International Latin
Cha Cha (Latin)
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The International Cha Cha is a continuous, flirtatious game of “cat and mouse” with Cuban roots. It is known for its breaking action on count “2” (unique to Cha Cha, Rumba, and Mambo) and syncopated action on counts 4&1 (also counted as “cha cha cha”). The International Cha Cha differs from the American Cha Cha in that it is danced with a straight leg action throughout.
Samba Master Class
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The Samba is a ballroom dance inspired by Brazilian carnival dances. While Brazilian Samba is traditionally danced alone, International Latin Samba is influenced by the rhythmic actions and high energy of its Brazilian ancestors. Samba is a “bouncy” dance with complex timing and beat value combinations.
Rumba Master Class
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The International Rumba is the slowest International Latin dance in terms of music; however, it uses alternating timings to depict fast moments within a slow dance. The Rumba, also known as the “love dance,” is a popular dance that often tells a romantic story about two people. Unlike the American Rumba, the International Rumba is performed with a straight leg action, similar to the International Cha Cha.
Paso Doble
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Surprisingly, the Paso Doble originated in France, and many of its named figures, such as “apel,” which means “call to action,” are in French (this is a weight replacement that involves articulation of the entire foot with the ground, typically creating a stomping sound). The Paso Doble is an enthralling dance style based on the story of the Spanish Bullfight, with partners assuming the personalities of the Spanish Bullfighter (Matador) and either a Matador’s Cape or a Spanish Dancer.
Jive
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It’s time to celebrate! International Latin concludes with the joyful and energetic Jive. The Jive is a Swing dance that combines elements of East Coast and West Coast swing, as well as Lindy Hop, Jitterbug, and other styles. With its quick feet and fun tricks, the Jive frequently has a crowd on their feet cheering.
International Ballroom
Waltz
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The International Waltz is the quintessential “ballroom dance” (think Cinderella!). The Waltz, known for its distinctive “123,” is danced in a closed hold (partners do not break their frame and remain connected) from start to finish. This is a distinct feature of all International Ballroom dances.
Tango
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Tango is a fiery and passionate dance with staccato actions and powerful leg movements. Because there is no “body rise” in this dance, it appears flatter and more linear across the dance floor. These characteristics, along with a variety of dance positions and footwork, highlight the Tango’s technical differences from other International Ballroom dances.
Viennese Waltz
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The Viennese Waltz, which originated in Vienna, Austria, is significantly faster-paced than the Waltz (which is often referred to as the “Slow Waltz” for this reason). Because the Viennese Waltz only has seven figures, dancers must focus their efforts on creating the same full, voluminous movements that appear to race around the dance floor.
Foxtrot
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Within the International Ballroom style, the jazzy foxtrot takes on a smoother appearance, ebbing and flowing like waves on the shore. Intricate rises and falls are created by decisive footwork, which has earned Foxtrot the title of most difficult Ballroom dance anecdotally.
Quickstep
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Leaps, kicks, and running down the floor while connected to someone else? Dancers in the Quickstep appear to be playing Tetris while dancing and navigating through “traffic” on the floor. It’s a genuine talent.
