about the dances

dancing is like people - endless

there are numerous dances and various styles in ballroom and latin dancing. here in america we have two major groups: international style and american style.

if you ever wondered what's what - here is a list of dances in their categories. remember, however, there are more, based on regional traditions, etc...

the most widely used ones are the ones done in competitions. the following listing should give you a bit of an idea.

international dancing:                                                                                   

standard dances:                                                                                               

waltz, foxtrot, tango, quickstep, and viennese waltz                                           

(in this style, these dances are done in a closed position;                                 

couples never separate, but move as one constant unit)                                   

latin dances:                                                                                                      

cha-cha, rumba, samba, paso doble, jive                                                        

american style:

smooth dances:

foxtrot, waltz, tango, viennese waltz

(in this style, these dances can be done in open and closed positions;

couples separate and come back together repeatedly)

rhythm dances:

cha-cha, rumba, bolero, mambo, samba, swing

for untrained yes, the biggest difference of standard (smooth) and latin (rhythm) dances is the music and the costumes......