Fox Trot
The Fox Trot provides a good foundation for all dances and is often called the "get-acquainted" or "first impression" dance. Learning to combine steps easily and smoothly teaches variety and maneuverability. The Fox Trot posture is attractive in appearance and helpful to all other dances. The range of Fox Trot tempos makes it possible to consider Foxtrot as though it were three dances: Slow Fox Trot; Medium Fox Trot; and Fast Fox Trot, also called Society Tempo. Crowded dance floors or night club conditions require that all three tempos be expressed with short steps. In larger ballrooms the slow Fox Trot is characterized by longer smooth, gliding steps, demanding ease of movement and control in order to give this dance an unhurried appearance. Being able to dance to slow, medium and fast tempos will add confidence to your dancing and will assure fun and relaxation for your partner.

Waltz
The elegant sweeping movement of the Waltz gives dancers a chance to practice balance and to move lightly with ease. The basic Waltz steps are the foundation patterns used in most ballroom dances. Correct posture, rise and fall, and flowing movements should be stressed to achieve good styling. Waltz music is written in 3/4 time and has a slow to medium tempo. Faster tempo Waltz is called Viennese Waltz (see Viennese Waltz). Rise and Fall and Body Sway are some of the styling characteristics which make the simplest Waltz patterns elegant and beautiful.

Viennese Waltz
From Strauss Waltzes and Tchaikovsky Ballets to music by contemporary artists, Viennese Waltz music has inspired people to dance for generations. The splendor of Waltz is epitomized in the elegant and graceful Viennese Waltz. The gliding, turning movements suggest that the dancer is skating. The Viennese Waltz brings to mind chandeliers and lovely ladies in their flowing gowns dancing to the lilting sounds of Strauss Waltzes. The Viennese Waltz is known for its rotational movement, which is simple and elegant.

Tango
The Tango is one of the most beautiful of all the dances. It is characterized by earthy and dramatic movements. In order to achieve the distinctive style of the Tango, it is important to develop controlled staccato footwork along with fluid graceful movements. The hold in Tango is more compact than in other moving dances. The walk in Tango differs from walks in other dances in that it is a staccato action obtained by delaying the follow through of the free leg and foot. The unique rhythm of the music is great training for timing and phrasing which develops as the dancer becomes more proficient. Tango practice is essential towards becoming a good dancer.

Rumba
The Rumba will sharpen your sense of rhythm, timing and muscular control. Learning the Rumba is a prerequisite for good Latin Dancing. The distinctive hip movement of Rumba, called the Cuban Motion, is one of the most important elements of this dance and is essential in most all Latin dances. The Rumba is used by good dancers everywhere and provides interesting variety suited to a limited space. Neat, attractive, precise footwork gives you confidence in your dancing.

Cha Cha
The energetic rhythm of the Cha Cha encourages you to cut loose and let your personality show. Cha Cha adds fun to your dancing through its syncopated steps and many open movements. Triple steps (chasse) and rock steps are the basic components of the Cha Cha. Since the Cha Cha is derived from the Rumba and Mambo, Cuban Motion is an important aspect of this dance. When you can dance many interesting combinations with ease, you and your partner well be able to feel the pulsating Latin rhythms which make this dance so fascinating.

Mambo
The wild exciting music, and rhythmical body movements make the earthy Mambo irrestible. Mambo is a fusion of Cuban and American dancing. The music is characterized by a stirring Afro-Cuban beat. Mambo is an exciting dance which allows you to develop your own feeling and expression. The components of Mambo are rock steps and side steps, and foot styling includes points, kicks or flicks. The Latin hip movement in Mambo is an important aspect of the dance. The overall flavor of the dance is contained in the translation of the word Mambo which means "shake it" or "say it". Because Mambo is such a fun dance, good Mambo dancers are always popular and in demand as partners.

Samba
Sometimes called the South American or Brazilian Waltz, the Samba pulsates to a unique Latin rhythm. Today's Samba music is influenced by Jazz and Latin rhythms. Samba improves the flexibility of the body and helps achieve easy movement and lightness. The Samba rolling action teaches the body to be supple. To move lightly, quickly and smoothly without effort takes study, but only at the start. Although considered a good exercise, Samba should be danced smoothly and in a relaxed manner giving the appearance of effortless movement.

Merengue
Merengue is the simplest dance to learn. Its uncomplicated timing makes it easy to feel the music. Merengue developes Cuban Motion and the ability to adapt to any partner. It is the only Latin dance which combines one-step timing with Cuban Motion and therefore is a help to all Latin dances. The march type beat sharpens timing and coordination and the proper use of the accent will develop a clearer interpretaion of musical rhythm. With Cuban Motion and animated body movement, the Merengue gives a festive party appeal.

Bolero
The romantic Bolero is the slowest of the Latin dances. It combines controlled movement with dramatic expression of the music. The Bolero is a smooth, sophisticated, sentimental love dance. The emphasis is on the smoothness and graceful turns with much communication between partners. The slower music to which it is performed enhances a feeling of romance. The Bolero has some different characterisitics from its Cuban relative, the Rumba. While Rumba music is very rhythmical, the lyrical Bolero sounds more like a Latin Ballad. Its long sweeping side steps and use of rise and fall create a softness that makes this dance unique among the Rhythm dances.

Swing (Jitterbug, Jive, Shag, Lindy Hop, etc.)
Perhaps the most uniquely American of all dances, the Swing brings forth a buoyant carefree movement. It's one of the dances that becomes contagious. The Swing is a spot dance with a carefree relaxed style and is a dance easily mastered by most people. The various speeds of music are excellent training for quick footwork and good leading and following which will add comfort and ease in most other rhythm dances. After mastering the patterns both men and women will find Swing a fun and exciting dance to learn and practice.

Hustle
The Hustle gives us the fusion of Swing and Disco. Hustle originated in the 1970's Disco Era and was popularized by John Travolta in the movie "Saturday Night Fever". It is still one of the most popular nightclub dances today. Turns, spins and wraps are primary components of the Hustle. The more accomplished dancers will use syncopated timing and fakes along with elaborate arm syling.