How to Choose Ballroom Dancing Lesson DVD Courses

Before you sign up for ballroom dancing lessons understand you can take ballroom dancing lessons in the comfort of your home.  Learn to dance when you want and where you want for less cost.

Yes, it’s possible. In-home ballroom dancing DVD lessons abound and can be ordered online. The instructional kits provide an easy and inexpensive way to learn a few basics about ballroom dancing or about a specific dance you wish to learn. Basically, ballroom dancing lesson DVD courses include instructional videos, practice music CD/DVDs, and an illustrated instructional booklet or manual.  An exceptional course includes online support.

The dance kit (aka DVD course) comes in different dance skill levels – beginners, intermediate and advanced. The kits may feature a specific dance like tap dance alone or may include several dances like a combination of Waltz, Foxtrot, or East Coast Swing. A tap dance kit may even include heel and toe taps, soundboards, screws and tacks to convert an ordinary pair of shoes into practice taps

Ballroom dancing lesson kits provide all the lessons you find from a private dance lesson for a lower price – in fact, a few hundred dollars in savings! Aside from saving a few dollars, what are the other advantages of learning from a ballroom dancing kit?

Advantages of DVD/Kit Ballroom Dancing Lessons

  • Learn in the comfort of your own home.
  • Choose to learn at your own schedule.
  • Learn at your own pace.
  • No pressure to keep up with a class.
  • Review the instructions as many times as necessary.
  • Learn with your spouse, family and/or friends as dance partners.
  • Start with any of the ballroom dance styles you like and order the styles as you wish.
  • Avoid embarrassing “all-left-foot” incidents.
  • Build confidence first in the comfort of your home before hitting the public dance floor.
  • Use ballroom dance as a form of exercise.

Your online search will likely give you a lot of ballroom dancing lesson options. How to choose the best one? The checklist below is of great help

Ballroom Dancing Kit Checklist

Instructional Video.

  • Is the video produced by a reputed instructor or a dancing school?
  • Is the dance demonstrated by professional dancers?
  • Is the video easy to follow?
  • Does the video provide a step-by-step execution of the dance steps, positions and patterns?
  • Are the instructions arranged from the basic to complicated steps?
  • Does the video contain at least a 60 minute instructional guide?
  • Is the instruction presented in a lively, fun and interesting way?

Practice music CD/DVD

  • Does the CD/DVD contain at least 10 tracks or music?
  • Does the music accompany the dance step you will learn?

Instructional booklet or manual

  • Is the booklet or manual illustrated?
  • Does the booklet or manual have photos of steps and dance positions?
  • Are the instructions in the manual easy to read and understand?
  • Are the pictures or illustrations clear?
  • Does the manual or booklet specify what to wear for the dance?

Telephone/Online support

  • Is there a telephone or online support staff that could help you if ever you have questions about the kit?
  • Is online reference or tutorial that complements the dance lesson available?

Warranty

  • Does the kit offer a warranty?
  • Is the warranty at least a 30-day warranty?
  • Is it a money back guarantee?
  • Is the warranty unconditional?

With the help of this guide, look for ballroom dancing lessons perfect for your needs and – dance like a star!

One ballroom dancing lesson kit that meets all of the above is the Learn and Master Ballroom Dance course.  Read my review here.

Otherwise, click here to visit the official Learn and Master Ballroom Dance Website.

End of the How to Choose Ballroom Dancing Lesson DVD Courses post.

Filed Under: Choosing Ballroom Dancing Lessons Tagged With:

Learn and Master Ballroom Dance Review

Disclosure: The links in this review are affiliate links.  This means if you click and take action such as purchasing something, the publisher of this website may receive a sales commission.  Note that you do not pay a penny more for clicking the links and then purchasing.

OVERVIEW:

  • Learn and Master Ballroom Dance is an instructional video featuring 6 American ballroom dance styles namely: Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Rumba, Cha Cha and Swing.
  • Produced by Legacy Learning Systems, Learn and Master Ballroom Dance has two of America’s best ballroom dancing coaches as instructors, Jaimee Simon and Mark Short.

