Types of Dance, with Music Suggestions
Social Partner Dancing is one of the best ways to stay active, keep your mind sharp, get fun exercise, be social, and make many friends. Which ones will you learn? Are you going to try Salsa, the most popular partner dance in the world? Or, East Coast Swing the staple of weddings and big band dancing for decades? Maybe a classic Waltz? Or, how about the funky and current West Coast Swing or Hustle?
Not sure which is for you, or what’s the difference, in this blog post we help you learn a bit about each, link to some video examples, and add some music suggestions. Maybe you’ll decide you need to learn them all! You can through the May I Have This Dance Curriculum, our studio classes, private lessons, and the incredible OnlineLearningLounge.com.
The most popular dances at May I Have This Dance are listed first.
West Coast Swing
West Coast Swing is a contemporary-style of Swing, very different than what most people initially think of as “swing.” It is the fastest growing social dance worldwide because of: a) how ultra-cool it looks b) its versatility, and c) the variety of great music it is perfect for. West Coast Swing has recently exploded in popularity by being featured on Tik Tok, Instagram, and other social media. This sleek, smooth, sexy, funky and challenging dance is versatile enough for blues, pop, R&B, country, jazz, coffee-house, disco, rock, and many more genres of music. Its relaxed and smooth body movements, playful improvisation, and stretch give it a distinctive look. Incredibly versatile, West Coast Swing will impress people on all types of dance floors. Once people see this dance, they often say they have to learn it. It takes longer to get up to speed than most other dances, but well worth the time and practice. May I Have This Dance has been one of the top studios for West Coast Swing in the US for over 25 years. Our robust curriculum will make learning this dance as easy as possible. Even those with two left feet will be swingin’ and groovin’ in no time! If you’re in Chicago, visit our studio soon. If not in Chicago, check out our industry-leading online tutorial site: www.OnlineLearningLounge.com
Song Suggestions:
24K Magic – Bruno Mars
Big Energy – Latto
Sexy Back – Justin Timberlake
Fever – Elvis
My Baby Just Cares for Me – various artists
Billie Jean – Michael Jackson
Come When I Call – John Mayer
Breakeven – The Script
Everybody’s Had The Blues – BB King
Secret – Maroon 5
Let’s Stay Together – Al Green
Examples:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7NUIhadkro
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7XfKf46iZY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVtkZhiW8dM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsX87384tnQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-KJjVGbM7M
Salsa
Salsa is one of the most popular social dances in the world. It is primarily danced to Latin music with Afro-Cuban rhythms. Salsa dancing has become so universally popular that there are Salsa nightclubs, lessons, and dancing in practically every major metropolitan city. Salsa music is characterized by its multi-layered rhythms & percussion. The dance is characterized by rolling hip motion and body movement, as well as numerous spin and turn patterns.
There are several styles of Salsa, all of which are closely related. The May I Have This Dance syllabus is based on the most universal style taught at studios and danced in nightclubs throughout the world. This style “breaks” on the 1st beat of the musical phrase and is primarily danced in a slot with plenty of rotational movement. It includes mostly partnered patterns with opportunities for fancy footwork, shines, and even the occasional solo steps.
We also teach several other styles and related dances like Street-Style Salsa, Cumbia, Rueda, Salsa on 2, and Traditional Mambo.
