Ballroom or Latin?
I know I like "Dancing with the Stars", but I'm not sure whether I'd prefer Ballroom or Latin. How do I decide?
The short answer is - try both! They're both fun, challenging, and rewarding, and you really can't go wrong by doing either, which is why most social couples do both. There are some elements of each to consider when choosing which to take first:
There are five “traditional” International Standard dances: Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz, and Quickstep styles of Ballroom dances, of which the Waltz and Foxtrot are suitable for weddings, galas, and events with big bands.
Familiar artists and music include: Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble, Julio Iglasias, Big Band and Orchestral works.
There are five International Latin dances: Cha Cha, Rumba, Jive, Samba, and Paso Doble. The American equivalent, "Rhythm", consists of Rumba, Cha Cha, Bolero, East Coast Swing, and Mambo. I call these, you guessed it, the "short dress" dances. They tend to be a bit more “saucy”, upbeat dances, and suitable for the music you'd find on a cruise, or at a tropical resort.
Some familiar artists and songs that fall into this category include: Shakira, Gwen Stefani, Elvis, Big Band Swing and Latin music.
Many Ballroom studios will also offer a third kind of class, focusing more on club-style dances. At danceScape, our "Absolute Beginner" Club Dancing Workshop covers Salsa, Swing, Bachata, and Merengue. This kind of class is, as the name suggests, most applicable for people who want to go out to Latin clubs.
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