Types of Dance Taught

Features
  • Tailored for beginners, the instructional kit includes video demonstration, printed material, dance-along CDs, professional instruction and online support.
  • Video Demonstration. With13 DVDs of dance figures and choreography. Individual figure is demonstrated with a close
  • up shot of the feet and a long shot of the entire body presented in the screen simultaneously.
  • Printed Material. Comes with a 75+ page workbook outlining each dance step and position.
  • Dance-Along CDs. With 6 CDs containing the practice music plus a varied collection of music appropriate for the dances.
  • Professional instruction. Video instructions are presented step by step by America’s top professional coaches, Jaimee Simon and Mark Short. Dance figures for the lady and the gentleman are broken down into sequence of steps.
  • Online Support. Jaimee Simon and Mark Short, themselves, answer queries of students. Peer support is also available provided by an online community of registered users of the instructional kit.

Benefits
  • Learn from real ballroom dancing professionals in the comfort of your own home while getting the same benefits from a private dance instructor or group dance classes.
  • Practice anytime you want with or without a partner. No need to keep up with other dancers, practice at your own pace.
  • Rehearse as long as you want before moving on to the next figure.
  • Avoid feeling embarrassed or shy as a beginning dancer.
  • Take your time to perfect the steps and figures and choose when to show off your dance moves.

Video

Click the video to learn more.

Testimonials
  • “I have seen several dance instruction videos and this was the best. This video does a good job of presenting ballroom steps in a sensible, easy-to-understand way. The instructors clearly know what they are doing, and obviously know how to share that knowledge. I thought this was an excellent course and the instructors did a good job of helping the students understand. I especially liked the split screen sections following their bodies and feet at the same time.” – Mike Pigott
  • “These videos were incredibly well done. Each figure was demonstrated thoroughly using repetition and various camera angles, leaving the student little doubt as to how the figure was to be performed. Armed with the information and skills learned in Learn & Master Ballroom Dance, a student will be well equipped to take to the dance floor. The advantage to this type of learning method as opposed to going to a dance class is that you can review the video as much as necessary, whereas in a dance class you come home and can’t remember how the figures were done at class, making practice difficult.” — Blaze and Diane Rosen Solan, Iowa – Ballroom Dance Competitor, Nashville, Tennessee

Warranty / Money Back Guarantee?

 Yes. 60-Day Satisfaction Guarantee. Full refund with no questions asked.

Complaints

 Forums and user reviews registered no complaints. Others though find the price a bit costly. But then quality comes with a price.
Click Here to Visit the Official Learn and Master Ballroom Dance Website
Filed Under: Ballroom Dance DVD Course Tagged With:

About Ballroom Dancing – It’s More than Just a Waltz

About Ballroom Dancing

Eager to take ballroom dancing lessons and try that new pair of dancing shoes? Well, your dancing feet – rather your click – has brought you to the right site about ballroom dancing and ballroom dancing lessons.

Know more about ballroom dancing, how it is defined, how the term ‘ballroom dancing’ came to be and how history shaped the ballroom dancing that we know today. What’s more, learn about ballroom dancing and dancesport – are the two the same? Or totally different? What specific dances are categorized as ballroom dancing? See the complete list of ballroom dances as defined by the World Dance Council and the American Style Competition.

Read about the many benefits of ballroom dancing and why ballroom dancing is still a great thing to know, why it is still very relevant today, and a review of ballroom dancing lessons. Plus, explore the many resources online about ballroom dancing and be guided with our advice about what to look for in ballroom dancing lessons.

What is ballroom dancing?

Ballroom dancing, defined broadly, refers to any form of social dancing. Usually, a pair or a set of partners perform the dances in a ballroom or a salon. The definitive style of ballroom dancing is sequence dancing in pairs and formations.

Ballroom dancing can be pictured in history as that kind of dancing where a set of partners, usually nobility – kings and queens, princes and princesses, members of the court – in their elegant gowns and dresses – dance for a festivity or a ceremony. Usually featured in some movies is the coming of age of ladies in court.

Today, ballroom dancing has evolved into a social or a competitive dance enjoyed by many and is performed not only in a ballroom but also on stage, in film or television.

Also with the emergence of dancesport, ballroom dancing takes on a different definition and includes specific dances regulated by the World Dance Council (WDC).

What is the etymology of the term “ballroom dancing”?

