Interior Dance Academy

Ballroom & Latin Dance Info

TODDLER DANCE, MOMMY AND ME, R.A.D. BALLET, JAZZ, HIP HOP,

MUSICAL THEATRE, DRAMA, FASHION AND PERSONAL IMAGE

LATIN & BALLROOM

 

AMERICAN & INTERNATIONAL STYLES

We welcome and encourage beginners, as well as experienced dancers in both American & International styles. Solo dancers are most welcome!

 

Beginner Latin & Ballroom Classes Although we offer a wide variety of American & International Dances, we introduce the basic steps in Waltz, Foxtrot and Tango in our Ballroom classes and Salsa, Cha Cha, Jive and Rumba in our Latin classes. If you are interested in other dances please call for more information.

Basic Ballroom Dance Descriptions

Foxtrot: The Foxtrot remains the most popular social dance in the world today. The dance originated in 1913 when a vaudeville performer by the name of Harry Fox performed a little "trot"  and thus the Foxtrot was born. It is enjoyed for its ease of movement and smooth style. Foxtrot music is played by most social dance orchestras and is one of the easiest dances to learn in the American Style.

Waltz: This slow romantic dance is known for its 3/4 time, grace and flowing beauty. The American style rhythm was gradually slowed down over time as songwriters of ballads and love songs chose to compose in a slower and more comfortable tempo while the International style still remains a much pace. This dance has continued to rise in popularity at anniversaries, graduations, and weddings.

Tango: The Tango is a progressive dance moving along the line of dance using body movement. A staccato movement of the feet and flexed knees highlight the dramatic style of the Tango. The hold is very different, with the lady's arm under the man's, which creates a tighter hold for a quick staccato action and stylized poses.

Jive: The Jive is a very fast, lively dance made popular during WWII.  Jive, with all it’s variations is still one of the most popular and fun dance styles.

 

Basic Latin Dance Descriptions

Salsa: The word Salsa means sauce denoting a "hot" flavour.  Salsa is sexy, cheeky, and one of the most popular dances today. It is best distinguished from other Latin music styles by defining it as the New York sound developed by Puerto Rican musicians in New York. This dance is one you will want to learn if traveling to Mexico or to Puerto Rico and Cuba where it originated.

 

Cha-Cha: An exciting versatile Latin dance, with a rhythm that is found in the much of today's popular music. The Cha Cha gathers its flirtatious personality, character, rhythm, basis and charm from two major dance sources. It is a derivation of the Mambo through its latin music, it is also a step-child of the Swing, as it is danced to its 1-2-3, step-step rhythm. The Cha Cha gets its name and character from its distinct repetitive foot rhythm.

 

Rumba: The Rumba was originally a courtship, marriage and street dance that was African in origin. The Rumba met some opposition from society's upper crust because of the sexy, suggestive body and hip movements. Steps are made with a slightly bent knee which, when straightened, cause the hips to sway from side to side in what has come to be known as "Cuban Motion." The Rumba is often referred to as the "dance of love." Sultry and romantic, the music is a mixture of African and Latin rhythms.