Dance Descriptions

Dance Descriptions

Francisco & Stacey performing Argentine Tango in a commercial

Ballroom

  • Rumba – A slow and sensuous Latin dance style, perfect for many of today’s slower ballads. Its variety of musical harmonies and body expressions make it perfect for both social and performance venues alike.
  • Foxtrot – A great social, “get-to-know-someone” dance style. Its music is mostly characterized by the “crooners” (Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, etc.) of the 40s and on. Its slower tempo makes it perfect for dancing on cruises, weddings and for new social dancers.
  • Waltz – The “Cadillac” of the Ballroom dances, its larger-than-life appearance and elegance create images of the grand ballroom dances in Vienna. Great for wedding, quinceanera or anniversary dances, although hard to find songs with its ¾ tempo.
  • Cha-Cha-Cha – Originally called the “Triple Mambo,” this dance is fun & lively. Its syncopated, driving tempo makes it one of the most versatile and popular Latin dances for contemporary music.

Salsa

One of the most popular Latin dances to hit our mainstream culture, Salsa dancing combines exciting dance moves from Mambo, Hustle and, in some cases, Tango. It’s great fusion of musical instruments and genres gives it a tremendous popularity in Los Angeles and worldwide.

  • Salsa 1 (Novice)–Start with Salsa 1A, 1B, or 1C.Salsa 1A – Right Turns

    Salsa 1B – Left Turns

    Salsa 1C – Cross Body Leads

    Combinations of basic moves which are important to learn in the early stages of Salsa dancing. Emphasis is on lead/follow, footwork, timing and etiquette. Beginners start with any of the level 1 classes and may need to repeat more than once according to ability and proficiency before a student is passed to level 2 with their instructor’s approval.

  • Salsa 2 (Intermediate) – Filled with patterns that are separated into “bite-size” classes for ease of learning. These are some of the most common moves on the dance floor and are perfect for social dancing. Emphasis is on pattern building, technique and styling. Students start with any of the level 2 classes and is graduated to Level 3 upon completion of all six classes and their instructor’s approval. At the instructors discretion, often students need to repeat classes based on the students ability and proficiency. Salsa 1 is free on the same day as a paid class.
  • Salsa 3 (Int/Advanced) – Combinations are increasingly challenging, yet capture the essence of L.A. style Salsa dancing. Patterns are combined into longer segments and require thorough knowledge of Salsa 1 & 2. Emphasis is on precision, speed, and proper technique. Patterns are all socially danceable and will vary according to instructors. Salsa 1 & 2 are free on the same day as a paid Salsa 3 class.

We are teaching a little cha-cha, then do some salsa dancing here

Bachata

This sexy Dominican dance has quickly become one of the most popular Latin dances to hit our mainstream culture this decade.

 

Swing

  • East Coast Swing – The most simplified and widely recognized version of swing. Developed in the 1950’s, it is a great “starter dance,” and excellent for beginners. The dance often thought of in 50’s sock hops.
  • Lindy Hop – Considered the ancestor of all swing dances, Lindy Hop emerged with the big band era in the late 1920’s and 1930’s to bring to the ballrooms an energetic style of partner dancing. With few rules, Lindy Hop was not just about the steps, it was about the soul of swing music. Today, Lindy Hop continues to evolve and incorporate many styles and movements, but at its core Lindy Hop is still about the spirit of swing music and continues to reign as one of the most spirited and jubilant of all swing dances.
  • Balboa – Developed in the 1930’s in our own Balboa Peninsula in Orange County, Balboa masters were influenced by many styles of dance (Ballroom, Latin, and Swing) and developed “pure” Balboa, a versatile swing dance done in close position enabling a couple to dance on crowded dance floors to all tempos of music. Many Balboa masters then incorporated open swing movements into their Balboa, creating “pure” Balboa’s sibling: Bal-Swing. Both Balboa and Bal-Swing remain today as a beautiful and versatile finesse dance which can be danced at all tempos.
  • West Coast Swing – A relative to the Lindy Hop and the official dance of the State of California. Its creative movement, intricate patterns and adaptability to current musical genres such as Hip-Hop and Blues make this an exciting and versatile dance from 60’s to current music.

Our Favorite West Coast Swing Dancers: Jordan Frisbee & Tatiana Molman (They film their DVDs at The Dance Family Studio)

Specialty Dances

  • Argentine Tango – Passionate, sensual and tantalizing, this dance is a much more intimate style of dance than modern Tango, and is the style recognized in film, television and on Broadway.

Disco Is Back

  • Hustle – The fun, upbeat partner dance made popular in Saturday Night Fever. Danced to many current songs.
  • Nightclub 2-Step – Very versatile dance started by a dance instructor here in Southern California less than 3 decades ago. It’s often the answer to, “What dance do I do to this song?” This is danced to everything from country western to wedding dances.