Harry Fox, a vaudeville star who trotted around the stage with various partners, is accepted
as the initiator of the Foxtrot. Mr. Fox was believed to be the first to use the "slow step" around 1912. Prior
to this time, the Polka, Waltz, and the One-Step were popular. By 1915 another change took place, a new and melodious type
of music was written. The public was quick to appreciate the change to a smoother, more rhythmic style of music, and their
dancing began to absorb the better attributes of the older dances. From 1917 up to the present time, the accent has been on
smoother dancing and individualized expression.
Foxtrot music is written in 4/4 time and should be played at a
tempo of 34-38 measures per minute for examinations and competitions. The Foxtrot is a progressive and turning dance moving
along the Line of Dance. The figures are taken with body flight and are designed for the larger ballroom floor. However, these
same figures are also suited to the average nightclub floor when danced more compactly. Sway and also Rise and Fall highlight
the smooth style of the Foxtrot.
The Cha Cha is a favorite dance for many people. Danced not only in Latin nightclubs but also
at wedding receptions, reunions, or just about anywhere playing fun upbeat music. The diversity of musical styles makes the
dance exciting for people of all ages. The Cha Cha is a geographical half-breed, springing up Latin American roots in Cuba,
and flowering under North American influence. Each country has used a slightly different styling and pattern form. Little
has been written about the history of Cha Cha, possibly because it is so closely identified with the Mambo. The tempo can
be slow and staccato, or fast and lively. It is so much of an "on the beat" dance that you can't help but feel
the rhythm and inject your own feeling into it. It is a real "let yourself go" type dance.
Cha Cha music
is written in 4/4 time and is played at a tempo of 30-34 measures per minute. The timing is mandatory in this dance since
the "Cha Cha" is danced on 4 and 1; therefore, you would count Cha Cha in the following manner: 1, 2, 3, 4 &
1, 2, 3, 4 &. The Cha Cha is danced in a spot rather than moving around the room. The steps are quite compact and a short,
staccato, Latin hip movement is used throughout the Cha Cha.
The Waltz dates back to the country folk dances of Bavaria, but it was not introduced into
society until 1812, when it made its appearance in the English ballrooms. Prior, it was danced as a round dance called the
"Volte." When the Waltz was introduced into the ballrooms in the early 19th Century, it was met with outraged indignation.
A man dancing with his hand around the lady's waist? No proper young maiden would compromise herself in such a way! Immediately
upon its introduction to the United States it became one of the most popular of all American dances, and was the only dance
to survive the "Ragtime Revolution." To many the Waltz signifies grace and elegance, always a favorite for wedding
couples. Every lady feels like Cinderella at the ball while dancing the Waltz. The latter part of the 19th Century found composers
writing Waltzes to a slower tempo than that of the original Viennese Waltz style. Then an even slower tempo came into prominence
in the early 1920's, with the result that today we have three distinct tempos: the fast "Viennese" style, a
medium tempo Waltz, and the slow Waltz, the last two being of American invention. Waltz music is written in 3/4 time and should
be played at a tempo of about 36-40 measures per minute for most social dancing. The Waltz is a progressive and turning dance
moving around the dance floor. The figures are designed for both a larger ballroom floor and the average nightclub floor.
A swaying motion and Rise and Fall highlight the smooth, lilting style of the Waltz.
There is not a clearly defined country of origin to which the Tango may be credited. It is
claimed to have originated not only in Argentina, but also in Brazil, Spain, and Mexico. The earliest traces of the Tango
date back to the 19th Century, to the folk dances of Argentina. Then called the "Milonga", it was thought to have
Moorish, Arabic and Spanish ancestry. Years later, the Argentinean plainsmen, the "Gauchos", danced a modified version
of the "Milonga" in the bawdy cafes of Buenos Aires. The youths of Argentina and Cuba changed the name to "Tango",
and the style to one that was more acceptable to society. The Cubans danced it to Habanera rhythms which are syncopated, and
obscured the basic Milonga rhythm. It was not until after it went to Paris, and was re-introduced to Argentina, that the music
was restored to its native style. For the last 60 years or so, the 4 beat Tango rhythm has endured, and has continued to enjoy
undiminished favor everywhere. The music is now universal, with many types of different styles depending upon the customs
of the country. Of all the dances, which came into being the early Twentieth Century, only the Tango has continued to enjoy
so much popularity. Tango music is written in 4/4 time (also 2/4 time) and played at a tempo of 30-33 measures per minute.