The term “ballroom” is derived from the word “ball” which originated from the Latin word ballare meaning “to dance”. In the early times, ballroom dancing was considered as social dancing for the upper class while folk dancing is for the lower class.

How is ballroom dancing different from dancesport?

Ballroom dancing refers to a ballroom dance purely for social entertainment while dancesport is a competitive ballroom dancing event. The term “dancesport” was coined to help competitive ballroom dancing gain Olympic recognition. “Dancesport” makes competitive ballroom dancing sounds like a physically-demanding sports event which is, indeed, true.

Technically in a dancesport competition, ballroom dancing specifically refers to the ten International Standard and International Latin Style dances. In Canada and US, ballroom dancing is classified into American Smooth and American Rhythm.

Where did ballroom dancing originate?

The earliest record of ballroom dances points to France as the country of origin. The “five positions” of the feet were first formulated by the members of

Academie Royale de Musique et de Danse founded by Louis XIV in the latter half of the seventeenth century. Also, the Academie wrote the steps for the execution of every social dance. Ballet and ballroom dance became distinctly separate when professional dances brought ballet on stage and other forms remained as court dances.

However, the waltz that we know today took root in England in the early 18th century. Sequence dancing was also predominantly developed in the United Kingdom. Early in the 20th century, modern ballroom dances began to emerged. Significant changes evolved like dancing couples moving independently of each other as opposed to sequence dancing. A wave of new music also brought about different dance crazes that influenced ballroom dancing.

Learning Ballroom Dancing Today

These days many people take ballroom dancing lessons for weddings, for fun, for an activity to enjoy with a significant other, for exercise, and formal occasions. Ballroom dancing lessons train both physical and mental faculties and help improve balance. Most importantly, ballroom dancing lessons are a fun activity to enjoy with other people.

Filed Under: About Ballroom Dancing Tagged With:

Is Anyone Actually Ballroom Dancing These Days? You Bet!

Ballroom dancing is for all ages. Young and old alike can enjoy social dancing. Statistics show that those who are into ballroom dancing are usually ages 40’s – 60’s. That’s why ballroom dancing is often associated with older people. The trend, however, indicates an increasing number of teens or those who are in their 20’s engaging in ballroom dancing. In fact, some of the best ballroom dancers are in their 20’s. Not only that, but kids are now dancing to the 1940’s craze Lindy Hop. Moms around the world even introduce their little misses and tykes to ballroom dancing either as a hobby or grooming them to become dance pro.

When is the proper time to learn ballroom dancing?

I could say the moment you know your right foot from your left, then, it’s time to learn ballroom dancing. Seriously, you may opt to know social dancing at the early stage of your life or the later stage, it doesn’t really matter. When to start learning becomes crucially important if your purpose is to become a professional ballroom dancer. Of course, those who are early in the game will have an advantage. Generally, it takes 5-7 years dancing experience to get to the top. Most start to learn in their early 20’s or even at a much younger age especially those competing for the juvenile division. Most college students who are members of collegiate ballroom dancing competitions start at the age of 17. But surely, most have some form of dance experience prior to ballroom dancing. Mothers even groom their little kids to become ballroom dancers at tender ages.

What are the age groups in ballroom competitions? There are two categories in a ballroom dancing competition, the amateur rank and the professional rank. In the amateur competition, dancers are categorized into age groups while in a professional division, age is immaterial.

Age groups in an amateur ballroom dance competition

  • Juveniles (up to 12 yrs. old)
  • Juniors (13-16 yrs. old )
  • Youth (17- 21 yrs. old)
  • Adult Amateurs (16+)
  • Seniors (35+)
  • Over 45′s (45+)

However, if you wish to learn ballroom dancing as a recreation or exercise, then you can start ballroom dancing anytime. Ballroom dancing is a great after work activity to relieve the stress and tension of a day’s job. Or you may take up dancing lessons on weekends. Even doubly great you can learn ballroom dancing whatever time you want with the availability of do-it-at-home ballroom dancing kit and ballroom dancing online courses.

Among elderly people, it’s not too late to learn social dancing. In fact, a study in Brazil (where some of the Latin dances originated) validated ballroom dancing as a therapy for elderly people. The result of the dance action-research among 60 senior citizens in Brazil was printed in the American Journal of Dance Therapy volume 29, number 2 published last Dec. 2007.