Song Suggestions:
Salsa Con Candela – Karamba
Que Locura Enamorarme De Ti – Huey Dunbar
En Barranquilla Me Quedo – Joe Arroyo
Me Libere – El Gran Combo
El Negro Bembon – Ismael Rivera Guarare – Ray Barretto
Hong Kong Mambo – Tito Puente
Puente Mi Tierra – Gloria Estefan
Micaela – Sonora Carruseles
Mi Media Mitad – Rey Ruiz
Solo Con Ella – Puerto Rican Power
Examples
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6Ii4RwG7Sk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ig9N6QkUK2w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBEc9Kni6I0
Hustle
Hustle is a very exciting and energetic dance with the flexibility to look elegant and graceful, sultry and intimate, or funky and fun. It shares patterns and concepts with Salsa, including numerous wrap and turn patterns. It is more applicable and popular than ever. Modern Hustle is the contemporary evolution of the partner dance first popularized in the 1970’s. The styling, movement, and musicality have evolved to reflect the latest music and trends. It also has options to travel and float on the dance floor like Waltz and Foxtrot. It’s danced to a syncopated rhythm creating a unique pulse perfect for pop, disco, jazz, and techno tunes. Sometimes referred to as Latin Hustle, New York Style Hustle, New Style Hustle, or Street-Style Hustle, it’s all similar sharing the same patterns, rhythm, and technique. This powerful social dance can really make you stand out on the dance floor. Hustle is one of MayI’s specialties since our Instructors are amongst the best in the world, our curriculum is the most developed and comprehensive available anywhere, and our Instructors Nino & Dawn are sought after for training by many Hustle professionals and dancers throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia.
Song Suggestions:
Espresso – Sabrina Carpenter
Dance The Night – Dua Lipa
Just Dance – Lady Gaga
Grenade – Bruno Mars
Bright Lights Bigger City – Cee Lo Green
Can We Chill – Ne-Yo
More – Usher
Soul Steppin’ -- Will Downing
Finally – CeCe Peniston
How You Make Me Feel – Reuben Studdard
Boyfriend – Selena Gomez
Raise Your Glass – Pink
Crush – Jennifer Paige
1st Class – YoungKing
Set Fire To The Rain – Adele
Express Yourself – Madonna
Spotlight – Jennifer Hudson
Brave – Jennifer Lopez
Examples:
YouTube Hustle Playlist:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQw9bOcFuYisiZey-V1HiJTchPuNq9c8M&si=9qdxRHITsrb-Bi0j
Waltz
Waltz is as relevant and useful today as it has been for over a century. It’s perfect for classics, as well as many of today’s pop, country, jazz, and even rock ballads. There are a surprising number of contemporary songs that use a Waltz rhythm. Along with Foxtrot, it is a common choice for wedding dances and is popular with social dancers all over the world. Waltz music is recognized by its 3⁄4 rhythm, meaning musical phrases are counted in six beats rather than the usual eight.
An elegant and graceful slow dance that glides across the floor, it can be intimate and romantic or formal and grand. Learning to Waltz will improve your posture, poise, balance, frame, and control.
Song Suggestions:
Come Away With Me – Norah Jones
Open Arms – Journey
Natural Woman – Aretha Franklin
If I Ain’t Got You – Maroon 5
If It’s Over – Mariah Carey
Misery – Pink & Steven Tyler
Only One Road – Celine Dion
The Reason – Michael Grimm
Through The Dark – KT Tunstall
Examples:
Argentine Tango
More intimate, compact, and improvisational than ballroom-style Tango, this version is more closely related to its roots. Argentine Tango music emphasizes the melody and allows for a more forgiving and creative rhythm.
In most major metropolitan areas today, you will likely find groups dedicated to dancing Argentine Tango and its related dances. Often utilizing a close-embrace hold and intertwining legs and footwork, Argentine Tango dancers should be comfortable getting close to their partners and willing to share an intimate evening of dance.
There are three dances that complete the Argentine Tango experience. Argentine Tango, or “Salon Tango,” is the primary style and has a smooth and melodic feel. “Milonga” is very similar to the Tango, but is usually danced to music with a steady and more jovial rhythm, giving the dance a brisk and bouncy feel. “Vals” is danced to music that is in 3⁄4 time, where most of the steps are danced on the 1st beat of the measure. Our curriculum offers classes in all 3 styles.
Song Suggestions:
La Cumparsita – Juan D’Arienzo
Humo – Carlos Libedinsky
Tanguera – Raul Jaurena
Queremos Paz – Gotan Project
Quejas de Bandoneon - Troilo
Examples:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xt8_6rVi5VI
Bachata
Popular at Salsa and Latin Nightclubs, Bachata is distinctive for its side to side basic movement and its hip motion. The music is slower than salsa music, and shares some characteristics with Merengue music since they both were developed in the Dominican Republic.
