Dance styles - overview
American styles...from the Swingin' to the Smooth!
Swing
Overview/History: The original Swing step was known as the Lindy-Hop which was created and named in the late 1920’s after Charles Lindburg made his famous cross-Atlantic hop from New York to Paris (1927). Swing was later nicknamed the "Jitterbug" in the early 30’s after a professional dance troup did a show where they were dressed like fireflies with flashing lights on their costumes. Since then there have been many variations of the Lindy-Hop/Jitterbug, this one being the most popular for mid range to up-tempo music.
East Coast Swing
Overview/History: This swing variation, also know as "triple step Swing" is probably the closest to the original Lindy-hop style. Also referred to as “romantic swing” this style is a slower flowing pattern and was created out on the east coast as a simplified version of the original Lindy-hop. The East Coast Swing is also very similar to the "Jive" which you would see in Ballroom competition and is danced at a much faster tempo.
Foxtrot
Overview/History: The Foxtrot was created by a Vaudeville performer by the name 
of Harry Fox in New York in 1913. Little did he know it would become an overnight success (once discovered by New York dance instructors) and is still one of the most popular social dances today. The social style of Foxtrot is designed as a walking, talking style of dance that's great for special events or just social dancing and is one of the easiest of all the styles.
Waltz
Overview/History: The Waltz emerged in the mid 1700's from Austria and Bavaria then quickly made it's way throughout Europe and quickly became one of the most popular steps amongst the Royals. The Waltz eventually made it's way to the United States and became one of the ballroom standards and one of the most popular for weddings and special events.
the Latin Styles are...
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Mambo/Salsa
Overview/History: Mambo/Salsa is of Cuban origin, huge in the late 40's and throughout the 50's and still one of the most popular of the Latin dances. Salsa was created by Puerto Rican street musicians and dancers in New York. Salsa became a "spicier" version of the Mambo in term of music and style.
Cha-Cha
Overview/History: Cuban born, offshoot of Mambo (late 40’s), designed for a little slower tempo music. The Cha-cha is a smoother flowing variation of the Mamba/Salsa styles. Cha-cha can be both a romatic and fun style that is a Latin favorite for both the music and style.
Merenge
Overview/History: Originated in the Dominican Republic/Haiti. The Merenge evolved from a great and true story of a war hero (General Merenge) that came home to a celebration in his honor. When the war hero got up to dance, a war injury caused him to dance with a limp. Rather than mention anything about the limp, all the men danced with a limp in his honor and so the Merenge was born. Some dance studios today still teach the Merenge with that famed limping motion.
Samba
Overview/History: Samba is one of the best known forms of Afro-Brasilian music. Afro-Brasilian culture developed through a blending of cultures as a result of the Portuguese colonization of Brasil. The Samba was and is danced as a festival dance during the street festivals and celebrations. Samba was first introduced in the U.S. in a Broadway play called "Street Carnival" in the late twenties. The festive style and mood of the dance has kept it alive and popular to this day. Samba is a fun up-tempo dance that fits alot of today's popular music.
Rumba
Overview/History: Titled "the dance of love", the Rumba is the oldest of the Latin dances. The origin of the Rumba comes to us by way of the tropical latin islands of Cuba and Puerto Rico. It's said that the true origin of the Rumba goes back even further to Africa. You can definitely hear what may be that tropical blend of Latin and African influence of the Rumba music. The dance style is known for it's sultry slow pattern and hip action. In the Rumba, the lady is in charge of the dance of seduction.
Tango
Overview/History: The Tango is know as "the dance of passion". Originating in Argentina, the story of the Tango is said to have been created when a dancer observed two men vying for the same women stalking around her in an intense "catlike" manner while pulling her back and forth in a rhythmic fashion. The Tango quickly became the forbidden dance in streets of Argentina. The only ones bold enough to carry on this sensual dance were the "ladies of the night". Once the Tango was discovered by some influential figures of the city, the Tango became the most popular dance and eventually the national dance of Argentina. Both the music and the dance style of the Tango reflect it's passionate reputation with long aggressive "staccado" (catlike-stalking it's prey) steps. The concept of the Tango is the man pursuing the woman as she resists right up until the end.
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Just for Kids! Non-profit program for schools (for ages 10 -13)
If you're interested in classes geared toward Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Hip-Hop, Lyrical, Musical Theatre, Pointe, Irish, you can get information at: www.amandasacademy.com |
"Mad Hot Ballroom" for kids! - Inspired by the award winning documentary film "Mad Hot Ballroom". If you haven't seen this outstanding, inspirational movie yet, we highly recommend it! This is a documentary about a special program created a few years ago by dance instructors for New York inner-city kids. This special program was designed to not only give the kids a new activity to help keep them off the streets, but improve focus, dicipline, respect and self-esteem. The results ended up to be somewhat extraordinary and even culminated with an inner-city ballroom dance competition (now an annual event). This program will be offered to kids of 10-13 years of age within the school system, boys & girls club etc.
Intermediate classes - Our intermediate class format is offered in several styles including: Swing basic, East Coast swing, Foxtrot, Salsa, Cha-cha, Rumba and Tango. These classes will be offered based on demand with a minimum class size of four couples. If you're interested please let us know!
Please Note: All dance styles listed on this site can be customized for classes (private lessons) or special events such as weddings, dance workshops etc.
For lesson times, dates, etc please go to lesson registration page