So Many Dances... So Much Fun
Where do I begin ?
If you are just getting started on your adventure around the dance floor, it may all seem a bit overwhelming. There are so many Dance Styles to choose from and in order to get the most out of the experience, the direction of your first steps needs to be a completely personal decision. Below are the Dance Styles you will find on our Lesson Calendar, at one time or another. You will see some more often than others, due to their popularity among The Promenade's clientelle. Let the description lead you in your hearts direction and then build from there. Don't try to do it all at once ( you can loose the fun factor that way ). Take your time and keep in mind that it really does get easier as you progress. Know that we are always here to help and are dedicated to allowing you to learn at your own pace, whether it be in Group or Private Lessons.
The Ballroom Dances
Waltz
Tango
Foxtrot
Quickstep
Viennese Waltz
Waltz
One of the world’s most loved and well-known ballroom dances and a favorite for several centuries. Drawing upon a range of sweeping patterns, this elegant dance offers something special for dancers at all levels of skill. With its unmistakable 3/4 timing and an automatic association with romance and adventure it is true Ballroom Dancing.
Tango
This steamy and sultry dance has been enthralling audiences since its introduction. Ballroom Tango has two forms: the American Style and the more technically precise International Style. Either style will transport you into a realm of dramatic moves, theatrical presentation and a sense of Latin passion.
Foxtrot
The Foxtrot is traditionally regarded as a versatile classic dance for every level of dance skill. The International Foxtrot emphasizes upbeat, flowing motions and a close partner connection. American Smooth Foxtrot also embraces smooth graceful motions, but it’s more carefree and permissive in open movements, where partners turn away or temporarily disconnect from each other.
Quickstep
The Quickstep is an excellent style for dancers of intermediate skill level or for those who have already mastered basic slower-tempo smooth dances, such as the Foxtrot. Characterized by forward and back lock-steps, a series of quick steps before slower steps, and skips or turns at rapid tempos, it is challenging but highly rewarding.
Viennese Waltz
Spirited and lively, the Viennese Waltz will have dancers turning and twirling around the dance floor, often at top speeds for ballroom dancing. Intermediate and advanced dancers looking for a challenge will enjoy this aristocratic and extremely athletic dance.
The Latin Dances
Cha Cha
Samba
Rumba
Jive
Bolero
Cha Cha
An enduring classic, one of the most flirtatious and inspiring Latin styles, Cha-Cha is a perfect partner dance for studios or nightclubs, especially those featuring a live Latin band. Everyone from beginning dancers to professionals can have a great time with either the basic patterns or the finer points.
Samba
This dance is great fun when done solo style for performances – whether for outdoor parades or events on indoor stages – or as one of the more exciting partner dances in ballrooms. Samba is free-flowing, rhythmically enticing and upbeat. It can be danced competitively, but is also a relatively straightforward dance for beginning social dancers.
Rumba
Rumba is distinguished by its romantic feel and gradual, carefully timed footwork and patterns. It is exemplified by a sensuous swaying of the hips, known as Cuban Motion. With its easy pace and fluid, seductive movements, Rumba is a beautiful dance for all levels.
Jive
Jive is an extremely fast club dance that resembles East Coast Swing. It’s suitable for beginners and dancers at all skill levels. But expect a workout! You will be bouncing on those feet, moving your knees, and shaking your hips right away.
Bolero
Bolero is often referred to as the “Cuban Dance of Love,” due to the sensuality of its rhythmic movements. The patterns resemble those found in Rumba and some Tango figures. Unlike Rumba, a gentle but deep swaying motion is part of the Bolero style. No prior experience is needed to have fun learning this dance.
The Swing Dances
East Coast Swing
West Coast Swing
Hustle
Lindy Hop
East Coast Swing
The East Coast Swing is the perfect beginner’s Swing dance, and will establish the basic swing tempo and movements. This high-spirited dance will have you skipping, rocking, and twirling the night away on the dance floor.
Lindy Hop
The originator of the Swing Dancing movement, Lindy Hop – also known as the Jitterbug, was developed in New York City by the African American community. This upbeat and acrobatic dance is constantly evolving, leaving dancers plenty of room for creativity.
West Coast Swing
Slick, sexy, and smooth, this partner dance will have you mesmerized by its blues-based tempos and infinite variations on the dance floor. Whether done to moderate or slow tempos, the fun of this dance is improvising and freely moving to the flow of the music.
It’s one of the few dances that can fit during 4/4 time music for smooth dancing. You will see more advanced West Coast Swing dancers using it as an alternative for Foxtrots and even the Cha Cha. Beginners will find challenge and excitement in mastering the basic steps, while advanced dancers will be enthralled with developing tricks and new moves.
Hustle
An iconic dance from the 1970s disco era and made famous by “Saturday Night Fever,” the Hustle has historic “legs” in more ways than one. Still around, it shows no sign of disappearing. You’ll be surprised how quickly you pick up the clever footwork and groovy moves. It’s an ideal dance for beginners, but you will also see advanced dancers of all ages who continue to build on their patterns.
The Club Dances
Salsa
Night Club 2-Step
Argentine Tango
Salsa
A spicy blend of Caribbean and African influences, Salsa is a fantastic Latin/Club style for dancers just starting out, and challenging enough to keep even pros coming back for more. Dancers soon learn that numerous patterns in Salsa can be adapted for moves in more classic Latin Dances, like Cha Cha, and in other Club Dances like Nightclub Two Step. Salsa also includes solos (or “shine steps”) where couples improvise their own moves, then reconnect. A thrilling, fast-paced dance, Salsa has achieved unparalleled popularity on an International level during the last few decades. Advanced dancers will delight in the excitement of split-second flourishes, while beginners will be pulling off spins and dips at nightclubs in no time. From an aerobic perspective, Salsa is near the top of the list for burning calories and cardiovascular conditioning.
Night Club Two Step
One of the easiest and most enjoyable dances, the Nightclub Two-Step is gentle and refined. With a slow to moderate tempo, it fits right in with ballads and slower pop tunes. Fluid footwork and smooth movements make it one of our most requested dances – both for classes and dance parties. This is a style you’ll use often in ballrooms, nightclubs, weddings or other social events.
Argentine Tango
The original version of the Tango, the intense and magnetic Argentine Tango, boasts a dramatic flair that is found in no other Club Dance style. Our inclusive Argentine Tango Program has a wide range of classes that will appeal to both the novice and the virtuoso. In recent years, this dance as enjoyed increasing demand, as reflected in our annual roster of world-class coaches and ongoing workshops.