At the clubs you will see some people dancing Bachata in a close embrace with sexy body movement, which is characteristic of “Sensual Bachata.” . Other dance “Dominican-Style” which typically leaves plenty of space and may add some fancy syncopated footwork to match the unique rhythms of each song. We start all of our Bachata classes at a comfortable social distance, and offer the close embrace as an option in some of our more advanced level classes.
Song Suggestions:
La Luz de Mis Ojos – Elvis Martinez
No Me Lloren – Hector Acosta
Vale La Pena – Yoksar Sarante
Te Extrano – Xtreme
Perdidos – Monchy & Alexandra
Obsesion - Aventura
Examples:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EupODE-P3rY
East Coast Swing
Sometimes referred to as Jitterbug or simply as Swing, this is one of the easiest styles to learn. It’s also one of the most commonly known dances in America. Because of its popularity and fun energetic music, East Coast Swing should be a staple in your dance repertoire.
Swing has been around since the 1920’s with roots in the African-American culture of Harlem, NY. It has evolved with each decade’s popular music, starting with jazz, it is also great for big band, rock n’ roll, and blues music.
As with every dance in the Swing family, East Coast Swing is related to Lindy Hop—the original swing dance. Many contemporary Lindy Hop dancers actually dance a hybrid of Lindy Hop and East Coast Swing. May I Have This Dance offers Lindy Hop as well. We highly recommend learning some East Coast Swing before taking Lindy Hop.
Song Suggestions:
Jump Jive and Wail – Louis Prima
String of Pearls – Glenn Miller
L.O.V.E. – Nat King Cole
Beyond The Sea – Bobby Darrin
Love Me or Leave Me – Nina Simone
Stompin at the Savoy – Benny Goodman
Rock Around the Clock – Bill Haley
Examples:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2fe4-w5bUM
Cha Cha
This versatile dance is perfect for many contemporary pop tunes, some classic rock ‘n roll, and various Latin rhythms. Along with Salsa, Merengue, and Bachata, Cha Cha is very popular at Latin dance clubs and a must for any good social dancer. It takes its name from the characteristic “cha cha cha” shuffle step in the middle of each pattern. Many patterns are shared with Salsa, Mambo, Swing, and Rumba, but Cha Cha is more rhythmically complex. The music is in 4/4, but the patterns are usually 8 or more beats. Although some mistakenly learn the Cha Cha with a break step on 1, the correct way to dance the Cha Cha is to start the break step on the 2nd beat. Therefore, the dance is counted: 2 3 4&5 6 7 8&1--where the 4&5 and 8&1 is the Cha Cha Cha. Cha Cha is an excellent dance for developing footwork and timing.
It’s a ballroom dance as well as a street dance, therefore it can take on different stylings. Our curriculum includes the best elements and patterns from both to create an exciting and ideal social dance.
Song Suggestions:
Oye Como Va – Tito Puente Jr.
Guantanamera – Celia Cruz
Volver a Verte – Oscar D’Leon
Sonando – Pancho Sanchez
I Need to Know – Marc Anthony
Sway – Pussycat Dolls
Cry To Me – Soloman Burke
I Know You Want Me – Pit Bull
Let’s Take a Walk – Raphael Saadiq
Pumped Up Kicks – Foster The People
Save The Last Dance – Michael Buble
Examples:
https://youtu.be/2CkLuoUhz-o?si=MSJkuPvyio4SA-L9
Country Two-Step
Traveling around the dance floor at a moderate to fast pace, Country Two-Step is full of fun turns, wraps, and weaves. Of course you will find it at country bars and clubs, but thanks to the growing popularity of country music and crossover pop artists, Country Two-Step is in demand at dance studios, ballroom events, and West Coast Swing parties. This is a great dance to develop quick turns, assertive leading, and maneuvering around the dance floor.
