Basic Step:

Step #	Count	Man's step	Lady's step	Notes
1	2	LF FWD	RF BWD	An 1/8 to a 1/4 turn CCW is optional
2	3	Weight back to RF	Weight back to LF
3	4	LF to the left	RF to the right
4	&	RF almost closing	LF almost closing
5	1	LF to the left	RF to the right
6	2	RF BWD	LF FWD	An 1/8 to a 1/4 turn CCW is optional
7	3	Weight back to LF	Weight back to RF
8	4	RF to the right	LF to the left
9	&	LF almost closing	RF almost closing
10	1	RF to the right	LF to the left

Informative links: Wikipedia on Cha Cha Cha

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Rumba  

A Cuban love dance, this dance forms the basis for many other Latin dances. The dance incorporates hip, waist and pelvis movements that express sensuality (especially by the lady), and contains elements of seduction and love. The music is relatively slow and allows much room for self-expression and individual style.

Tempo: 24-28 bars a minute

Count: 4/4 with the emphasis on the 4th beat

Preparation step: On the 4th beat, the man steps right and the lady, left. On the 1st beat the hip and waist go down on the leg with the weight.

Basic Step:

Step #	Count	Man's step	Lady's step	Notes
1	2	LF FWD	RF BWD	An 1/8 to a 1/4 turn CCW is optional
2	3	Weight back to RF	Weight back to LF
3	4	LF to the left	RF to the right
4	1	Left hip relaxes	Right hip relaxes
5	2	RF BWD	LF FWD	An 1/8 to a 1/4 turn CCW is optional
6	3	Weight back to LF	Weight back to RF
7	4	RF to the right	LF to the left
8	1	Right hip relaxes	Left hip relaxes

Informative links: Wikipedia on the Rumba

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Samba  

The samba originated in Brazil, of course, but the modern Ballroom technique is utterly different from the carnival. The samba as a couples' dance is characterized by up and down, greatly energetic movements that match the rhythmic coursing music. The movement is composed both of steps that move forward and steps that don't, and is accompanied by bending and straightening knee movements ('Bounce Action').

Tempo: 50-52 bars per minute

Count: 2/4 with an emphasis on the second beat

Preparation step: From a low stance on two feet, the man steps forward with his right and the lady steps back with her left.

Basic Step:

Step #	Count	Man's step	Lady's step	Notes
1	1	RF FWD	LF BWD
2	&	Close LF	Close RF	Bounce action
3	2	RF in place	LF in place
4	3	LF BWD	RF FWD	$nbsp;
5	&	Close RF	Close LF	Bounce Action
6	4	LF in place	RF in place

Informative links: Wikipedia on the Samba

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Jive  

This is the most modern, inclusive and rich dance in the family of Rock and Roll dances. The movement is composed of eight steps instead of six, making the dance look lively and animated. The dance expresses gaiety, happiness and sometimes even mischievous play between the partners. There are a few systems of counting for jive; we use the method of counting eight steps in a bar and a half.

Tempo: Competitive - 43-44 bars per minute, Social - 38-42 bars per minute.

Count: 4/4 with emphasis on the second and fourth beats. 1 and ½ bar structure: 1, 2, 3&4, 5&6.

Preparation step: On the count of one, the man steps back with left, and the lady steps back with right. On the count of two, put the weight back on the other foot.

Basic Step:

Step #	Count	Man's step	Lady's step	Notes
1	1	LF BWD	RF BWD
2	2	Weight back to RF	Weight back to LF
3	3	LF to the centre and slightly to left	RF to the centre and slightly to right	Pelvis stays
4	&	RF pushing to left	LF pushing to right
5	4	LF to the left	RF to the right	Pelvis moves
6	5	RF to the centre and slightly to right	LF to the centre and slightly to left	Pelvis stays
7	&	LF pushing to right	RF pushing to left
8	6	RF to the right	LF to the left	Pelvis moves

Informative links: Wikipedia on the Jive

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Pasodoble  

This dance represents a Bull Fight - the man is the matador and the lady his airy cape. The dance originated in Spain and is somewhat reminiscent of Flamenco dancing. The name Paso Doble comes from the words for step (Paso) and double Doble). The man's role is conspicuous in its leading and in the movements which suggest a bull fighter in the arena. At times the man stamps his right foot before going into the next step, just like the movements of a matador to arouse the bull. The role of the lady is to represent the matador's cape - to be light and to respond quickly and swiftly to the man's leading.

