The term International Style refers to a particular style of Ballroom Dances
developed in Europe. International Style has two categories:
Ballroom
Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Quickstep, and Viennese Waltz,
and Latin
Cha Cha Cha, Rumba, Samba, Jive, and Paso Doble.
The Latin Dances are more overtly sensual, more variation in movement is allowed than in the Ballroom Dances. Close, semi-open and open figures are danced. Choreography is now extremely important. Hip action is common; and athletic and balletic moves are common. Mostly, Latin Dances are stationary dances although two Latin Dances are progressive (Samba and Paso Doble), but there is no obligation to move in any pre-set manner round the floor.
developed in Europe. International Style has two categories:
Ballroom
Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Quickstep, and Viennese Waltz,
and Latin
Cha Cha Cha, Rumba, Samba, Jive, and Paso Doble.
The Latin Dances are more overtly sensual, more variation in movement is allowed than in the Ballroom Dances. Close, semi-open and open figures are danced. Choreography is now extremely important. Hip action is common; and athletic and balletic moves are common. Mostly, Latin Dances are stationary dances although two Latin Dances are progressive (Samba and Paso Doble), but there is no obligation to move in any pre-set manner round the floor.
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Cha Cha Cha
The Cha Cha is a dance of Cuban origin, but today’s International Latin Cha Cha has a style all its own. Cha Cha is fast, flirtatious, sexy, and can be danced to Latin, Pop, and a variety of other musical styles. Cha Cha is based on Cuban Motion of the hips, and quick, precise footwork. |
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Samba
Samba is a fun, lively, rhythmical dance. It is related to the traditional Samba styles of Brazil, but differs from them considerably, as most steps are danced with a slight downward bouncing or dropping action. The constant circular hip movements in Samba sets it apart from the other Latin dances, and give it a festive and exotic energy. |
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Rumba
Rumba is the slowest of the five competitive International Latin Dances. Rumba is a love story, it is a romantic and emotional dance. It is dynamic, with long lines and extensions, as well as Cuban Motion in the hips, and a very close connection between the dancers. |
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Paso Doble
Paso Doble is a theatrical dance, and is usually quite serious and dramatic. Paso Doble is based on music played at bullfights during the bullfighters’ entrance, or during the passes just before the kill. The leader of this dance plays the part of the matador. The follower generally plays the part of the matador’s cape, the shadow of the matador, the bull, or even a flamenco dancer. |
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Jive
Jive is a dance style that originated in the United States in the early 1930′s. Jive is a lively and uninhibited variation of the Jitterbug, a form of Swing dance. Many of its basic patterns are similar to those of East Coast Swing, with a faster rhythm, higher kicks, and far more complex footwork. The high energy and fun of Jive make it infectious and exciting. |