Dances include:
Ballroom - Waltz .. Tango.. Foxtrot .. Viennese Waltz .. Quickstep
Latin - Rumba.. Cha Cha.. Samba.. Mambo.. Bolero.. Paso Doble.. Bachata
Night Club - Swing .. Salsa .. Hustle .. Merengue

ARGENTINE TANGO
An intensely passionate dance that will capture your feet and your soul. Your life will never be the same as you enter the nocturnal world of ochos, sentadas, and milongas. On any given night, NYC provides dancers with many Tango dance spots to hone their new steps and technique. Enjoyable at any level, Tango becomes more physically and intellectually rewarding as your relationship with the Buenos Aires-born dance deepens. Other versions of the Tango evolved, which are now part of the American and International Styles of Ballroom Dancing. Whether it's the Argentine Tango or another style, this sultry dance will set your soul on fire! . . . Return to Top

BACHATA
Oh so sexy & romantic …. Bachata is a style of dance that accompanies music of the same name. With origins in the Dominican Republic, it borrows from the Cuban Bolero, and is sometimes referred to as the "blues music of the Dominican Republic." Traditionally, it’s based strongly around the guitar and is a romantic dance. However, many variations of the Bachata have evolved over the years. The dance is a four-step beat & action achieved with a walking Cuban hip motion, and a one-beat unique “pop,” hip motion, or pause. . . . Return to Top

BOLERO
(see Rumba) A slower version of the Rumba, also sexy and intriguing, the Bolero emphasizes the drama of love in a relationship. There are two variations: the Cuban (predecessor of the International Style Rumba) and the American Bolero, which differ technically as well as in their rhythmical interpretation. . . . Return to Top

CHACHA
A spicy, upbeat Latin dance that is related to the Mambo (a slower version.) This dance gained popularity on the streets of NYC in the late '50's and '60's. Originally called "Cha Cha Cha" and a favorite with jazz musicians and the Latin Community, the Cha Cha of today is still as exciting as ever. It is such a versatile dance that it can easily be done to many different styles of music from classic Tito Puente to Santana and Ricky Martin. . . . Return to Top

CUBAN MOTION
Cuban Motion, originally derived from the Merengue (the mother of all Latin dances), is the hip action and essential component in the characterization of any Latin dance. It's used throughout all the basic steps. As weight is transferred from the alternate bending and straightening of the knees, the hips move in the opposite direction. As you naturally move to the rhythm of the music, you acquire an authentic look and feel to your Latin dancing. . . . Return to Top

FOXTROT
The Foxtrot evolved out of the "Two-Step" Era around 1915, in the US. It is a smooth combination of slow and quick beats danced in a 4/4 rhythm. Reputedly named after Harry Fox, a popular Broadway singer and dancer, it is still as popular as ever…perfect for weddings and galas or a trip to the Rainbow Room. If you enjoy the music of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin or Ella Fitzgerald, you'll definitely want to learn the Foxtrot! . . . Return to Top

HUSTLE
This dance originated in the Latin communities of NYC and Miami in the 1970's. Hollywood sparked a nationwide craze when John Travolta strutted his stuff in "Saturday Night Fever." Today's favored form of the Hustle is a 3-count Latin "street" Hustle. Easily danced to disco music and most upbeat pop music, the Hustle incorporates fun, syncopated patterns and many exciting turns…it is a sure crowd pleaser on any night of the week! . . . Return to Top

MAMBO
(see Salsa and Rumba)- The music and dance originated in Cuba and developed from the musical form called "Son." It began its climb in popularity in the US in the 1940's, and particularly in the 1950's and 1960's (see Cha Cha) at NYC's Palladium Ballroom. It had a revival in appeal in the 1990's. Mambo/Salsa should be your first dance choice when learning the Latin dances, as it is all the rage throughout the world today! . . . Return to Top

MERENGUE
Having arrived in the US in the early part of the 20th Century from the Dominican Republic, Merengue is pure, playful fun. The rhythm is the simplest of the dances making the footwork easy, and the arms and turns more complex. Merengue is the perfect compliment to the Salsa and a must learn if you plan on going out to a Latin Club. . . . Return to Top