But why wait when you can start learning ballroom dancing now? The earlier you get into social dancing, the more you reap the many benefits and rewards of ballroom dancing.

How relevant is ballroom dancing in today’s age?

Ballroom dancing is timeless. In today’s age, ballroom dancing becomes even more popular and is in fact a growing multi-billion dollar industry based on a market analysis. Each year, more than a million people enroll in ballroom dancing classes according to WGBH-TV. In addition, from 1985 there is an increase of 25% per year in the number of amateur ballroom dancers.

Even among the new generation, ballroom dancing is not viewed as an outdated out-of-generation Y activity. Among teens and young kids, ballroom dancing is fun. In fact, some schools include some forms of social dancing in their curriculum. Colleges and universities even hold inter-school dance competitions, thus, most colleges or universities have their own dance club or organization.

Perhaps, the greatest testament to the relevance of ballroom dancing in today’s age is the recognition awarded by the International Olympic Committee to dancesport as an Olympic event.

Filed Under: About Ballroom Dancing Tagged With:

Benefits of Ballroom Dancing

Do you know that a night of dancing can burn more calories per hour than riding a bike or swimming? That an hour of ballroom dancing can burn 265 calories? (based on a 250 pound person) These are only a few of the many healthful benefits of ballroom dancing. Read on and know the many rewards of ballroom dancing.

Ballroom Dancing Health Benefits

  • Ballroom dancing, aside from being a type of social dancing, is also a form of exercise closely resembling aerobic exercises which provide healthy benefits for the heart. In fact, Mayo clinic researchers and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) reported that ballroom dancing can help
  • Reduce stress
  • Increase energy
  • Improve strength
  • Increase muscle tone and coordination
  • Lower the risk of heart disease
  • Decrease blood pressure
  • Strengthen legs and hips
  • Lose or maintain weight

Aside from the physical benefits listed above, ballroom dancing also promotes a healthy brain. For one, dancing activities increase blood flow to the brain, stimulates the brain chemicals and encourages nerve cells to grow. Also, the memorization and the synchronization of the dance steps with a partner keep the mind active. That is why ballroom dancing is said to lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia among the elderly. Diabetics as well as hypertensive can also benefit from ballroom dancing because dancing in moderation can aid in lowering bad cholesterol and can help control blood sugar level.

In addition, ballroom dancing can help prevent osteoporosis especially among women. The proper posture and bearing which are important in the execution of the dances align the bones and the sway, the bend among other movements help in the lubrication of the joints. This in turn prevents arthritis. Furthermore, the balancing and coordinated movements in ballroom dancing are all beneficial to the central nervous system. Coordination and balance keep us from falls and injuries in our daily activities.

Social Benefits to Ballroom Dancing

Since ballroom dancing is done with a partner usually in a social gathering, people who are into ballroom dancing are less prone to depression, isolation and loneliness. Thru social dancing, one can meet new acquaintances, gain friends or even find a romantic partner.

Moreover, part of ballroom dancing is dressing up properly for the type of dance. Thus, by being active in social dancing, grooming and looking your best most of the time is an added plus to feeling good about oneself.

Some management paradigms even view ballroom dancing as a perfect example of teamwork and apply the principles gleaned from ballroom dancing to the workplace – the give and take in the steps, the unity of the movement, the adherence to instructions and the like.

Perhaps the most visible effect of ballroom dancing is making and keeping one young, happy and confident. Indeed after a dance, one feels elevated. This is due to the increase of endorphin levels as a result of a physical activity. The happy feeling a dance can generate gives a sense of satisfaction and a healthy sense of being.

Whatever is your reason for taking an interest in ballroom dancing, don’t hesitate! Slip on that dance shoe, hit the dance floor and reap all the benefits.

How to Choose Ballroom Dancing Lessons on DVD – Video:

Filed Under: About Ballroom Dancing Tagged With:

What is the Waltz Dance Style?

You may be asking yourself this question for a variety of reasons: what is the waltz dance style? This dance style has been around for many years and is categorized as a type of ballroom dancing. Some professionals spend years perfecting their waltz and learning how to dance it in unusual and unexpected ways.