Song Suggestions:
Amie – Lonestar
Anyway the Wind Blows – Brother Phelps
Chattahoochee – Alan Jackson
Goin’ Through The Big D – Mark Chesnutt
I Want You To Want Me – Dwight Yoakam
If the World Had a Front Porch – Tracy Lawrence
It Happens – Sugarland
Redneck Woman – Gretchen Wilson
Examples:
Rumba
A slower and romantic cousin to Salsa, this Latin dance is perfect for contemporary and classic pop ballads, as well as Latin love songs. Because it is a slower Latin dance, it can be ideal for dancers practicing the distinctive hip and body motion of the Afro-Cuban dances like Salsa, Mambo, and Cha Cha. You’ll see Rumba at Salsa clubs, lounges, weddings, and Ballroom dance events.
Song Suggestions:
Perdon – Dany Rivera
Quedate – Lara Fabian
Back to the Middle – India Aire
Light My Fire – Will Young
Sway – Dean Martin
How Deep Is Your Love – Bee Gees
Te Amo Corazon – Prince
Examples
Foxtrot
"Trot," as it is affectionately called, is one of the most common American dances of the 20th century and still very useful for contemporary music. It is the foundation for many of the other partner dances including swing and country-western. It can be danced as a slow, romantic, cheek-to-cheek dance; as a theatrical, expressive showcase; or anywhere in between. To see Foxtrot at its best, just watch one of the many films with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.
Foxtrot is appropriate for several music types including: big band; jazz; crooners; blues; pop; and easy listening. Ballroom dance events and formal dinner dances typically include a significant number of Foxtrots. It’s also a must to know if you enjoy dancing in lounges, piano bars, and your living room by the fireplace.
The most formal version of this elegantly smooth dance travels around the line of dance. It's danced to music with 4/4 timing, but most patterns are 6, 8, or more beats. The Foxtrot is highly recommended for new dance students since the basics are pretty simple and many Foxtrot principles carry over to all the other partner dances.
Song Suggestions:
Cheek to Cheek – Louis Armstrong & Ella Fitzgerald
Don’t Get Around Much Anymore – Tony Bennett
Fly Me To The Moon – Frank Sinatra
I Could Write a Book – Harry Connick Jr.
Move On – George Michael
Orange Colored Sky – Natalie Cole
You’re Getting to Be a Habit With Me – Diana Krall
Examples:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wd-7ELMztqY
Nightclub Two-Step
An easy and elegant dance for contemporary slow ballads, Nightclub Two-Step is quickly becoming one of the more popular social dances. There are two main styles that are closely related: contemporary and country. Contemporary Nightclub Two-Step pulses the upbeat, emphasizes an elastic connection, and features more intimate patterns. These are useful for the small or crowded dance floors you may find at lounges, nightclubs, and West Coast Swing dance events. Country Nightclub Two-Step travels more and incorporates many characteristics of Waltz and ballroom dance. This is useful for larger dance floors with more space to be expressive. Our program incorporates the best of both styles to create a social Nightclub Two-Step that can be intimate and romantic, as well as elegant and dramatic. Song Suggestions:
Home – Michael Buble
Because of You – Kelly Clarkson
Lady In Red – Chris DeBurgh
Insatiable – Darren Hayes
You’re Still The One – Shania Twain
What Hurts The Most – Rascal Flatts
Everything I Do – Bryan Adams
Back at One – Brian McKnight
Colder Weather – Zac Brown Band
I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing – Aerosmith
Examples
Tango (Ballroom/American Style)
Tango is a dramatic dance with styling options that can be sharp and aggressive or smooth and romantic. May I Have This Dance offers different styles of social Tango. This particular version is based on American-Style Ballroom Tango. Always part of any ballroom dance event or party, Tango is also useful for weddings and formals.
Learning to Tango will help refine your connection, body movement, leg action, rhythm, and character as you practice the nuances that make this dance so unique. A catlike stalking movement gives Tango its distinct and dramatic look and feel.
Song Suggestions:
A Media Luz – Stanley Black
Jealousy – Xavier Cugat
La Cumparsita – Julio Iglesias
El Choclo – various
Hernandos Hideaway - various
Examples:
Cumbia
Cumbia is a Latin dance done at Salsa clubs and venues where the music has Mexican and Columbian influences. Along with Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, and Cha Cha, Cumbia rounds out the Latin Club dancer’s repertoire and will keep them in high demand all night. Cumbia shares the same steps, patterns, and rhythm as Street-Style Salsa, only the styling is a little different. Cumbia has a distinctive lilt and grounded look which hint at its roots as a folk dance.