Tempo: 59-61 bars per minute

Count: 2/4 with an emphasis on the first beat (usually count 1 to 4, 8 or 16, combining a few bars of music together)

Preparation step: On the first beat, the man steps in place (or stamps) with his right, and the lady steps in place with her left.

Basic Step:

Step #	Count	Man's step	Lady's step	Notes
1	1	RF in place	LF in place	Steps could also be a march to the side or FWD / BWD
2	2	LF in place	RF in place
3	3	RF in place	LF in place
4	4	LF in place	RF in place

Informative links: Wikipedia on the Pasodoble

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International Standard dances

• The English Waltz uses ¾ of a turn clockwise and counter clockwise.
• The Tango uses a progressive side step.
• The Viennese Waltz uses full turns with precession action (like a top tilted into the Line Of Dance).
• The Foxtrot uses a very strong sway in and outside the partner frame.
• The Quickstep is danced in a zigzag structure.

Note: It takes much longer to master the Standards, because they contain a lot of details necessary for dancing properly. It is like building an arch - it is solid only when the last stone is in place.

English Waltz  

The English waltz is also known as the slow waltz (mainly because it is half the speed of Viennese waltz). The steps are large, with a downward emphasis on the first beat and an upward emphasis on two and three. This creates a rise and fall 'wavy' action, which is combined with a sway to create a beautiful flow. Just like in all standard dances, it is danced counterclockwise around the Line of dance. The couple can complete 3/4 of a turn every 2 bars. The turning action could be clockwise and counter clockwise. The English Waltz has many variations, which could be related to: right turn, left turn, promenades, counter promenades, pauses and more.

Tempo: 30 bars a minute

Count: 3/ 4 with an emphasis on the first beat

Preparation step: The man stepping forward on his right.

Basic Step:

Step #	Count	Man's step	Lady's step	Notes
1	1	RF FWD	LF BWD	Start DW 3/8 turn CW End on LOD
2	2	LF to the side	RF to the side
3	3	RF Close	LF Close
4	1	LF BWD	RF FWD	3/8 turn CW End DC
5	2	RF to the side	LF to the side
6	3	LF Close	RF Close
7	1	RF FWD	LF FWD	Change No turn
8	2	LF to the side	RF to the side
9	3	RF Close	LF Close
10	1	LF FWD	RF FWD	3/8 turn CCW End on LOD
11	2	>RF to the side	LF to the side
12	3	LF Close	RF Close
13	1	RF BWD	LF FWD	3/8 turn CCW End DW
14	2	LF to the side	RF to the side
15	3	RF Close	LF Close
16	1	LF FWD	RF FWD	Change No turn
17	2	RF to the side	LF to the side
18	3	LF Close	RF Close
* Back to Step #1

Informative links: Wikipedia on the Slow Waltz

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Tango  

History:

The tango known today is divided into two main styles, both in music and in technique: Modern tango and Argentinean tango. The tango originates in a dance called the Habanera (named after the city of Havana) which was imported by immigrants to Argentina around the year 1880. In Argentina the dance took on the features of sensual seduction and the club ambience of the time. The tango returned to Europe as a ballroom dance, with different music and technique but with its dramatic quality unaltered. In every form of tango the steps go by counts of 'slow' and 'quick,' knees slightly bent in order to stay at the same height and to allow catlike movements.