You may think you have never seen a waltz before, but if you have ever watched the popular TV show Dancing with the Stars you have definitely seen it a time or two. In fact, if you have ever watched any type of television dancing show you have probably seen some elements of the waltz dance style at some point.

Even if you have seen it in action a time or two, you may still be asking yourself what is the waltz dance style. You are probably wondering if it would be appropriate for you, especially if you have a special event coming up or want to start taking dance lessons to get in shape or just enjoy a new hobby.

The History of Waltz

What is the waltz dance style? It is the first dance style to cause scandal and outrage in modern history! It was believed to have originated in the 18th century in Germany, spreading to Paris and on to the rest of the world in the 19th century. It created a lot of controversy among people all around the world since it was the first couple dance that allowed the man to wrap his arm around the woman’s waist.

For some people that may have been just a little too much public touching for comfort, but today it is nothing to raise an eyebrow at! Just like most dancing in those early days, it is believed that the style of waltz dancing was spread around the world by soldiers traveling for war and pleasure.

The Waltz Today

Today, the waltz is often seen on the dance floor at wedding receptions and can be seen on virtually any televised dance competition. Those interested in ballroom dancing in general often learn basic waltz steps before tackling any other dance form. You can even find professionals that study and practice the waltz to perfection so they can compete in high stakes international competitions.
What is the waltz dance style today? It is one of the most loved and routinely practiced ballroom dance styles in existence, that’s what it is!

Proper Music Selections

The waltz can be done to most music selections that are very slow and which match the flowing, smooth foot patterns involved with this dance style. Selections can be taken from a variety of genres from country to classical.

Is the Waltz Right for You?

The waltz can be made incredibly simple or very complex. Many engaged couples will take waltz lessons or hire a private tutor to teach them the basic waltz to be used as the first dance at their wedding reception. This is because the steps are very easy to learn by beginners and the style is free flowing and highly romantic.

A typical waltz requires the dancers to breeze over the dance floor with light feet and sweeping motions that are incredibly beautiful and eye catching. There are some very basic steps, such as the box step, which are incredibly easy to learn and which allow partners to look graceful and easy on the floor right from the beginning.

The hardest elements of learning the waltz are:

1. Hearing the counts in the music so the feet are in tune with the flow of the music.

2. Coordinating pace and foot fall between partners and allowing just one partner to lead.

With practice, most people can learn these things rather quickly which makes the waltz a suitable dance for most beginning learners.

Where Can You Waltz?

If you want to give the waltz dance style a try you can find ballroom dancing destinations in most large cities. Even smaller cities often have some sort of restaurant, club, or community center were the waltz can be learned and danced on a regular basis.

Basic Waltz Steps to Get Started

  • Box step: simple 3 count step where the feet move in the shape of a box.
  • Turning box step: once you master the basic box step you can learn to turn it left and right to give a more complex, smoother appearance.
  • Underarm turn: this is a turn where one partner goes under the arm of the other while the foot motions of the dance continue uninterrupted. It gives an elegant touch and romantic appeal to the dance.

Beginners learning the waltz dance style will typically start with these three simple skills prior to learning other waltz dance steps.

Click here to learn the waltz

Filed Under: Types of Ballroom Dancing

What is the Tango Dance Style?

Look back to some of the most memorable dance scenes in popular movies and you will see brief examples of the tango dance style. Think of Scent of a Woman and Shall We Dance, both popular movies with even more popular tango dance scenes. Still, you may be wondering: what is the tango dance style?

Seeing it for a moment in an intriguing movie is one thing, but figuring out whether it is a good dance for you to learn is another thing entirely. Let’s take a closer look at this form of ballroom dancing to answer the all important question: what is the tango dance style?

The History of the Tango

What is the tango dance style? It is a dance with a very rich history, that’s what it is! The tango is probably one of the most interesting dance forms from a historical perspective because it was actually driven underground and considered taboo for civilized individual sin public for many years. This is because the form is more open and allows couples to interact in closer, more personal manners while improvising their steps.

The tango dance was not only responsible for opening up the dance floor to couples that didn’t want to do the same monotonous steps over and over, but it gave couples permission to get a little closer and mingle in a new way. The Argentine tango dance style required dancers to touch at the chest level, which was unheard of in open society prior to the introduction of the tango.

