Types of Dance Styles

International Standard and American Smooth are roughly equivalent – both feature what we call the “traveling dances,” in which the couples travel counterclockwise around the floor. The International Latin and American Rhythm dances, with two exceptions, are “spot dances,” that take place in one part of the dance floor.

American Rhythm competition includes cha cha, rumba, mambo, bolero and East Coast swing. Swing dances are included in these categories even though they are not considered Latin dances. Most dance studios offer a variety of these dances in their

Later styles combined classical ballet and other dance techniques, like neoclassical ballet and contemporary ballet. In the 19th century, romantic era brought romantic ballet style, the most performed classical ballet style.

Ballroom Dance Styles America’s Ballroom Challenge focuses on four divisions of competitive ballroom dancing. International Standard and American Smooth are roughly equivalent – both feature what we call the “traveling dances,” in which the couples travel counterclockwise around the floor.

The cha-cha is a popular, social Latin dance. Lively and flirtatious, the cha-cha is full of passion and energy. Cha-Cha Characteristics. The cha-cha is a vibrant, flamboyant and playful dance. The light and bubbly feel of the cha-cha gives it a unique sense of fun.

Contemporary dance is a style of expressive dance that combines elements of several dance genres including modern, jazz, lyrical and classical ballet. Contemporary dancers strive to connect the mind and the body through fluid dance movements.

Corridos are an important part of Latin-American folk dance. A "corridos play" refers to a type of musical ballad, while "corridos" as a dance refers to the dance usually performed during these ballads.

Cumbia is one of the most popular dance forms in Chile. They have a style of their own, Chilean cumbia, and some of the most successful orchestras of this genre include Sonora Palacios, Viking 5, Giolito y su Combo, and La Sonora de Tommy Rey.

The emergence of pasito duranguense, a related yet distinct style originating in Chicago, marks the evolution of the Mexican American youth dance scene. Like the quebradita before it, pasito duranguense has picked up the task of demonstrating the relevance of regional Mexican music and dance within the U.S. context.

Fandango, exuberant Spanish courtship dance and a genre of Spanish folk song. The dance, probably of Moorish origin, was popular in Europe in the 18th century and survives in the 20th century as a folk dance in Spain, Portugal, southern France, and Latin America.

Flamenco dance (baile) is a highly-expressive, Spanish dance form. The flamenco is a solo dance characterized by hand clapping, percussive footwork, and intricate hand, arm, and body movements. The dance is usually accompanied by a singer and guitar player.

Forró (Portuguese pronunciation: *) is a genre of Brazilian music that originated in Northeastern Brazil. It encompasses various dance styles as well as a number of different musical beats. This music genre has gained widespread popularity in all regions of Brazil.

Hip hop dance remains to be one of the most popular, if not the most popular, dance styles today. Hip hop music enthusiasts also often are enthusiasts of hip hop dance, so it is not that difficult to see the connection.

Although Latin dance has been evolved and modified over the centuries, its Native Latin, European, and African roots will always remain in the movements and rhythms of the genre. The great thing about such genre is the rich, cultural history embedded in each dance.

Jazz has become one of the most popular dance styles in recent years, mainly due to its popularity on television shows, movies, music videos, and commercials. People enjoy watching jazz dancers, as the dancing is fun and energetic.

The Jota is a Spanish genre of music and dance that exists throughout Spain, but whose origins lie in the Spanish region of Aragon. However, like most Spanish dances of this time, it varies by region, including a version from Navarra, Galicia and Murcia, among many others.

Characteristics of the muiñeira. It is a dance of playful character, with a social component expressing gallantry. It is somewhat more permissive of improvisation than other folk dances; improvised in fiestas and exhibitions. Some interpreters [citation needed] have added increased complexity to its traditional choreography.

The Paso Doble, or Pasodoble, is a lively dance modeled after the drama of the Spanish bullfight. In Spanish, "Paso Doble" means "two-step" and refers to the marching nature of the steps. This theatrical dance has an interesting background that involves role-playing of sorts.

Cultural Barcelona: Sardana dancing a traditional Catalan Dance. The Sardana is a popular Catalan cultural dance and symbol of unity for the Catalan people. The Sardana is a popular Catalan cultural dance and symbol of unity for the Catalan people.

Sevillana. By Tony Bryant. The sevillana is a colourful and exciting style of song and dance that originated in Castile and not in Seville, a variation from a style of dance known as the seguidilla.

Tap dance is a form of dance characterized by using the sounds of tap shoes striking the floor as a form of percussion. The sound is made by shoes that have a metal "tap" on the heel and toe. Two major variations on tap dance exist: rhythm (jazz) tap and Broadway tap.

Zambra (Spanish pronunciation: ), (from Andalusi Arabic Zamra, originally from classical arabic Zamr) is a style of Flamenco dance, typical of the Gypsies of the provinces of Granada and Almeria (Andalusia, Spain).