Song Suggestions:
Tu Y Yo – Thalia
Gallito Feliz – Crstian
Examples
Slow Dance
Cheek to cheek, close embrace, dance with that special someone. When the music just doesn’t fit any ballroom dance, or when you want to just hold your partner extra close, this type of dancing will make your partner melt in your arms. Slow dancing is more than just a wobble side to side, it can include different parts of your body, playing with rhythms, and creative movements to spice things up, and be more musical. We usually recommend enrolling with a partner in Slow Dance classes.
Song Suggestions:
Purple Rain – Prince
Try a Little Tenderness – Michael Buble
Wonderful Tonight – Eric Clapton
Georgia on My Mind – Ray Charles
At Last – Etta James
Fusion & Freeform
Instead of strict patterns, Freeform & Fusion are mashups of many different social dance movements, patterns, and techniques that experienced dancers can use to spontaneously create unique interpretations for any moment in any song. Many dancers enjoy this style more than any as it is an intense focus on your partnership and the music. Let the music and partnership move you, not the patterns and constraints of any one particular dance. Usually Fusion dancers have a basis dance(s) they draw from. Many come from Blues Dance, Zouk, Argentine Tango, or West Coast Swing, but even Ballroom, Hustle, Salsa, or Slow Dancing can be a great basis for Fusion. It is very personal and different based on each dancer, the partnership, and the music, so there isn’t standard music or example videos. Nevertheless here are some songs Nino enjoys for fusion.
Song Suggestions:
Giving Him Something He Can Feel – Aretha Franklin
Things Are Changin’ – Gary Clark Jr
Unholy – Sam Smith & Kim Petras
Shallow – Lady Gaga
What Was I Made For – Billie Eilish
Take on Me – Kaiak
Examples
Zouk
A dance from Brazil, it has become hot in Latin dance circles around the world. It’s very attention-getting with its dramatic, curvy, wave-like body movement as well as its ultra-sexy tone. Salsa, Bachata, West Coast Swing, and even Ballroom dancers are stealing moves and styling from Zouk to make their other dances more interesting.
Song Suggestions:
Sure Thing (zouk remix) – Miguel
Down – Marian Hill
Te Amo – Yola Araujo
Examples
Country Swing
Popular at country bars all over the US, but especially in Texas and Nashville, it’s growing fast because of eye-catching videos on social media. Emphasizing moves and flashy patterns, dips, drops, and even lifts, it’s often at the cost of organized footwork, technique, and rhythm. Nevertheless, when taught by a MayI instructor, we make sure to include easy footwork and good connection technique to keep everyone safe, and looking polished and smooth while keeping the energy and excitement characteristic of this “bar dance.” Many Country Swing dancers eventually find their way to West Coast Swing and Country Two-Step, so it’s often considered a “gateway dance.”
Song Suggestions:
All Over Me – Josh Turner
Dance Her Home – Cody Johnson
Don’t Ya – Brett Eldredge
Examples
Kizomba
Kizomba is a dance style that originated in Angola in the 1980s. Kizomba is known for its smooth, earthy dynamic and traditionally close partnership hold. The steps start simply, danced on every beat, but can get varied and creative with similar elements found in other dances such as Argentine Tango, Bachata, and Blues Dance. It’s danced to music similar to Zouk.
Song Suggestions:
Esconde Esconde – Konde
Be With You – Kaysha
Examples
Merengue
One of the easiest to learn, this Latin dance gets fancy very quickly. Even if you have no dance experience, you’ll be amazed at the intricate wraps and patterns you’ll be doing within an hour. Merengue is popular on the Latin nightclub dance floor. It’s a great compliment to Salsa, Mambo, and Bachata. Merengue patterns are also great for almost any style of dance.