You could say in its early years the tango was akin to dirty dancing, grinding or the lap dance today. It was considered that inappropriate and distasteful when it first started spreading around the world!

The Tango Today

Today, the tango style of dance has spread around the world and there are many different variations on the form. Some are rather slow while others pick up the pace and include very detailed, fast paced footwork that gets rather intricate. While some basic steps can be learned rather easily, it takes years for anyone to really study the tango and get proficient in this dance style.

The tango can be seen in popular movies from time to time and is typically used in sultry or seductive scenes. It is often seen on television shows like Dancing with the Stars as well where the fancy footwork impresses judges and home viewers alike.

Proper Music Selections

Tango music selection varies. There are genres of music produced just for particular styles of the dance and then there is everyday music that fits well with particular forms and can be used as tango music. A quick search online will reveal a variety of tango music albums that have been produced just for particular forms of the dance style.

Is the Tango Right for You?

If you are thinking about taking on the tango seriously, be prepared to get immersed in its rich language and to spend years in your studies. This is a fun dance that is very rewarding in terms of physical fitness and mental intrigue, but it is not the easiest ballroom dance form to learn.

What is the tango dance style to you? It could be a new hobby that adds movement and enjoyment into your life. It could be an art form that introduces you to new people, a new way of holding your body, and a new way of interacting with that special someone in your life. It could even be an excuse to get out of the house and find that special someone if you haven’t already!

The tango is not a dance you typically learn for your wedding or on a short term basis. It is more of a dance that you start learning the basics and then find yourself immersed in. You could explore the different styles or you could study one and learn to dance it in a very complex manner.

The footsteps involved with this dance form can be rather simple or they can be very intricate, fast paced, and difficult to perfect.

Where Can You Tango?

There are many professional tango dancers today and many ballroom dance clubs and destinations have people doing some form of the tango on a routine basis. Wherever you go in the world, you are likely to encounter a different form of the tango which gives a new challenge.

The best place to start learning to tango is in a dance studio or DVD lessons presented by very experienced tango dancers.

Filed Under: Types of Ballroom Dancing

What is the Foxtrot Dance Style?

If you are interested in learning any form of ballroom dancing you are probably asking yourself this question: what is the foxtrot dance style? Many people find themselves wondering this because the name has a fun ring to it and it isn’t a dance form that is commonly seen on television shows or in popular films. It is however an extremely popular dance form all around the world.

If you are interested in learning more about the foxtrot, keep on reading. This is a basic introduction that will get you acquainted, help you determine if the dance style is for you, and once and for all answer the question: what is the foxtrot dance style?

The History of the Foxtrot

What is the foxtrot dance style? It is one of the few ballroom dance forms that can be traced back to a single person. Harry Fox was a popular actor in the early 1900s and he was the founder of the style, though it wasn’t called the foxtrot until much later.

Harry was known as a great actor, singer and dancer but he went down in history for giving lessons on his very unique style of dancing which was typically referred to as “Fox’s trot’ in those early days. Since the movements were so different from any other dance style popular at that time, everyone was itching to learn a few of these steps and get in touch with his style.

From those lessons Fox game himself the style grew in reputation and spread around the world and is still a popular ballroom dance form to this day.

The Foxtrot Today

Today, you can learn the foxtrot through any dance school or organization offering ballroom instruction. You can also see it performed on a professional basis with many worldwide competitions being held. Most ballroom dance competitions will have a category for the foxtrot.

The movements involved with this dance style are no longer considered new or innovative, but they are rather distinctive from other forms of ballroom dancing such as the waltz.

You can also see a foxtrot on television dance shows from time to time, but they are often more intricate than what a beginner would ever be able to accomplish.

Proper Music Selections

Today, you can foxtrot to music of any genre but it was originally taught and danced exclusively to ragtime tunes. There are some music selections created just for this dance form, but you will see the foxtrot being done to country music, classical music, and even disco.

Most foxtrot music is rather slow but with a nice jumpy edge that puts some spring in your dancing step.

Is the Foxtrot Right for You?

