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BALLROOM DANCES

American Smooth/International Standard, dances generally consist of Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot & Viennese Waltz. International adds Quickstep into the mix. Below you will find some songs popular for practice. While most of the same dances, Smooth & Standard styles are somewhat different & to different speeds/BPM.

WALTZ (aka SLOW WALTZ)
The Waltz is a very popular social and wedding dance. It is characterized by an elegant “rise and fall,” turns, and gorgeous body sways. It is a fantastic Ballroom dance for new dancers and the Waltz is a beautiful style for a wedding first dance.

TANGO
The Tango is a dramatic dance style that is popular in the United States and all over the world. It is characterized by sharp, staccato movements and a passionate attitude.
 
FOXTROT
The Foxtrot is easily recognizable because it was built off a foundation of simplistic walking steps and side steps.  The “trot” of this dance refers to the dancers shortening their steps as the music increases in tempo. Traditionally, the Foxtrot is danced to Big Band style music, however, many styles of music, including modern up –tempo songs and ballads, work well with the Foxtrot style dance. Today, contemporary pop music hits that work with the Foxtrot timing are just as popular for dancers as old Foxtrot classics.

VIENNESE WALTZ

Viennese Waltz is the traditional waltz. The oldest style danced in competition. It is danced at twice the speed of the Slow Waltz. It's American (aka Smooth) & International (aka Standard) styles differ. It is a rotary dance where the dancers are constantly turning either toward the leader's right (natural) or toward the leader's left (reverse), interspersed with non-rotating change steps to switch between the direction of rotation.
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