Dancing is a form of art and like any other art, it could be expressed with a variety of styles. Each dance style can be done socially or competitively. Here you will find a list of the most popular ballroom dance styles. Cha Cha – With its Origins in Cuba, the Cha Cha is one of the most popular Latin Dances in the U.S. It can be done slowly and smoothly or spiritedly, with lively hip action. The Cha Cha is so simple and fun that it became a hit in the 1950’s and can still be seen danced in many South Florida night clubs. Fox Trot – Introduced in 1913 by Harry Fox, a vaudeville actor, the Fox Trot is the most versatile and popular dance. The combination of quick and slow steps permits more flexibility and gives much greater dancing pleasure than the one-step and two-step which it has replaced. This dance is the foundation for all dances is often called the “get-acquainted” or “first impression” dance. Hustle - Originated within the Hispanic communities in New York City and Florida in the 1970s, the Hustle gives us the fusion of Swing and Disco. The 1977 movie Saturday Night Fever made disco dancing extremely popular on the floors of New York City and is still popular today. Mambo - Is a Latin dance of Cuban origin. The fusion of Swing and Cuban music produced this fascinating rhythm and in turn created a new sensational dance. The mambo is quite different form other dances because it is blatantly sensual, instead of dramatic, fast, or flowing. Merengue – The Merengue is the national dance of the Dominican Republic, and also to some extent, of Haiti. The exciting rhythms of Merengue inspire dancers from all over to move with its intoxicating rhythm. Merengue incorporates a variety of spins, turns, and fast hip motion with small steps. Rumba – The "rumba influence" came in the 16th century from Africa although the main growth was in Cuba. The rumba is a slow, sensuous, romantic dance with much flirtation because of the interaction, emotion, and slow rhythm between the partners. This dance is referred to as the “Dance of Love”. Salsa – Originated in Cuba, Salsa refers to a fusion of informal dance styles having roots in the Caribbean (especially in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the United States), Latin and North America. Salsa is the street version of the Mambo and is a flirtatious and sensuous dance.

Samba - Is one of the most popular forms of music in Brazil. The origin of the samba is from an Afro-Brazilian couple dance and has been performed as a street dance at the local carnival in Rio. To achieve the true character of the Samba, a dancer must give it a happy, flirtatious, and exuberant interpretation. Swing - The term "swing dance" commonly refers to a group of dances that developed concurrently with the swing style of jazz music in the 1920’s, '30’s and '40’s. The best known of these dances is the Lindy Hop, a popular partner dance that originated in Harlem and is still danced today. The swing involves lots of turning and twisting mostly by women. Tango - Originated in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Montevideo, Uruguay, the Tango is a slow, smooth, seductive, and powerful dance. Argentine tango is an improvisational dance based on the four building blocks of walking, turning, stopping, and embellishments. Waltz – Around 1750 the Waltz was born in the suburbs of Vienna and in the alpine region of Austria. This style of dance is characterized by smooth, lifting, rise and fall movements, and graceful turns. The Waltz is true romance, lots of floating, and very tranquil. This dance is the basis for many dances and is still popular today. Bachata – Originated in the Dominican Republic, Bachata did not begin as the popular dance music that it is today and it was not acceptable among higher society. The character of the dance is achieved through sensual hip and body movements. You can also add turns to spice it up a little or dance closer together or far apart depending on how comfortable you are with your dance partner. Paso Doble - Originated in southern France, Paso Doble is a lively style of dance. This dance is based on music played at bullfights. It is the Latin dance most resembling the International Standard style, in that forward steps are taken with the heel lead, the frame is wider and more strictly kept up, and there is significantly different and less hip movement. Two Step – This dance takes its name from the 19th century dance related to the Polka. It consists of two steps in approximately the same direction onto the same foot, separated by a closing step with the other foot. The two-step that is now the main dance in country and western music probably comes out of Texas. However, the exact history, as of so many dances, is unclear.