In the U.S., most dancers start with the American type of ballroom dance, which was adapted from the International style and first appeared in America in the early 20th century. The dances, including Foxtrot and Waltz were made popular by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, as well as other famous dancers. The dances adapted under the influence of American jazz music and became more easily danceable to modern music, allowing dancers to switch dance partners easily. The American style encompasses two sub-styles– Smooth and Rhythm, which include four and five dances, respectively.

Waltz (also known as Slow Waltz): This is the American version of the Waltz, arguably the most classic ballroom dance of all. Danced to the famous three-count beat, Waltz resembles the lazy motion of a swing going back and forth as the dancers rise onto their toes and then “fall” with bent ankles. The smooth version of Waltz is featured in many movies, especially those starring Fred and Ginger.

Tango: American smooth Tango differs from the hot International version which was born in Argentina but still contains the quick, head-snapping motions and fierce looks that characterize all forms of Tango. Ballroom instructor Arthur Murray famously adapted the International version of Tango for use and popularization in American social and studio settings. Tango is danced on one level, without rise and fall, and resembles the sweeping motions of a hunting panther.

Foxtrot is characterized by long, continuous flowing movements across the dance floor. It looks similar to the Waltz, although the rhythm is in a 4/4 time signature instead of 3/4. Developed in the 1910s, the Foxtrot reached its height of popularity in the 1930s and remains popular today. Danced with rise and fall, Foxtrot can be a good deal saucier in personality than Waltz, which aims for romance.

Viennese Waltz is the original form of Waltz, appearing at the end of the 18 th century. As such, it is the oldest of the current ballroom dances. The primary difference between Waltz and Viennese Waltz is speed. The Viennese Waltz under smooth is roughly double the speed of Waltz, a dizzying pace, especially for beginners.

Cha Cha (also known as the Cha Cha Cha). Dated to 1950s Cuba, the basic footwork pattern of the Cha-Cha-Cha (one-two-three cha-cha-cha) is found in several Afro-Cuban dances from the Santería religion. Competition attire features dresses with short skirts for ladies, often with ruffles or fringe to emphasize the strong hip action.

Rumba also originated in Cuba, but much earlier. The basic step, the box step, is slower and thought to be easier for novices to learn, so many ballroom lessons begin with rumba. Given the right couple, the rumba embodies its reputation as the “international dance of love.”

Swing (in this case, East Coast Swing), in addition to being acompetitive ballroom dance under the American style, is also a popular social dance. The feet slide or swing from one side to the other, followed by a “rock” step backward. This form of swing was invented in the American ballroom dance studio of ArthurMurray in the 1940s.

Bolero is a slow dance characterized by smooth, gliding movement, dramatic arm styling and, often, a romantic feeling between the partners. Bolero actually refers to several different dances with origins in Cuba, Latin America, Spain and elsewhere. It incorporates elements of Waltz, including rise and fall.

Mambo is the same dance as the popular nightclub dance Salsa but starts on the second beat rather than the first beat. This simple change can make it difficult for beginners to master. It is faster than most of the other Rhythm dances, leaving just enough time for crisp turns and abbreviated arm motions.

The International style of ballroom dance appeared in England in the early 19th century and became popular with the music of famous classical composers such as Strauss and Beethoven. International style encompasses two very different sub-styles, which are called Standard (or Ballroom) and Latin. Each style includes five different dances which differ in costume, partnership, technique and rhythm. They are more popular in Europe and more competitive than the American style.

Waltz. Born in the suburbs of Vienna, the Waltz is danced to the basic pattern of step-step-close. It initially met with much resistance from polite society – the close hold was viewed as scandalous – but went on to be one of the most enduring ballroom dances.

Tango has its roots in the Argentine form of the dance, which isnow considered a separate dance. Always fun to watch, Tango isearthy and dramatic. Although walking movements dominate, Tango walks, having a “stalking” or “sneaking” character, are unlike the walks of the other ballroom dances. Movements are sometimes slow and slithery, and other times sharp and staccato, such as a quick foot flick or a sharp head snap to promenade position. The convention is for the couple to appear noticeably angry, with each other and the world. This emotion goes with the sharp movements and emphasizes ferocity rather than romance.

Viennese Waltz is the original form of Waltz, appearing at the end of the 18 th century. As such, it is the oldest of the current ballroom dances. The primary difference between Waltz and Viennese Waltz is speed. The Viennese Waltz under smooth is roughly double the speed of Waltz, a dizzying pace, especially for beginners.

Foxtrot is characterized by long, continuous flowing movements across the dance floor. It looks similar to the Waltz, although the rhythm is in a 4/4 time signature instead of 3/4. Developed in the 1910s, the Foxtrot reached its height of popularity in the 1930s and remains popular today. Danced with rise and fall, Foxtrot can be a good deal saucier in personality than Waltz, which aims for romance.

Quickstep. Elegant, smooth, and glamorous, Quickstep dancers are energetic while appearing extremely light on their feet. It should appear that the feet of the dancers barely touch the ground. Much like the Foxtrot, from which it evolved, dancers should strive for elegance, being a very form-intensive dance. Upper body posture must be straight and strong throughout each movement.

Cha Cha (also known as the Cha Cha Cha). Dated to 1950s Cuba, the basic footwork pattern of the Cha-Cha-Cha (one-two-three-cha-cha-cha) is found in several Afro-Cuban dances from the Santería religion. Competition attire features dresses with short skirts for ladies, often with ruffles or fringe to emphasize the strong hip action.

Samba evolved from a Brazilian form of Samba that appeared in the early 20 th century. Most steps are danced with a slight downward bouncing or dropping action. This action is created through the bending and straightening of the knees, with bending occurring on the beats of 1 and 2, and the straightening occurring in between.

Rumba is another dance that originated in Cuba. The basic step, the box step, is slower and thought to be easier for novices to learn, so many ballroom lessons begin with rumba. Given the right couple, the rumba embodies its reputation as the “international dance of love.”

Paso Doble (double step) is arguably the most notorious ballroom dance for students as its highly regimented steps – done to a specific step count – are hard to master (or even to learn at a basic level). With its Spanish origins, Paso Doble is rewarding when done well, presenting a highly dramatic portrayal of the bullfighter (the leader, generally male) with his flowing, sensuous cape (the follower, usually female).

Jive is a faster version of East Coast Swing featuring dramatic kicking movements. The Jive originated in the United States from African-Americans in the early 1930s and was influenced by the Jive was influenced by Boogie, Rock & Roll, African/American Swing, and Lindyhop.