Song Suggestions:
Mi Reina – Grupo Salvaje
Tu Cinturita – Carlos David
Examples
Viennese Waltz
This faster-moving dance is what you see in films depicting the Victorian Era—typically with couples spinning constantly around the dance floor usually to orchestral music such as that by Johann Strauss. The Viennese Waltz is considered a ballroom dance and it is still danced in many ballrooms across the nation. However, because of its higher level of difficulty and the need for plenty of dance space, the Viennese Waltz is rarely done outside of dance studio parties or the most formal and traditional dance settings. Students should already know (slow) Waltz before learning Viennese Waltz. A classic dance, Viennese Waltz is also perfect for a surprising amount of contemporary pop tunes. You’ll definitely impress others if Viennese Waltz is part of your repertoire.
Song Suggestions:
Dance With Me – Caleb & Kelsey
A Thousand Years – Christina Perri
Nothing Else Matters – Metallica
I Have Nothing – Whitney Houston
Examples
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxqncczTTCE
Quickstep
A progressive dance that travels fast around the floor, the Quickstep is for Ballroom die-hards. Quickstep and Foxtrot share some patterns, but Quickstep adds runs, kicks, polka points, and speed. It’s often danced to music that you can also dance a fast East Coast Swing.
Song Suggestions:
Glendora – Perry Como
Things – Robbie Williams
Example
Samba
Inspired by the popular street-dance in Brazil, this partner dance is done to the syncopated South American rhythms of Samba music, as well as many Latin-flavored pop tunes. It can also be danced to Zouk or Flamenco music. Most commonly done at ballroom events and studios, you can also dance Samba at lounges and nightclubs. Samba has a lilt and hip motion different than the Cuban motion of other Latin dances like Salsa and Rumba, so it adds more dimension and options to your repertoire, as well as helps you develop new skills. The steps are danced with a slight bounce which gives Samba its distinguishable look.
Song Suggestions:
Magalenha – Sergio Mendes
Rich Girl – Gwen Stefani
Ain’t It Funny – Jennifer Lopez
Turn Me On – Kevin Lyttle
Rhythm Divine – Enrique Iglesias
Hips Don’t Lie – Shakira
Examples:
Mambo
A very close sibling to Salsa, Mambo can be danced to the same music and has similar step patterns. Traditional Mambo was popular in the 1940’s and 50’s and remains popular today as part of Ballroom dance syllabi world-wide. It’s main difference from Salsa is that the break step begins on the 2nd beat of the phrase and there is no weight change on the first and fifth beat of the phrase. A newer style of Mambo, also called NY-Style Mambo, or Salsa on 2, also breaks on the 2nd beat of the phrase but patterns and weight changes happen on beats 1 and 5, where beats 4 and 8 do not have weight changes. This gives the newer style of mambo a more laid-back and deliberate look. But, in general, Salsa, Salsa on 2, and Mambo are very interchangeable and can be seen on the same dance floor at the same time at many clubs and events.
Song Suggestions:
Clave Mambo – Joe Cuba
Hong Kong Mambo – Tito Puente
Cuba Te Llama – Mambo Rama
Examples
Bolero
An elegant dance done to slow romantic, often Latin-rhythmed, music, Bolero incorporates steps, patterns, and rhythm of Latin dances with the styling of smooth ballroom.
Song Suggestions:
Sabor A Mi – Luis Miguel
Eres Todo en Mi – Ana Gabriel
Take a Bow – Madonna
Example:
Blues Dance
Blues dance is an intimate style of dance primarily done to slow blues music. Connection, pulse, and improvisation are emphasized more than patterns and combinations. Although its roots are decades old, Blues Dance has recently been popularized by dancers in the swing and Lindy scene.
Song Suggestions:
Ball & Chain – Etta James
St. James Infirmary – Various Artists
Example:
Lindy Hop
Energetic, fun, aerobic, and cheery, the Lindy Hop is one of the original versions of swing that is still popular today. Originated by the African-American community in the Harlem neighborhood of NYC in the 1920’s, it experienced a major resurgence in the 1990s and is still popular today. If you’ve seen footage of swing dancing in classic movies, chances are they’re doing the Lindy Hop. Primarily danced to Big Band, Retro Jump, Rock-a-Billy, and Jazz music, it’s often mixed with East Coast Swing steps for a hybrid dance.
