DANCES WE OFFER
We offer an assortment of dances in American Rhythm and Smooth.
Foxtrot Lessons– Foxtrot is a basic dance from which you can acquire a good foundation. Learning to combine steps easily and smoothly teaches variety and maneuverability. The Foxtrot posture is attractive in appearance and helpful to all other dances. 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. Foxtrot is written in 2/4 or 4/4 time. The first and third beats are accented in 4/4 time. Foxtrot has two major teaching rhythms: Basic Rhythm and Box Rhythm. The basic components of the Foxtrot are walking steps and side steps.
Waltz Lessons – Waltz develops balance and control. 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 is written in ¾ time and has a slow to medium tempo with the musical accent occurring on the first beat of each measure. The basic components of the Waltz are walking steps and side steps. Rise and Fall and Body Sway are some of the styling characteristics which make the simplest Waltz patterns elegant and beautiful.
Tango Lessons – In order to achieve the distinctive style of the Tango it is important to develop controlled staccato footwork, along with fluid graceful movements. The unique rhythm of the music is great training for timing and phrasing which develops as the dancer becomes more proficient. Tango music is usually written in 2/4 or 4/4 timing. 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.
Rumba Lessons – Learning the Rumba is a prerequisite for good Latin Dancing. The Cuban motion 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. Rumba is usually written in 4/4 time.
Cha-Cha Lessons – Cha-Cha adds fun to your dancing through its syncopated steps and many open movements. When you can dance many interesting combinations with ease, you and your partner will be able to feel the pulsating Latin rhythms which make this dance so fascinating and fun. Cha-Cha is written in 4/4 time and may be played over a wide range of tempos. Triple steps and rock steps are the basic components of the Cha-Cha. Since the Cha-Cha is derived from the Rumba and the Mambo, Cuban motion is an important aspect of this dance.
Swing Lessons – The East Coast Swing & The West Coast Swing are dances with a carefree relaxed style. The West Coast Swing is generally danced in a slot as the East Coast Swing is generally danced in spot. 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. Swing is normally written in 2/4 or 4/4 time
Merengue Lessons – Merengue is written in 2/4, 4/4 and 6/8 time. The rhythmical accent will occur on the first beat of each measure. Walking steps and side steps are the basic components of Merengue. This dance is introduced as a marching dance but can be developed into a very rhythmical dance. With Cuban motion and animated body movement, the Merengue gives a festive party appeal.
Salsa Lessons – Salsa is the unique blending of traditional Latin sounds and dance steps of the Mambo and the Cha-Cha with the freedom and turning actions of Swing and Disco Hustle. Salsa is written in 4/4 time and the components of Salsa are rock steps and side steps and foot styling includes points, kicks or flicks. The Latin hip movement is an important aspect of the dance. A true Nightclub dance that fits into small crowded floors, a real must for Latin social dancing
Bolero Lessons – The Bolero is a smooth, sophisticated, sentimental love dance. The emphasis is on smoothness and graceful turns with much communication between partners. The Bolero is usually played in 4/4 time and its tempo is slower then that of the Rumba. The Bolero has some different characteristics from its Cuban relative the Rumba. Its long sweeping side steps and use of rise and fall create a softness that makes this dance unique among the rhythm dances. The expanding and contracting dance position makes a very dramatic and romantic statement.
Disco Hustle Lessons – Hustle originated in the 1970’s Disco era and was popularized by John Travolta in the movie “Saturday Night Fever”. Disco music is normally written in 2/4 or 4/4 time with a strong bass beat. Characteristics of Hustle are turns, spins and wraps. The more accomplished dancers will use syncopated timing and fakes along with elaborate arm styling.
Samba Lessons– Samba improves the flexibility of the body and helps achieve easy movement and lightness. Although considered a good exercise, Samba should be danced smoothly and in a relaxed manner giving the appearance of effortless movement. Walking steps and side steps are the basic components of Samba. It is written in 2/4 or 4/4 time. The music is festive and fast paced with a sound associated with Rio’s Carnival.