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Dance Styles

In the Ballroom dancing world, there are so many different Ballroom dances that it’s hard to get an overall picture of all the different types of Ballroom dance styles that are out there.

While there are many Latin and Ballroom dances, most of them can fit into at least one category or style. Depending on which part of the world you live in, the styles and dances may differ slightly, so keep that in mind. 

Below we have included the most popular Ballroom dance styles in the following order: American Style, International Style, Latin nightclub style, Swing dances and other popular partner dances. Below you will find the specific dances that fall under each style with a brief description.​

American Style

This is a style that is mainly danced in the United States but it is gaining popularity in other parts of the world recently. Its main purpose was to make social dancing easy to pick up. It is danced both socially and competitively just like the International style (below). The Ballroom dances that fall under this style are broken down into 2 more types: American Rhythm and American Smooth. Below you’ll find all the dances that fall under this style.

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  • American Smooth Dances: Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot and Viennese waltz

  • American Rhythm Dances: Cha Cha, Rumba, Swing, Bolero and Mambo

International Style

This is a style that is danced all around the world. This style has a very specific syllabus that dancers strive to master. It is danced both socially and competitively. Those that choose to study this style spend a lot of time working on the style and technique which is very strict and somewhat complex. The dances that fall under this style can be broken down into 2 more types: International Latin and International Standard.

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  • International Standart Dances: Slow Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Slow Foxtrot, and Quickstep

  • International Latin Dances: Cha Cha, Samba, International Rumba, Paso Doble, and Jive

Latin Nightclub style

Please note: This style doesn’t belong to “the core” of Ballroom dancing style. This is a style that is mainly danced in Latin nightclubs to Latin music. People love this style because it is very fun and social.

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  • Style of dances: Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Argentine Tango, Hustle

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