Danceworks Studio

Dance Styles:

Ballroom dancing is divided into three principal categories: Smooth dances, Rhythm dances, and Latin dances. Each category consists of a group of individual dances. The dances within a category all share certain traits and similarities, such as style, movement, and technique. So if you've learned one dance in a category, the others are much easier to pick up. Different people naturally have different favorite dances and favorite dance categories, but many people find that they're all enjoyable and worth learning. We certainly think so!

Smooth Dances:

The Smooth dances share a continuity and fluidity of movement. The appearance is one of continuous motion, which may speed up and slow down, but never really stops. There are very few, if any, sudden pauses or changes of speed or direction in the smooth dances. Because of this, the Smooth dances typically have a refined, elegant, and graceful look and feel to them. Smooth dances cover the spectrum from slow to fast, from gentle to energetic. The most well known of the Smooth dances are the Waltz, the Foxtrot, and the Tango.

Rhythm -- Swing and Other Dances:

The Rhythm dances are noticeably different from the Smooth¿s in that their movements are designed to emphasize the beat in the music. Rhythm dances are typically danced to faster, more energetic music, but like the Smooth dances you can find examples of slow Rhythm dance, fast Rhythm dance, and everything in between. The primary examples of Rhyth