(02) 9635 1117
studio@ballroomdanceparramatta.com.au
Instagram

The Dances we teach

Home The Dances we teach

They say that dance is a great way to express your emotions. While it might be a cliché, the quote has endured throughout the years mainly because there’s truth to it. It’s wise to choose an activity that encourages you to express your very own creativity.

It all boils down to that one question: So you think you can dance? Definitely! With so many dances to choose from, there’s a style to suit anyone who wants to overcome the problem of their two left feet. You can let your innermost emotions shine forth through a dance that’s truly representative of who you are as a person.

At Arthur Murray Parramatta we’re happy to share our knowledge and love of dancing with you. Come and join us! Every minute you think about dancing (and don’t) is a minute you could be here with us dancing the night (or day) away.

sep-image

BALLROOM DANCES

There are two main categories when talking about Ballroom – or Standard – Dancing: The International Standard and American Smooth.

The International Standard style includes five dances: Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot and Quickstep. This style is danced widely in competitions, both in the United States and throughout the world. The most obvious trait of the International Standard style is the dancers’ constant closed position, where partners never lose contact with each other.

Four of the Standard dances have their American Smooth counterparts: Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot and Viennese Waltz.

In the American Smooth style, partners often break out of closed dance position to dance apart from each other. American Smooth is quite popular at social dances and is danced at major competition events across the United States.

The following are dances that fall under the category of Standard and/or Smooth:

foxtrot

Foxtrot is a great foundation dance because it combines steps quickly and smoothly allowing even beginners to manoeuvre the dance floor with ease. Often called the “get-acquainted” dance, you should be able to dance and talk at the same time, making it great for social occasions like receptions and cruises. Foxtrot music can be slow, medium or fast tempos, so you instantly have a dance that fits a variety of circumstances. Foxtrot songs and artists include: “New York, New York” – Frank Sinatra; ”It Had To Be You” – Harry Connick Jr.

waltz

Waltz is one of the most elegant of the Smooth dances. Students looking to develop their grace and poise would benefit greatly from the use of posture and flowing movements of the Waltz. While less likely to be danced in a club, the patterns and techniques learned in Waltz benefit all of the other dances. Waltz songs and artists include: “Moon River” – Andy Williams; “Open Arms” – Journey

tamgo

The Tango is one of the most dramatic of the Smooth dances. It is characterised by controlled staccato footwork along with fluid graceful movements. It is a favourite of both the dance enthusiast and novice for invoking feelings of passion and power. Tango songs and artists include: “Whatever Lola Wants” – from Damn Yankees; “Por Una Cabeza”– from Scent of a Woman.

viennese

Viennese Waltz differs from traditional Waltz in that it features smaller steps, less rise and fall, and is danced to quicker music. This dance will certainly make you feel like royalty as you spin down the floor. Viennese Waltz songs and artists include: “Kiss From A Rose” – Seal; “Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman?” – Bryan Adams

quickstep

Quickstep is the English version of the Fast Foxtrot, which has quick hopping steps and can be danced to quicker Big Band Style music. Danced competitively in the International Style competitions, Quickstep is gaining popularity with social dancers due to the TV series Dancing with the Stars.

sep-image

RHYTHM & LATIN DANCES

As with Ballroom Dances, Latin dance styles are grouped into two main categories: American Rhythm and International Latin. The American Rhythm style consists of five dances: Cha Cha, Rumba, East Coast Swing, Bolero and Mambo. The International Latin style also offers five dances: Cha Cha, Rhumba, Jive, Paso Doble and Samba.