Telling an Argentinean tango from International Tango:

Basics of International Tango:

The tango differs from other ballroom dances in the hold, technique and a movement which combines advancing with stopping. Correct use of music and a feel for the music are especially important in tango.

The hold is a lower and left shifted standard hold, creating a 3-line foot alignment (compared to the regular 4-line alignment of the other standards), thus creating a motion of stepping into the follower's space. Because of this unique way of dancing, the follower must send the moving foot backwards before the leader moves. Other unique differences are the lack of sways and the staccato nature of the dance.

The basic step is a forward motion for the leader (Left Right Left Right) with a heel toe action. The basic step is a forward motion for the follower is a Backward advanced step (Right Left Right Left) with a toe heel action. The basic step has the rhythm of Slow, Slow, Quick, and Quick. A slow has 2 counts and a quick 1 count. The 4/4 music structure can lead to a Q, Q, Q, Q or S, S or any combination. A good dancer will use the 8 bar structure of the music to dramatize the variations and steps.

Tempo: 33-34 bars a minute

Count: 4/4 with emphasis on the first beat

Preparation step: Left foot forward, body moves first starts with a straight basic step

Basic Step:

Step #	Count	Man's step	Lady's step	Notes
1	S	RF FWD	LF BWD	Steps could also be done in a curve around the LOD
2	S	LF FWD	RF BWD
3	Q	RF FWD	LF BWD
4	Q	LF FWD	RF BWD

Informative links: Wikipedia on the Argentine Tango

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Viennese Waltz  

The Viennese waltz is the oldest of the Standard ballroom dances. The Viennese waltz is always danced counterclockwise around the Line Of Dance. Couples are supposed to complete half a turn every music bar (1, 2, 3). Since a strict tempo Viennese Waltz is 60 bars per minute, the dancers are turning at a rate of 30 turns a minute; therefore, the waltz is danced right and left - 8 to 16 bars in each direction. The change of direction prevents dizziness even when dancing for a long time. The foot which steps forward is used as an axis, while the forward action is danced on the line of dance. This allows for the center of gravity to fall between the couple and to move as one body, like a top, which leans a bit towards the center of the dance floor.

Tempo: 58 to 60 bars per minute

Count: 3/ 4 with an emphasis on the first beat

Preparation step: Man dances forward on his right foot, into a basic step turning clockwise

Basic Step:

Step #	Count	Man's step	Lady's step	Notes
1	1	RF FWD	LF BWD	Start DC 1/2 turn CW
2	2	LF to the side	RF to the side
3	3	RF Close	LF Close
4	1	LF BWD	RF FWD	1/2 turn CW End DC
5	2	RF to the side	LF to the side
6	3	LF Close	RF Close
7	1	RF FWD	LF FWD<./td>	Change No turn
8	2	LF to the side	RF to the side
9	3	RF Close	LF Close
10	1	LF FWDRF	FWD	1/2 turn CCW
11	2	RF to the side	LF to the side
12	3	LF Close	RF Close
13	1	RF BWD	LF FWD	1/2 turn CCW End DC
14	2	LF to the side	RF to the side
15	3	RF Close	LF Close
16	1	LF FWD	RF FWD	Change No turn
17	2	RF to the side	LF to the side
18	3	LF Close	RF Close
* Back to Step #1

Informative links: Wikipedia on the Waltz

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Slow Foxtrot  

A slow Standard dance which is thought to be the most elaborate and detailed dance of all standard dances. The distinct thing about the dance is that there are three steps in the basic step while the music count is 4/4, which requires special precision and punctuality. The basic step has 2 different parts: a 3-step and a feather-step. There is an inside partner action as well as outside partner action on each basic step. Each half basic step starts with a strong change of sway, on the first step, which has a 'Slow' count. The following 2 steps have no change of sway and therefore can be danced to a 'Quick' count. This creates a wavelike movement, reminiscent of soaring, and is full of charm.