Song Suggestions:
Lindy Hop Heaven – Peter Davis
How Lucky Can One Guy Be – Indigo Swing
My Baby Just Cares For Me – Various artists
Examples
Balboa
Balboa is a type of swing dance, popular with Lindy Hop dancers. It’s more compact than other styles of swing, with the partners in body contact most of the dance. The footwork and legwork below the knee is where most of the action of this dance is. Not only is this a fun dance to add to your repertoire, but the steps are great to put into your East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, and other dances to give you unique variations.
Song Suggestions:
Down South Camp Meetin’ – Benny Goodman
Special Delivery Stomp – Artie Shaw
Examples:
Carolina Shag
A style of swing that emphasizes fancy footwork and twisty legs while the upper body and hips stay relatively still, Carolina Shag initially reached its popularity as a dance done to “beach music.” Recently it’s gained favor within the West Coast Swing community and other swing dancers as a way to enhance their style and footwork chops. There are still bars and major events in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina dedicated to this dance.
Song Suggestions:
Avalon – The Rhythm Sheiks
On the Beach – Chairmen of the Board
Examples:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8l5pczCZw04
Charleston
Charleston is a type of swing that is closely tied to Lindy Hop. Its main characteristic is a forward and back movement of the feet with kicks and swivels. Although you can dance the Charleston as a complete dance, it’s most often used in conjunction with Lindy Hop or East Coast Swing. Enhance your swing with some Charleston!
Song Suggestions:
Yes Sir That’s My Baby – Firehouse Five
Muskat Ramble – Louis Armstrong
Examples
Paso Doble
A cousin of Flamenco, this Ballroom dance is most often seen on the competitive or showdance floor. However, it makes a fun and dramatic social dance too.
Song Suggestions:
Espana Cani – various artists
Spanish Gypsy Dance – various Artists
Examples:
Polka
Roll out the barrel and get moving in this high energy dance that travels around the floor. It’s fun kitsch to grab your partner and dance to the oompa band accordion music so perfect for Polka.
Song Suggestions:
Beer Barrel Polka – various artists
Example
Chicago Steppin’
A smooth style of swing with a unique groove, Steppin’ originated with the African-American community from the south-side of Chicago but has grown in poularity throughout the US. It’s shares characteristics with other regional versions of swing including Bop, Walkin’, Detroit Ballroomin’ and DC Hand Dancing. The Chicago Steppin’ basic is a syncopated rhythm and can be challenging to a brand new dancer, but we break it down and make it easy for anyone to learn. Many West Coast Swing dancers learn Steppin’ to enhance their footwork, syncopations, and musicality.
Song Suggestions:
Stay – The Temptations
Didn’t We – Gerald Levert
Me, Myself, & I – Beyonce
Examples
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUbSuIPJiKc&list=PLp5MPczgVIDXNWSNEI3wCMioccLrmEtR2
Triple Two-Step/Double Two-Step
Double Two-Step travels around the floor like Country Two-Step but uses triple-step rhythms like East Coast Swing. Mostly danced to Country tunes, it’s usually slower tempo than Country Two Step music. Triple Two-Step is almost the same dance, but incorporates some additional connection and lead/follow techniques that add sharpness and styling.
Song Suggestions:
You Should Probably Leave – Chris Stapleton
Must Be The Whiskey – Cody Jinks
Play Something Country – Brooks & Dunn
Lambada
Brazilian in origin, an off-spring of Bossa Nova, this dance hit worldwide popularity in the 1980’s and early 90’s.It’s a sexy dance where partners dance in contact and use a lot of wave-like motions in their bodies. It’s considered a precursor to Zouk which became popular in the Latin dance scene worldwide in the early 2010’s. Find out why it was called the “Forbidden Dance.”
Song Suggestions:
Lambada – Kaoma
Example:
Bossa Nova
A fun fad partner dance, the Bossa Nova looks like a cross between a slow Samba, Rumba, and casual Foxtrot. It was done specifically to music with a Bossa Nova beat, which is common in Brazilian-influenced jazz and pop music.
Song Suggestions:
The Girl From Ipanema – Antonio Carlos Jobim
Agua de Beber – Astrud Gilberto
Examples:
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