It is a progressive dance which moves around the dance floor rather than staying in one spot. A staccato movement of the feet
and flexed knees highlight the dramatic style of this dance. Perhaps one reason for its widespread popularity is that it is
danced close to the partner.
| Eastern Swing | TOP  |
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The Eastern Swing was born in the United States, and represents the most famous American folk
dance. The best forms of Swing include Charleston, Black Bottom, Shag and Lindy Hop. In the early 40's these forms consolidated
into what is called the Lindy. The shuffling movement of the original Lindy can be linked to today's single rhythm in
Swing. As the shuffling, or single rhythm progressed, it evolved into both the Double and Triple Lindy, and today all three
form the basis of good Swing dancing. In the 40's the Swing was danced in the Harlem section of New York City, at a time
when such band greats as Chick Webb, Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman were holding sway. It was in Harlem where the Swing
took on most of today's popular steps and styling.
In the 90's college students revived the Swing, creating
an explosion of dance enthusiasm in clubs all across the country. There is no question that the dance is here to stay. In
all parts of the country you will find dancers adding their own interpretations and style. All dances, in order to survive,
must be built up from a firm basic movement so that ad-libbing and complete freedom of expression can be added to the dance.
Swing has these attributes. Swing music is written in 4/4 time and should be played at a tempo of 36-45 measures per minute.
The Swing is danced in a spot rather than moving around the room, and free, rhythmic interpretation using single, double,
and triple rhythms is characteristic of the dance. Relaxed, shuffling movements and the use of counter sway highlight the
style of dance.
| Western Swing | TOP |
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Western Swing has quickly gained popularity across the United States because of its sophisticated
style and easy adaptation to today's modern rock style music. Originally popular in the west and southwest regions of
the U.S., the Western Swing made its bid as a nationally accepted Swing style in the late 1950's and has been gaining
in popularity ever since. The Western Swing incorporates many forms of Swing including the Lindy, Shag, Whip, and Push. Versatile
dancers are always creating new and interesting movements in the Swing. Western Swing can be danced in a relatively small
area; ad-libbing and complete freedom of expression can be applied to the dance.
Western Swing music is written
in 4/4 time and should be played at a tempo of 30-36 measures per minute. It is a spot dance with a slower tempo that allows
for shuffling movement and upright position. Occasional use of Hip Movement and/or Push style is also used to enhance this
style of dance. The use of Slot dancing is a major part of the dance.
The Rumba, which originated with the African slaves of Cuba more than 400 years ago, is a
tantalizing rhythm that first invaded the U.S. in the early 30's, and remains one of our most popular social dances. The
earliest form of the Rumba was an expressive pantomime danced by natives under the spell of elemental music. Our modern Rumba
is far removed from its primal roots. Danced properly, the Rumba is a delightful favorite, characterized by a smooth, subtle
hip motion and a rather heavy walking step. Of the three style of Rumba introduced to the U.S. the Bolero-Rumba, the Son-Rumba
and the Guaracha-Rumba, only the Bolero-Rumba (shortened to Bolero) and the Son-Rumba (Shorted to Rumba) has survived the
test of time. The Guaracha-Rumba quickly faded from vogue when the more exciting Mambo was introduced to Americans in the
late 1940's.
Rumba music is written in 4/4 time and should be danced at a tempo of 32-36 measures per minute
(Son-Rumba). The following rhythm is mandatory: Quick, Quick, Slow - Quick, Quick, Slow, which translates musically to 1,
2, 3 (hold 4). The Rumba is danced in a spot rather than moving around the room. The steps are quite compact. A smooth, subtle,
Latin Hip Movement is used throughout the Rumba. Latin Hip Movement is the authentic rolling lateral motion of the hips, which
occurs as each step is taken. Although Rumba is not danced with the same body contact that is used in some of the smoother
dances such as Foxtrot, there may be times when partnership looks and feels more attractive when a closer contact is used.
The Samba was imported from Brazil and was introduced to the Dance Masters Association of
New York in 1929. Like many Brazilian dances, the music is based on African rhythms combined with an expressive melodic line,
usually in 2/4 time and written in a major key. It is a serenade in form, with repetitions of the melodic pattern continually
interrupted by strumming of a stringed instrument. It first become famous in Rio de Jeneiro and later the fascinating form
was taken up by serious Latin American composers. The Samba is danced in a moderate to slow tempo in South America but usually
to a faster tempo in the United States. However, at a slower pace, one has more control and the tantalizing elements of the
dance may be more easily achieved. The basic spring-like knee action, a fall and rise movement called the "Samba Pulse",
must be continuous, with emphasis on the downward rather than the upward movement.