Tempo: 29-30 bars per minute

Count: 4/4 with a strong emphasis on the first and a medium emphasis on the third beat

Preparation step: A basic step non-turning step, man steps forward on his right

Basic Step:

Step #	Count	Man's step	Lady's step	Notes
1	S	RF FWD	LF BWD	Sway Change
2	Q	LF FWD, OP	RF BWD
3	Q	RF FWD, OP	LF BWD
4	S	RF FWD	RF BWD	Sway Change
5	Q	LF FWD	LF BWD
6	Q	RF FWD	RF BWD

Informative links: Wikipedia on the Foxtrot

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Quickstep  

A fast standard dance, which combines elements of jazz dancing (Charleston, tap, swing, etc.) with highly stylized technique. The quickstep requires the use of a large dance floor and watching one's dance space, especially because of the variations which are composed of quick chasing (or hovering) steps. The Basic rhythm is S, S, Q, Q but any combination of Slows and Quick steps will do, as long as the music bar structure is followed.

The basic step has an outside partner part followed by an inside partner part. There is a medium sway incorporated with the basic step and some of the variations.

Tempo: 48 to 51 bars per minute

Count: 4/4 with a strong emphasis on the first beat and a weak emphasis on the third

Preparation step: a basic step non-turning step, man steps forward on right

Basic Step:

Step #	Count	Man's step	Lady's step	Notes
1	S	LF FWD	RF BWD	DW
2	S	RF FWD, OP	LF BWD
3	Q	LF to the side	RF to the side	¼ turn CW
4	Q	RF close	LF close
5	S	LF BWD	RF FWD	Backing DC
6	S	RF BWD	LF FWD
7	Q	LF to the side	RF to the side	¼ Turn CCW
8	Q	RF close	LF close

Informative links: Wikipedia on the Quickstep

Note - preparation steps in North America:
Some dancers in North America will always start on the left foot, as a strict rule. This is because of the influence of the American style on the International style. In other parts of the world each dance has its own preparation step, which is related to logic of the dance and not to a strict rule. For example, in English Waltz, a left foot forward is useless in starting a right turn, forcing a forward step instead of a turning step. A dancer should be aware of these differences.

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Latin 'Night Club' dances

• Salsa
• Merengue
• Bachata and Regeton

These dances are danced in a sensual way and they are very energetic. Salsa clubs are usually very packed, a fact that causes the dance styles to be less spacious and more flowing and 'curling'. An experienced dancer will also take care of his partner in order to avoid colliding with other dancers.

The main difference between these dances and Ballroom dancing is in the less structured way they are danced. Even when it is the same dance (i.e. Cha Cha Cha), in a Salsa club, it will be danced in a compact way, incorporating Salsa Variations into the Cha Cha Cha.

Salsa  

Salsa is a Cuban dance, which spun off the Mambo (Cha Cha Cha is another spin-off). While the Mambo was danced on the 2nd beat, the Salsa is danced usually on the first one. Some dancers will choose to dance on the 2nd or 3rd beat, which is perfectly acceptable, as long as they maintain it throughout the dance.

There are two kinds of salsa music: 'Romantica' (romantic) - slow and sensual; and 'Caliente' (hot) - quicker and more rhythmic. In Salsa one can see differences related to the country the dance style originated in (for example: Cuba, Columbia, and North America). Today's Salsa is a mix, which is also the meaning of the word Salsa. An experienced dancer can spot and use techniques and variations ('moves') from other dances, assimilated into the Salsa.

Tempo: 40-47 bars per minute

Count: 4/4 with an emphasis on the second and fourth beat

Basic Step:

Step #	Count	Man's step	Lady's step	Notes
1	1	LF FWD	RF BWD	An 1/8 to a 1/4 turn is optional
2	2	Weight back to RF	Weight back to LF
3	3	LF to the left	RF to the right
4	4	Left hip relaxes / tap	Right hip relaxes / tap
5	1	RF BWD	LF FWD	An 1/8 to a 1/4 turn is optional
6	2	Weight back to LF	Weight back to RF
7	3	RF to the right	LF to the left
8	4	Right hip relaxes / tap	Left hip relaxes / tap

Note: Some dancers do not count the 4 and 8, because there is no step on these beats. Since the 4 and 8 beats exist, music wise, they must be counted. A hip action or a tap is used on these beats.