PASO DOBLE
This dance originated in Spain and retells the bullfight with the leader as the torero/matador, who leads "his cape," the follower, to attract the bull's attention. Still danced socially in Spain and Mexico, the Paso Doble had a revival in the US and Europe in the late 1950's, and has now evolved into a mostly competitive dance that incorporates Flamenco movements. Though you will not see this dance in any nightclub of NYC, you will still relish in the powerful feeling it inspires of a Spanish Bullfight, ole! . . . Return to Top

PEABODY
As legend has it, a New York City Police Captain, William Frank Peabody, created this dance in the early 1920's. A colorful character in Jazz Age circles, he was a portly man who accommodated his dance partner by dancing with her to his side. In later times, The Savoy Ballroom became famous for holding its popular Peabody contest, a race around the Ballroom which spanned an entire block. The Peabody feels like cross between Foxtrot and Quickstep. It's primarily a dance with long, gliding steps danced against the "open box" figure. So, if you want to dance to some fast music that allows the freedom of improvisation, take a "very quick walk" down memory lane. . . . Return to Top

QUICKSTEP
This dance emerged in England in the 1920's, and grew out of the Foxtrot craze. It is a high energy, quick paced and lively dance that incorporates steps from the Charleston (a fad dance of the 1920's), Peabody, and the Foxtrot. The Quickstep will intoxicate you with its joyful rhythms and pulsating speed. . . . Return to Top

RUMBA
A love story of two people, and officially christened the "dance of love," Rumba is the forerunner of other Latin dances. Its origins are deeply rooted in the Cuban music and dance called the "Son." The Rumba has manifested many forms and variations throughout the 20th Century (Beguine, Bolero, Danzon, etc.). It has a slower rhythm than the Mambo, making it a great dance for beginners. The sensual Rumba is a wonderful introduction to the tradition of Latin dances, Latin music and Latin body movement. . . . Return to Top

SALSA
Salsa is the hottest dance on the club scene today, emphasizing undulating body movement, sassy turns and compelling rhythms. This "nubile" dance originally hailed from Cuba in the 1950's, and was greatly influenced by dancers and musicians in Puerto Rico, Miami and New York. Originally, a fast Mambo was called "Mambo con salsa" (Mambo with hot sauce). Now the world just calls it "Salsa!" . . . Return to Top

SAMBA
The exotic cousin of the spirited Caribbean dances, Samba has its own personality, ranging from gutsy and primitive, to zany and fun. Hailing from Brazil with a strong African influence, Samba is both a challenge in its rhythmic patterns and a physical workout. It is often referred to as the "Brazilian Waltz," since the step patterns are developed from the Waltz. Initially, this dance was called the "Maxixe," which was part of the "Animal Dances" of the 1920's. This dance makes no apologies for the spell it will cast on you. . . . Return to Top

SLOW WALTZ
This slower version of the Viennese Waltz emerged in the 1920's out of a fad dance called the "Boston." It is the most elegant and romantic of all the ballroom dances. The Waltz will inspire feelings of love, if only with the dance! Danced to a ¾ time, the Waltz glides gently across the floor. It is easy for beginners to learn and is a great choice for the First Dance of any wedding celebration. . . . Return to Top

TANGO
This exciting dance evolved from the Argentine Tango which originated in the back streets of Buenos Aires, then gained popularity and traveled to Europe, and finally to the US in the 1910's. Danced to Strict Tempo music and used mostly in competitions, the Tango incorporates sharp, catlike steps with passion and intensity. Words to describe any style of Tango are dramatic, sensual, urgent and sexy. No matter which style you dance, the Tango is likely to raise your temperature! . . . Return to Top

VIENNESE WALTZ
The Viennese Waltz is the oldest of all the dances still danced today, and has its origin in 17th Century Germany. It achieved its greatest artistic expression in Vienna in the 1880's. The fast tempo and close embrace stifled its acceptance in the US. The Viennese Waltz and the Slow Waltz are the only dances that use music written in ¾ timing. You'll feel like royalty as you sweepingly cover the floor dancing to such classics as the "Anniversary Waltz" and the "Blue Danube". It is an exciting and challenging dance that you will grow to love. . . . Return to Top