This brightly spirited dance
has endured the test of time and now ranks high among the popular social dances. Samba music is usually written in 2/4 time
(some are written in 4/4 time) and should be played at a tempo of 52-56 measures per minute. Samba is a spot dance, however,
some progression along the Line of Dance is seen. Steps are generally quite compact, although slightly larger steps are sometimes
taken with progression. The spring-like knee action of the Samba Pulse can be danced smoothly with only slight flexing and
rise; or with a more pronounced and spirited flexing and rise. This dance has a forward and backward movement of the upper
body called the "Pendulum Motion", as well as a rolling effect executed on some turning figures.
Today, in the dance world, one thing is certain. . . there is no escaping the Mambo. The extent
of the Mambo's popularity may be attributed to the fact that its rhythm, not restricted only to Latin melodies, has invaded
the popular music market, adding Mambo's distinctive flavor to mainstream culture. Across the nation, dancers who may
never have progressed beyond the Waltz or Swing are clamoring wildly for Mambo instruction. More dancers are realizing that
this is one of the most fun-filled dance crazes of any era. But they would surely be surprised to learn that it is almost
completely the work of one man-Perez Prado.
During the early 30's, the Latin dance bands came increasingly
before North American audiences. Noro Morales and Xavier Cugat were among them, bringing an array of Rumbas, Sambas, and Tangos
to a delighted public. Then Mr. Prado recorded an opus entitled "Mambo Jambo" and the fun was on. Appearing first
in Mexico City, he created more excitement, and perhaps more revolution, than Pacho Villa. The ensuing conflagration spread
rapidly throughout the countries below the Rio Grande, and now is consuming just about everything above. Mambo music tempo
is written in 4/4 time and is played at a tempo of 45 measures per minute. The following timing is mandatory: 2, 3, 4 hold
1. Mambo is a spot dance not moving along the Line of Dance. Steps are quite compact and a more staccato Hip Movement is characteristic
of the Mambo.
Both Haiti and the Dominican Republic claim that the Merengue originated in their country.
The Haitian story is that an early ruler of the country had a lame son who liked to dance. So that he would not feel embarrassed
about his affliction, the entire government took to dancing the Merengue as if they, too, were lame. The Dominican story differs
only slightly; they claim there was a dance given for a great hero returning from the war. When he got up to dance and limped
on his wounded left leg, all the other men present also favored their left legs as they danced, so as not to embarrass the
hero. Regardless of who claims to have originated the Merengue, it continues to enjoy favor with American dancers, who find
its music lively, spirited, and fun to dance to. Originally introduced to America in the early 50's, the Merengue is one
of the easiest of the Latin dances, and now experiencing the same dance craze as Mambo.
Merengue music is written
in 4/4 time and is played at a tempo of 30 measures per minute. Merengue is a spot dance sometimes moving along the Line of
Dance. Steps are quite compact and a more staccato Hip Movement is characteristic of the Merengue. Salsa Salsa
with its upbeat Latin beats and timeless social appeal has a way of bringing people not only in Hispanic Countries or the
United States together, but people from all across the globe. Salsa dance is characterized by compact, fluid movements, with
many two-handed turns and arm over the head movements. It can be danced together in closed frame, a two hand hold, or completely
apart. When a couple dances apart while facing each other, it is called a "shine." When the partners both face the
same direction with one behind the other, it is called "shadow" position. Because of a salsa club 's crowded
atmosphere dance students will notice that many more "shines" will be used than steps in the "shadow"
position for the simple reason that it is easier to navigate oneself and one's partner with a visual connection. Apart
from the turns, the Cuban hip action is a technique seen in the club and in the dance studio. It is an integral part of all
Latin Dances.
Salsa with its upbeat Latin beats and timeless social appeal has a way of bringing people
not only in Hispanic Countries or the United States together, but people from all across the globe.
Salsa dance
is characterized by compact, fluid movements, with many two-handed turns and arm over the head movements. It can be danced
together in closed frame, a two hand hold, or completely apart. When a couple dances apart while facing each other, it is
called a "shine." When the partners both face the same direction with one behind the other, it is called "shadow"
position. Because of a salsa club 's crowded atmosphere dance students will notice that many more "shines" will
be used than steps in the "shadow" position for the simple reason that it is easier to navigate oneself and one's
partner with a visual connection. Apart from the turns, the Cuban hip action is a technique seen in the club and in the dance
studio. It is an integral part of all Latin Dances.