Informative Link: Wikipedia on the Salsa

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Merengue  

The Merengue is a Latin nightclub dance, which is also used in Ballroom parties and social dance events, mainly because it is the easiest dance to perform. It originated in the Dominican Republic, and it is very diverse regarding its musicality and speed. It is danced using small steps and delayed hip movements after each step. The upper part has very little action, which supports the extended actions done by the lower part. The variations are also done with small steps taken with great sensuality, especially by the lady. The Merengue can be danced in place, while turning, or while advancing.

Tempo: 60-120 bars a minute (30-60 bars a minute for a count of 4/4)

Count: 2/4

Basic Step:

Step #	Count	Man's step	Lady's step	Notes
1	1	LF in place	RF in place	Steps could also be danced to the side or FWD / BWD
2	2	RF in place	LF in place
3	3	LF in place	RF in place
4	4	RF in place	LF in place

Informative Link: Wikipedia on the Merengue

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Bachata

Informative Link: Wikipedia on the Bachata

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'Social' dances

• Swing
• Slow Rock / Blues
• Hustle

Swing  

The swing is the earliest dance version from the Rock and Roll family. The music of swing dancing is rhythm and blues. The dance is composed of swing action to the left and to the right and swing action forward and backward (hence the name, 'swing'). Swing has three main styles: West coast, East coast and Lindy Hop. Another version of swing is the triple swing, which is somewhat like the jive. There are many swing clubs that specialise in this style.

Count: 4/4 with strong 2nd and 4th beats.

Tempo: 24 to 44 bars per minute.

Basic Triple Step:

Step #	Count	Man's step	Lady's step	Notes
1	1	LF BWD	RF BWD
2	2	Weight back to RF	Weight back to LF
3	3	LF to the centre and slightly to left	RF to the centre and slightly to right	Pelvis Stays
4	&	RF pushing to left	LF pushing to right
5	4	LF to the left	RF to the right	Pelvis moves
6	5	RF to the centre and slightly to right	LF to the centre and slightly to left	Pelvis Stays
7	&	LF pushing to right	RF pushing to left
8	6	RF to the right	LF to the left	Pelvis moves

Basic Double Step:

Step #	Count	Man's step	Lady's step	Notes
1	1	LF BWD	RF BWD
2	2	Weight back to RF	Weight back to LF
3	3	LF to the side - no weight (point)	RF to the side - no weight (point)
4	4	Weight on LF, moving the pelvis to the left	Weight on RF, moving the pelvis to the right
5	4	RF to the side - no weight (point)	LF to the side - no weight (point)
6	5	Weight on RF, moving the pelvis to the right	Weight on LF, moving the pelvis to the left

Informative links:
Wikipwdia on the West Coast Swing
Wikipedia on the East Coast Swing
Wikipedia on the Lindy Hop

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Slow Rock / Blues

Informative link: Wikipedia on the Blues Dance

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Hustle  

A version of disco danced as a couple. The origin of the hustle is in the 70's, when Disco was very popular. There is an influence of the Jive / Swing on the Hustle. For example, the 3rd and 4th steps resemble the 'Back Replace' steps in the Jive. Both partners dance with the same footwork, in a circle, turning clockwise.

Count: 4/4

Tempo: 26 to 40 bars per minute.

Basic Step (turned clockwise):

Step #	Count	Man's step	Lady's step	Notes
1	S	RF fwd and diagonally OP	RF fwd and diagonally OP	Slight turn CW
2	S	LF to the side	LF to the side	Slight turn CW
3	Q	RF Back	RF Back	Pull back action
4	Q	Weight back to LF	Weight back to LF	Slight turn CW

Informative link: Wikipedia on the Hustle