Ballroom

Waltz - The modern waltz was developed in the early part of the 20th century and is played at a tempo of 30 bars per minute. The basic figures are based on diagonal patterns producing a smooth, easy progression around the dance floor. Usually the waltz is the first dance taught to beginners, as it has a simple construction, regular, even changes of weight and a slow tempo, ideally suited for people to gain confidence! This dance is a great social dance and provides an ideal beginning for people to listen to music and become more at ease on the floor.

Foxtrot - The foxtrot is the most elegant and graceful of the ballroom dances which evokes images of Fred Astair and Ginger Rogers and the ballroom dance floors of the 1930’s. It is founded on the basic ballroom hold around which is built a routine of turns and lines, the timing varying between slow and fast.

Quickstep - The quickstep originates from the 1920s when it was developed by people to interpret the more sophisticated up-tempo music emerging at that time. A dance based on walks and chassés, it has a tempo of 50 bars per minute. It is a bright and happy dance that is also based on a diagonal pattern
like the waltz.

Tango - Ballroom tango has originated from the original tango, which started in the slums in Argentina. It has a very different hold from the other ballroom dances and projects an element of feline stealth during the walks.

Viennesse Waltz - The Viennese waltz is an elegent, stately dance that is familiar to many. With merciful few steps, it is simpler than the English waltz, but still demands a sense of
control and direction!

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