanish woman. Paso Doble is theatrical and stirring, proud and passionate, and is often enjoyed with swift dance figures choreographed to the music.
JIVE
Jive originated in the United States from the African-Americans in the early 1940s. Similar to the East Coast Swing, the Jive is distinguished by its Chasses (triple steps) in a syncopated rhythm and bounce, along with its upbeat and fast knee and hip action. Similar to Rock ‘n’ Roll and Swing, Jive is certainly a fun, energetic and exciting dance for children and adults alike, suitable for beginners and advanced dancers.
DANCESPORT - STANDARD
WALTZ
There are two types of waltzes that are performed in most ballrooms - the Slow Waltz and the Viennese Waltz. The classical Viennese Waltz is a quick ballroom dance that involves the dancers swirling around the whole dance floor, seemingly without touching the ground.
The slightly easier Slow Waltz is a favourite dance among beginners and social dancers. It is characterised by its grace, elegance and fluidity of movements and rotations.
TANGO
Influenced by the Spanish and African culture, the Tango is sensual and passionate, one of the most fascinating dances. Stylized strides dominate this dance, along with periodical sharp and staccato movements. Tango’s passionate nature evokes a strong connection to the music, your partner and the audience, a dance that is exciting and often easy to learn. Its dramatic nature also makes Tango a very popular dance that is often featured in blockbuster movies; a favourite dance for those who enjoy drama within a dance.
VIENNESE WALTZ
Emerging in Austria and Germany in the 18th century, the Viennese Waltz is the classic, original waltz and the oldest of all Ballroom dances. Danced in a fast triple ¾ time, its quick rotating movements make the Viennese Waltz challenging but exciting, while its romantic and charming nature makes it often coined the “palace dance”. Flow and elegance are the key elements of this dance, a dance that can teach you grace, tone, and rhythm.
FOXTROT
Originating in America in the early 20th century, Foxtrot has evolved into a popular social dance and competitive Ballroom dance. Classified as a smooth and suave dance, it is characterized by its long and gliding steps with a brushing action. Foxtrot is a dance that is easy to pick up by beginners, and remains a popular favourite by people of all ages. Beautiful and elegant, its romantic and sophisticated nature makes it a classic dance for wedding receptions and social events.
QUICKSTEP
The Quickstep was developed in the 1920s in suburban New York, and was greatly influenced by the Charleston fever of 1925. Seen as a light and fast-paced dance with smooth glides and chasses, the Quickstep is a dance with basic steps that are easy to learn for beginners, and provides an impressive expression of rhythm for advanced dancers. The Quickstep is certainly a fun dance for those who want to learn Ballroom dancing and also keep in shape.