Learning the foxtrot is not incredibly difficult, but it is also not the easiest form of ballroom dance to master. Since it is a very sensual and free flowing dance it is often learned by couples that want to increase intimacy and reconnect with one another. Watching professional foxtrot dancers can inspire couples to get out on the floor together and move together.

When taking on foxtrot lessons it is important to expect a long road of study and practice. The movements are not all easy to get down and the way they can be combined into an endless variety of different dances makes this a very complex form of dance to study.

If you are looking for a dynamic form of dance that is sensual and romantic with a touch of fun and excitement, this is one style you might consider.

Where Can You Foxtrot?

You do some version of the foxtrot virtually anywhere that dancing is encouraged. Since this style has been adapted to so many different genres and blends easily with so many different types of music, it is one of the most versatile dance forms ever introduced. If you can learn to foxtrot at different paces and know a nice selection of steps you can get out on just about any dance floor and look right at home.

Basic foxtrot steps can be picked up right on the dance floor with an experienced partner, but it is best to go for some lessons if you are interested in performing the dance on a  more comfortable or professional basis.

Basic Foxtrot Steps to Get Started

  • Basic Forward/Backward: this is a very simple step where the leading partner steps forward twice (once on each leg) and then steps out to the side. The other partner will be stepping backward twice and then to the side. The motion typically goes slow for the first two steps and then fast for the side step.
  • Promenade: this is very similar to the basic forward/backward but the first two steps are taken in a sweeping manner with the body turned forward and then the side step is done off to an angle.
Filed Under: Types of Ballroom Dancing

What is the Rumba Dance Style?

What is the rumba dance style and why are there so many people interested in learning it today? Many people who take an interest in this form of ballroom dancing are more drawn to the seductive way the hips are used than they are drawn to the actual foot action. The sultry movements required of the entire body are what make the rumba such an interested and passionate dance to learn.

Actually, many people just enjoy watching professional rumba dancers in action because the style is so alluring and attractive on a very primal level. This is a very popular dance for couples that want to be more intimate with one another yet it isn’t the easiest form to learn.

What to know more about this dance style? Read on for a complete answer to the question: what is the rumba dance style?

The History of Rumba

What is the rumba dance style and where did it come from? This is a rather complex answer because there are different beliefs about the start of the rumba dance form as we know it today. There is believed to be two valid originations of this dance: the Spanish form danced first in Chile and the Caribbean islands and the African version brought around the world from early day African slaves.

In the West Indian culture the early forms of rumba dance were used as a sexual pantomime where the men went very fast and furious while the women recoiled in a state of self protection.

No matter how you look at it, the sexy, seductive nature of the dance has always been what sets it apart from other dance forms.

Rumba Today

The rumba is found everywhere today, but is especially popular in circles of Latin American dance enthusiasts. It is danced by professionals and amateurs or hobbyists alike and everyone seems drawn to the sexual nature and the alluring twists, turns, and swooping hips.

Learning to dance the rumba is fun and exciting, but it isn’t always the easiest form of ballroom dance to tackle. Yet, the seductive nature makes it fun and interesting for couples interested in really exploring one another.

Proper Music Selections

While you can do many forms of ballroom dance to popular music heard on the radio, rumba is not one of those dance forms. What is the rumba dance style? It is a style that needs perfectly formed music designed for its own style. You can look around online to find select examples of modern day songs that could be okay for the rumba, but more importantly you can find compilations of music designed just for rumba.

Is the Rumba Right for You?

The rumba is a sexual dance and there is no way around that. The most difficult part to learn is not necessarily the steps, but the motions of the hips and shoulders that give this dance for its sultry, seductive appeal. Without the proper rolling and sweeping of the hips the dance just does not look right.

One thing that makes the rumba a little more difficult to learn is that it isn’t a standard dance that operates off of simple 1-2-3 counts. For instance, the first figure which is often the starting point for beginners is counted 2-3-4. These subtle differences from other dance forms can be a bit confusing, but once the rhythm of the hip motion is understood it is much easier to get the steps down.

If you are interested in a dance that is challenging yet very fun and sensual in motion, this could be the right pick for you. It isn’t something that you can necessarily pick up overnight, but it is a fun dance to practice and you should be able to gain access to professional lessons somewhere in your local community.

