Dance Glossary

Argentine Tango: A more authentic form of social Tango originating in Argentina and Uruguay that features improvisation and connection, has dramatic character, and is usually danced with lots of leg and foot action. Often danced as more of a spot dance rather than a progressive dance.

Bolero: An American style of latin slow dance. The music is very similar to a slow rumba. The Bolero is very slow, expressive, and romantic. In terms of latin music and dance speed, the bolero is the slowest, followed by rumba, then cha-cha, with mambo the fastest.

Cha-cha: A dance with both American and International versions, the Cha-cha is fast and playful. The steps are similar to a rumba with an extra "cha-cha" double step in-between the forward and backward breaks. In terms of latin music and dance speed, the bolero is the slowest, followed by rumba, then cha-cha, with mambo the fastest.

East Coast Swing (Swing): An American dance to swing and big band music. There are many styles, including the Jitterbug, the Lindy Hop, and the Shag. Often referred to as a "circular" dance, East Coast Swing is a spot dance.

Foxtrot: A ballroom dance with both American and International versions, the Foxtrot is a smooth dance to big band music. It features ease of movement and a smoothly flowing style that progresses counterclockwise around the dance floor.

Hustle: A fast smooth dance to Disco music. The lady spins almost constantly, and the man alternately draws her close and sends her away.

Jive: The International version of East Coast Swing. A fast, acrobatic, lively dance.

Mambo: A fast, snappy latin dance, very similar to Salsa, with compact steps. This dance originated in Cuba. In terms of latin music and dance speed, the bolero is the slowest, followed by rumba, then cha-cha, with mambo the fastest.

Merengue: A fast, lively latin dance where the dancers do marching steps.

Nightclub Two-Step: A romantic social dance to soft rock and pop love songs, not to be confused with Country Two-Step. It features a simple "one-and-two" count, and offers many variations for romantic expression.

Quickstep: An international standard (smooth) ballroom dance, very quick and lively. It is comprised of hops, skips, and kicks. The dancers are continuously in a "closed" dance position, and progress counterclockwise around the dance floor.

Paso Doble: An International, theatrical dance, where the man acts like a Spanish bullfighter and the lady as his cape. The dance is arrogant and passionate.

Rumba: A dance with both American and International versions, the Rumba is a sensuous latin dance featuring body and hip movements. The Rumba is often referred to as "the dance of love." In terms of latin music and dance speed, the bolero is the slowest, followed by rumba, then cha-cha, with mambo the fastest.

Salsa: The social, smoother, playful version of Mambo. The steps and music are virtually identical at the lower levels, with Salsa often breaking on the "one" beat, whereas Mambo breaks on two.

Samba: A dance with both American and International versions, the Samba has a travelling action around the floor with lots of spins and controlled bounces. This dance originated in Brazil.

Tango: A ballroom dance with both American and International versions, the Tango originated in the Bordellos of Buenos Aires. A dramatic dance featuring staccato movement of the feet with flexed knees, this dance progresses counterclockwise around the dance floor.

Viennese Waltz: A smooth ballroom dance, both in International Standard and American styles. Danced to quick 6/8 time music, the dancers whirl first one way and the other counterclockwise down the floor. This dance originated in mid-Europe.

Waltz: A smooth ballroom dance, both in International Standard and American styles. Originally a court dance, the romantic Waltz is danced to slow 6/8 time music. The dance features a smoothly flowing quality where the dancers progress counterclockwise down the floor in a series of spins and turns.

West Coast Swing: A swing dance for swing and rock music, the lady dances back and forth in a slot with the man as the pivot.