There are many different dance styles and these styles can differ depending on the region. The main styles that people learn to dance and the most recognized styles are Jive, Waltz, Samba, Tango, Cha-cha, Salsa, Foxtrot and Rumba.
So what are these different styles? Well lets break them down.
JIVE - The Jive originated among African-Americans in the early 1940s. It is a variation of a less known style called the Jitterbug. Jive is part of the five International Latin dances. Done correctly it is normally danced at 176 beats per minute. Due to this tempo it is known as very fast swing music.
WALTZ - When the Waltz was first introduced it shocked many. Around the 1980s the Waltz became fashionable in Vienna. The waltz, and especially its closed position, became the example for the creation of many other ballroom dances. Subsequently, new types of waltz have developed, including many folk and several ballroom dances. It is normally danced at 84 - 90 beats per minute and normally to a Slow ballad or instrumental music in 3/4 time.
SAMBA - This dance appeared around the 20th century in Rio De Janeirio. It is one of the most popular styles in America. At 100 beats per minute this is a fast tempo dance normally with medium tempo Brazilian Latin music with a strong downbeat.
TANGO - Developed in the late 19th Century it was first seen in Argentina but as they did with many other dances, the Europeans (most notably the English) adopted the Tango and made it their own. The Tango was the result, with big movements, dramatic gestures, and quick snaps of the head from one position to another. Danced to 128 - 132 beats per minute and with Medium tempo orchestral, often march-like this style is not for the faint hearted. This can be a fun dance to learn.
Cha-Cha - The cha-cha-cha is a Latin American dance of Cuban origin. At 128 beats per minute and medium tempo Latin music. This is one hot dance to learn.
SALSA - This is a fusion of informal dance styles. Developed in the Caribbean but also in Latin America. There is a strong African influence in the music and the dance. Salsa is usually a partner dance, although there are recognized solo steps and some forms are danced in groups of couples, with frequent exchanges of partner. This is a great dance to learn since you can learn solo.
FOXTROT - Invented by a man called Harry Fox in 1913 it ultimately became the most popular and lasting dance of the twentieth century. Foxtrot is a smooth progressive dance characterized by long, continuous flowing movements across the dance floor. With 112 - 120 beats per minute it has a basic rhythm of Slow-Quick-Quick.
RUMBA - This is a dance organically related the genre o Afro Cuban music. Throughout the history one may trace several styles of dances called "rumba". Some consider rumba the most erotic and sensual dance, for its relatively slow rhythm and the hip movement. Learning this dance can become a steamy affair.
You may now have an idea about which dance style you may want to learn. Maybe you want to learn them all. So how do you start?
The usual method is to find a local class in your area but this could provide a stumbling block. I know when I started to learn I had to travel far to my lessons. You could go to your local library and get several books on your chosen style but this is not the best idea. You will have learn the theory but without professional advice visually how will you spot your mistakes. The recommended option if you cannot make a dance class is to get a DVD course. This option is fantastic due to the fact you can dance whenever you feel like it. You will be able to see if you are making that tango step correct.
There are many DVD courses out there for dancing but I have got you free videos for all the styles mentioned above. These can be found from the link below.
I hope I have helped you with this article and look forward to hearing from you.
Get your FREE dance lesson videos here http://thedogsbloggers.info/learntodancevideos
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Watch free dance videos at: http://www.alldancevideos.com