There are also many online rumba lessons that be accessed for free or you can use DVDs and Internet based programs that teach at least the basic steps to get you started.

Where Can You Rumba?

Many dance clubs will play music appropriate for the rumba, especially if you can find clubs devoted to ballroom dance forms. You can also take rumba dance classes and participate or watch ballroom rumba competitions.

Basic Rumba Steps to Get Started

Rumba steps are actually called figures and tend to be more complex than the basic steps found in other dance styles. For instance, the first figure which most beginners learn as a taking off point is danced as follows:

1. The lead partner steps forward on the left foot, while the other partner steps backward on the left.

2. Step out to the side (right for lead partner).

3. Replace the right foot (lead partner) behind and then sweep the right foot out to the side.

This creates a forward and backward motion where the couple retraces their steps. This is a lot more complex than the basic steps for other ballroom dance forms, showing how much of a challenge this dance form can be for a complete beginner.

Filed Under: Types of Ballroom Dancing, Uncategorized

What is the Cha Cha Dance Style?

What is the cha cha dance style? If you have to ask this question you have to be very new to the world of ballroom dancing or you have to just be asking for more information beyond what everyone knows. Most people feel they know what the cha cha dance form is, but in reality they only know the very basic cha cha step and nothing more.

Cha cha is a legitimate style of dance that has many different forms danced around the world, but it is also one of the most popular forms with average people who are not dancers or dancing enthusiasts. Every television show based on ballroom dancing has cha cha dancing repeated over and over and you can go online to see every day people as well as professionals doing a wide variety of cha cha forms.

Further, you can go to an aerobics class and do the cha cha. This form is so fun to perform and easy to catch onto that it has long been used in fitness programs. For instance, it is now used in some of the very popular Zumba dances that are being featured on DVD as well as in gyms and fitness clubs around the world.

So, you have some vague idea but want to know about the cha cha in further detail. This guide is aimed at answering that question: what is the cha cha dance style?

History of the Cha Cha

Rather than coming along as its own distinct dance form or being invented entirely by one founder, the cha cha came into existence as the byproduct of another very popular ballroom dance form: the mamba. There was a particular sound that many people zoned in on and started to create music around when the mamba become popular around the world. It was the distinctive sound of cha cha music most of us have heard today.

This dance form was originally known as the cha cha cha because of the three fast motions that it is centered around.

The Cha Cha Today

What is the cha cha dance style in our modern world? It is not only a standard dance form that practically all serious ballroom dancers will study and perfect, but it is a popular form of dance that is enjoyed by people from all over the world in dance clubs, schools, and as we mentioned earlier, exercise classes.

You can see the cha cha performed all over the world today in professional dance circles and the basic steps are known even by people who don’t know how to dance. “cha cha cha, cha cha cha” is a popular saying that will get most people moving in the basic cha cha step…that’s how well known this dance form is today!

Proper Music Selections

Any style of music that is based on 110-130 beats per minute can be an ideal selection for a cha cha dance. Today, you can find people doing the cha cha to hip hop and beach songs as well as official Cuban music designed just for this dance form. Many popular tunes come out every year and are deemed suitable for cha cha dancers of all levels.

Is the Cha Cha Right for You?

The cha cha is one of the easiest dance forms to learn simply because there are resources all over the place ready to start teaching you. The very basic cha cha steps are already known the world over, but there are different styles of the dance which can be learned through local classes, DVD, or online courses and free videos.

If you are looking for an easy place to start with ballroom dancing or want an attractive dance form that can be incorporated easily into other dance styles you may learn, this is definitely a nice dance form to select. If you are looking for something highly technical and challenging this could be an entry into other forms of ballroom dance that are quite complicated.

While many cha cha moves are rather basic and easy to grasp, the dance form does get quite complicated and intricate when performed at a more professional level.

Where Can You Cha Cha?

The cha cha is one of the most versatile dance forms in that it can be danced virtually anywhere that music is readily played. Once you get the basic movements down you can get your groove on to a wide variety of music genres, opening the door to enjoyable cha cha dancing not only in ballroom dance settings but other dance clubs, receptions, and social events as well.

Filed Under: Types of Ballroom Dancing
« Older Posts