| Group classes are perfect to learn general techniques. Private or personalized lessons are ideal to help you master techniques and advance to higher levels of specific dance styles. Ballroom Dance Styles: We specialize in all types of Ballroom and Latin Dances in both American and International styles. We follow curriculum endorsed by experts in the ballroom industry, Dance Vision International Dance Association (DVIDA) and National Dance Council of America (NDCA), keeping your lessons easy and fun. International Latin – Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, Jive. American Rhythm – Cha Cha, Rumba, East Coast Swing, Bolero, Mambo, Merengue, Samba, West Coast Swing, Hustle, Salsa. International Standard – Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz, Quickstep. American Smooth – Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz, Peabody. |
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| Dance Style: | Music Description: | Dance Characteristics: |
| Cha Cha | Danced in 4/4 timing. The music has 4 even beats with the accent on the first beat of the bar. Often the music also has an additional half beat between the fourth and the first beat. | The Cha Cha is a non-progressive, lively, fun dance which uses a “ball flat” foot action and keeps the body over the feet. The legs and hips are used to produce a strong rhythmical movement that compliments the music. This dance has a closed position as well as single handhold and double handhold movements. Often at an advanced level, the couple may be in apart or solo position. Because of this dance’s easy adaptation to modern music, the Cha Cha is probably the most popular of the Latin dances. |
| Bolero | Danced in 4/4 timing, the Bolero has 4 even beats to the bar with accent on the first beat. Slow sensuous love songs in Spanish are often used and are very popular. | A slight rise and fall together with a smooth sophisticated movement and a romantic communication between the partner makes this the ideal dance of love. Turns, breaks and wrapping type movements, together with changes of rhythm and a sense of playfulness towards each other, tell the story of this dance. ; |
| Waltz | Danced in ¾ timing, the music has recurring even beats. However there is a pronounced accent that occurs on the first beat of each measure. The basic count for waltz is 1, 2, 3. | Progressing in a counter-clockwise direction, this dance uses a strong rise and fall action as well as sway and shaping. |
| Merengue | Danced in 2/4 timing, the music has two clear even beats to the bar that are played in a marching rhythm. However, different styles allow for a various number of beats within each part of the bar. | This dance is fun and probably the easiest dance to learn. Its basic movement is made up of simple side steps that progress in a counter-clockwise direction around the floor. It can be danced with a strong Cuban motion, and in fact, can be good beginning for students that are being introduced to this of hip motion. Various turning movements and changes of rhythms can be used, but the Merengue continues to “March” around the floor. |
| Rumba | Danced in 4/4 timing, the music has four even beats with the accent on the first beat of the bar. Slow sensual melodies are used, often with vocals. | Using the “Cuban Motion”, this dance should display a sensuous movement of the hips and a sense of flirtation between the man and the lady. The various rhythms and body expressions make this a very popular dance to watch and to participate in. |
| Tango | Danced in 4/4 timing, the music has 4 strong, recurring even beats. There is an accent on the first beat of each bar. The music is played staccato style and imparts a sense of strength and drama to the dancers. | The hold is very different from the other dances, with the lady’s left arm under the man’s right, which creates a firmer, more compact hold for a quick reaction from the lady. There is no rise and fall in this dance and weight is transferred from foot to foot with a fast, staccato action, progressing around the floor in a counter-clockwise direction. Closed dance position is generally maintained at the initial level but becomes more open as the dancer progresses. This dance should not be confused with the Argentine Tango. |
| Foxtrot | Danced in 4/4 timing, the music has 4 recurring, even beats. There is an accent on the first beat of each bar. The music is smooth, non-jerky and suggests a smooth movement and transfer of weight across the floor. | In its present form, the Foxtrot should be performed with smooth, continuous undulating movement. The rise and fall should not be as pronounced as the Waltz but still be apparent. Even though there is a progression from Social Foxtrot that is commonly danced at a faster pace, to a more continuous Foxtrot danced at a slower pace, there should always be a sense of smooth continuous movement around the floor. |
| Viennese Waltz | Danced in ¾ timing, the music has recurring even beats. However, there is a pronounced accent that occurs on the first beat of each measure. The basic count for Viennese Waltz is 1, 2, 3. | This dance progresses around the floor in a counter-clockwise direction and is continually revolving. Because of the speed and rotation involved, there is much less rise and fall than the Slow Waltz, but a greater use of sway is needed to control the turns. |
| Samba | Danced in 2/4 timing, the music has 2 strong, recurring, even beats. | This is a progressive dance, traveling around the floor in a counter-clockwise direction. A variety of rhythms are used, some with a slight “bounce” action and others with a flatter hip action or “tic”. |
| Mambo | Danced in a 4/4 timing the music has 4 even beats to the bar. Sometimes described as a fast Rumba, the emphasis will often be on the 2 and 4 beats. The combination of Swing/Jazz and Latin music has however made this music quite distinct. | Although native Cubans or untrained dancers may break in any beat of music, the formal version danced in the ballroom breaks on the 2 counts. The Mambo is a spot dance that is spicy and exciting. A variety of moves that include turns, breaks, swivels and spins are used. |
| E.C. Swing | Danced in 4/4 timing, the music is fast and lively in the Swing style. | Basically a stationary dance, the East Coast Swing may have some progressive movements. It should be lively, fast and full of fun. Weight should be kept towards the balls of the feet so as to ensure a slight “bounce” effect. There a variety of movements that can be danced such as spins, kicks, underarm turns and changes of rhythm. |
| W.C. Swing- Beg. & Intermediate | Danced in 4/4 timing the music will basically be in a slow swing style. However good music for this dance has come froma variety of styles, Rock and Roll, and Country Western being just two. | A slow swing, danced in a slot, to a medium tempo of music. Smooth, without any bounce, the partners will stay in the slot with the Lady providing most of the movement across and past the man. Within these moves, there is the opportunity for individuality by the use of various maneuvers such as turns, spins and different rhythms and footwork. |
| Fitness Dance Classes Fitness dance training is an ideal way to condition your body for enhanced dancing performance. We believe being physically fit improves your dance agility and overall health. We offer energizing dance fitness classes including: Toning Your Body: Learn Latin style dance steps in a high-paced, cardio workout. Salsa-cize: A salsa-based fitness class. Choreography Services Event Dancers & Entertainment Corporate Team Building Experience Ballroom Rental |
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Ridgefield, NJ 
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