When comparing the two styles, the most obvious difference is that they each have some unique dances. However, all the dances in each style differ from their counterparts in subtle ways, mostly involving technique. You will find competitive events in each style. Socially, the following dances fall under the category of Latin and/or Rhythm:

rumba

Rumba is an important addition for both social and competitive dancing: a perfect slow dance teaching control and Cuban Motion. It is intimate and great on a crowded dance floor. Rumba helps develop rhythm and timing for other Latin dances as well. Rumba songs and artists include: “Besame Mucho” – Xavier Cugat; “Under the Boardwalk” – The Drifters.

cha-cha

Cha Cha’s fun, upbeat syncopations highlight the pulsating rhythms of the music. Movements can be interrelated to both Rumba and Salsa, to make this fast-paced dance easy and fun to learn. While traditionally danced to Latin music, you can find Cha Cha being danced to Top 40 and country music as well. Cha Cha songs and artists include: “Black Magic Woman” – Santana; “Bang Bang” – David Sanborn.

swing

Swing is popular not only for its fun turns, but because of its great versatility. With a variety of swing tempos, moves can be easily danced to big band, country, blues, Top 40 and, of course, rock and roll. Compact movements also make it perfect for a crowded dance floor. Swing songs and artists include: “In The Mood” – Glenn Miller; “Jump, Jive an’ Wail” – Louis Prima or the Brian Setzer Orchestra.

merengue

Merengue is characterised by its Cuban Motion and easy timing, which allows couples to enjoy learning a variety of turns and moves very quickly. The upbeat music creates a fun party atmosphere where everyone will want to get up and dance. Merengue songs and artists include: “Hot, Hot, Hot” – Buster Poindexter; “Cuban Pete” – Jim Carey.

five

Jive is the International competitive version of Swing which combine elements of both Lindy Hop and Jitterbug. The up-beat music will literally keep you on your toes as you move from turn to turn.

hustle

Hustle originated in the Disco era and is still alive and well today (without the flares and gold chains!). The easy timing is also makes it a great dance for social events where you may trade partners. It can be danced to a variety of pop, Top 40, country music and disco. Hustle songs and artists include: “I Will Survive” – Gloria Gaynor; “Last Dance” – Donna Summer.

lindy-hop

Many people imagine acrobatic lifts and throws when they picture Lindy Hop, but there is a wide variety of movements that can be danced that still show off the fun rhythms of Lindy without getting airborne. Lindy is a perfect dance for big band music and will definitely burn some calories!

west-cost

West Coast Swing (WCS) was originally danced to slower or medium tempo swing music, but has grown to include faster tempos and Top 40 music. It differs from other swing dances in that it is danced in a “slot” rather than rotationally in the same spot. WCS songs and artists include: “Addicted to Love” – Robert Palmer; “Fever” – Peggy Lee.

samba

Samba is sometimes called the South American Waltz and pulsates to a unique Latin rhythm. Vertical bounce action is a characteristic of the dance along with body sway as a dancer becomes more proficient. Samba songs and artists include: “Macarena” – Los Del Rio; “Copacabana” – Barry Manilow.

mambo

Mambo is an exciting dance characterised by a stirring Afro-Cuban beat. It is closely related to the popular Salsa, but with different emphasis on how to accentuate the music.

salsa

Salsa has become a favourite in the social dance scene because of its upbeat music, variety of turns, and compact movement. Many patterns are interrelated to Mambo, Rumba and Cha Cha.

jitter

Jitterbug is also known as single-time swing. It is usually done to faster Swing music and is a highly energetic and expressive dance. It could also be referred to as a toned-down Lindy Hop. It is also a spot dance and highly useful on crowded dance floors.

bolereo

Bolero is a slow, romantic and beautifully expressive dance that is more lyrical than most of the other Latin Dances. The techniques could be compared to Waltz for its rise and fall, Tango for body movement, and Rumba for musical rhythm. Bolero songs and artists include: “Con Los Anos Que Me Quedan”– Gloria Estefan; “Sin Excusas Ni Rodeos” – Julio Iglesias.

arentine-tango

Argentine Tango features a more intimate dance position than American Tango. It allows for the development of musicality as the trained tango dancer can express changes in tempo throughout the music.

bachtayo

Bachata known for its hip motion and closer body contact, Bachata is becoming a must-have style for Latin dancers and is a favourite at Salsa clubs.

FIND US

CONTACT US

  • Level 1, 207 Church Street
    Parramatta NSW 2150
  • Ph: 0296351117
  • E: studio@ballroomdanceparramatta.com
© 2016 Arthur Murray Dance Studio Parramatta | All Rights Reserved