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Dances Categorized as Ballroom Dancing

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Most likely you have heard the term Ballroom dance, but did you know that not all dances fall into the category of Ballroom dancing? There is even a World Dance Council that determines what is and what isn’t part of a certain Ballroom dance classification. Categories that are used to classify dances include International Standard or International Ballroom, International Latin, American Smooth, and American Rhythm.

Usually Ballroom dancing refers to those dances within the International Standard/Ballroom and International Latin groups. International Standard/Ballroom includes the Foxtrot, Quickstep, Tango, Viennese Waltz, and Waltz. Those that are included in the International Latin category consist of Cha Cha Cha, Jive, Paso Doble, Rumba, and Samba. However, in the United States of America and in Canada, there exists another style, the American Style of dance. This consists of American Smooth dances and American Rhythm. In the American Smooth group you will find The Foxtrot, Tango, Viennese Waltz, and Waltz. In the American Rhythm category, the dances include Bolero, Cha Cha Cha, East Coast Swing, Mambo, and Rumba.

As you see there are many similarities in the Ballroom dance classifications, they even use similar techniques for both International and American styles. However, International Standard/Ballroom only allows closed dance positions while American Smooth allows both closed and open movements, and even separated dance movements. Every once in a while a dance will get added or removed as Ballroom dance is scrutinized. Some of those dances that are sometimes referred to as Ballroom dances include Hustle, Lindy Hop, Merengue, Nightclub Two Step, Salsa, and West Coast Swing.

If you are interested in learning more about Ballroom dancing and even taking a Ballroom dance class or two, Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona, offers Adult Private Ballroom Dance Lessons and a variety of Group Dance Classes. Try out our introductory offer of $40, 1 hour-long, Private Ballroom Dance Lessons. If you would like to find out more information about this offer and other dance classes we have available, please visit

The Belle Of The Ball!

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Mesa Ballroom dancing studiosWhen you think of going to a ball, often the vision of Cinderella and her wicked stepsisters comes to mind. Yet, when you come into our studios, you are learning some of the very same steps that a lady at the ball would learn to dance! Ballroom dancing has that same root, ballare, or “to dance”. Long before the fairy tales, people were creating new dance styles. Some of the more notable ballroom dances are the waltz, rumba, cha-cha, tango and the foxtrot. These now very popular ballroom dance styles are not earlier than the 1900’s! Even before the birth of the renaissance period, people played around with the Polka and an early form of square dancing called quadrille. These earlier 16th and 17th century dances gave distinction between folk dancing and social dancing. A dance called the minuet was a huge step in social dancing’s success, because it was the first dance to be focused on elegance and dance etiquette.
You may also be interested to know that the closed frame, or one hand hold, position for dancing was a huge revelation in the 18th century. What was the first ‘ballroom’ dance to be danced in the closed position? Waltz! Having an extended period of time where partners were so close to each other was seen as very scandalous at the time.
Today, the closed position for ballroom dancing is very typical and often dancers will travel from an open to a closed position quite frequently. Also within this transition is the creation of competitive ballroom dancing! Now, couples can compete in many different types of ballroom dances; jive, mambo, quickstep and samba along with many other loved ballroom dances. Ballroom dancing has come along way between its creation and today! We can now all learn to move gracefully along the dance floor in a way that would make Cinderella proud! (Prince not included)

Ballroom Dancing Melts Away Stress

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Wake up the kids, get them ready for the day, drop them off at school, go to work, pick up the kids, make dinner and then pass out. Sound familiar?…Or is this just a sample of one of my days as a mom and business owner? I know I can’t be alone in feeling like “me” time is a thing of the past.

Making time for ourselves is one of the most challenging habits for us busy people (especially us ladies) to do. Not to throw my husband under the bus, but I do notice that he manages to get his weekly golf game in on his schedule EVERY WEEK.

So what are busy adults, moms and dads or not, to do to unwind from lifes everyday stresses? My solution: learn to ballroom dance. While every woman is fantasizing at how romantic and elegant ballroom dancing is, I know I have just lost every male reader out there. So ladies, now that I have your attention, you can pass my reasons for how and why ballroom dancing is such a great stress reliever.

This part is for you to pass along to your man:

1. On the dance floor, the man is the leader. (I may have just reeled back in a few guys with this news flash.) That means that you, guys, get to be in control! Yes, as I jokingly remind my husband, when we are on the wood, you’re in charge. What man doesn’t like the sweet sound of that? Yes, it takes a bit of time to learn to lead, but it’s so worth it when you are THE MAN at every social gathering because you are the only guy who knows what he is doing on the dance floor.

2. Like golfing, learning to dance requires focus and skill. It’s nearly impossible to think about bills, that crazy co-worker that you’re stuck sitting next to or every other daily weight that keeps you from living life to the fullest. While you are learning to dance, you can be in the zone and get away from it all. For those over-achievers who love a challenge, you will get one in learning to ballroom dance and the benefits are well worth it. Oh, and FYI: ballroom dancing, unlike golf, can be done under all weather conditions- even at night! 🙂

3. Like golf, ballroom dancing is a great distraction from the outside world. Instead of holding a club, though, you will be wrapped around your special someone, or someone to-be, adding a deeper connection and much more romance to your relationship (wink, wink).

4. Ladies love a guy that can be in control and do it well. They want to be swept off of their feet and feel beautiful in your arms. Be her Superman, her Prince Charming or whatever character she wants you to be on the dance floor and she’s yours!

Ladies, listen up here:

1. Ballroom dancing allows you to relax, unwind and NOT be in control for a bit. Sound scary? I know the feeling. It is a daunting thought to leave it up to him on the dance floor. But, with some lessons under his belt, you can really find a hobby together that gives you a chance to catch your breath and take a load off.

2. Ballroom dancing is a great way to burn calories without even knowing it! You will be grooving along and toning up to your favorite tunes and unwinding at the same time.

3. Ballroom dancing is “me” time. Demand it or it will not be up for the taking. You’ve earned it so give yourself a treat that will enhance your life and fill your cup.

4. Ballroom dancing is exciting! Who doesn’t need a little more excitement in their lives? I know I do! Meet all sorts of people and get out there and dance!

Could you go to the gym, hit a few balls or belly up to the bar? You could… or you can give yourself a gift that allows you to learn a new hobby, add excitement, meet new people, add romance, challenge yourself, build your confidence and (should I go on?) so much more by learning to ballroom dance! The choice is yours. As LeAnn Rimes says in her song, I hope you dance!