How to Choose the Best Dance Style for You; a Guide to Beginning Ballroom Dance

You’re interested in learning how to dance, but you’re not sure exactly where to start? How do you know what dance style is best for you? Don’t worry, this is a very common confusion, and we are here to help you. 

We know it can sometimes be intimidating to begin dancing, so we put together this article, to help you get started with a style we know you will love. 

STEP 1: Start with your goal in mind 

With so many beautiful dance styles to pick from, the first step is to create a goal when searching for the best style for you. If you don’t have a concrete goal yet, think about what made you interested in dancing in the first place. This could look very different for each person, and can certainly change as you grow and develop as a dancer. Once you have your goals and priorities in mind, we can help match you up with a style that is best for you. Some common goals include entering into a competition, challenging yourself physically, or wanting to have more fun hobbies and learn something new! 

STEP 2: Understand your options: 

Now that you understand what you hope to get out of dancing, let’s look at the different dance styles and how they are similar and different. We broke down the different style categories in five main sections below. 

AMERICAN SMOOTH:

​American Smooth is a very elegant, recognizable dance form that involves four different variations; Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, and Viennese Waltz. American Smooth incorporates many elements of ballroom dancing and showcases a blend of different skills and techniques. However, certain steps in American Smooth dances can be less complex and can be a great way to begin. 

Waltz

Tango

Foxtrot

Viennese Waltz

AMERICAN RHYTHM:

American Rhythm includes Cha Cha, Rumba, East Coast Swing, Bolero, and Mambo. ​American Rhythm is a great choice if your goal is to bring a little more fun and creativity in your dance journey, while still challenging yourself with the complexity and detail of each dance. 

Cha Cha

Rumba

East Coast Swing

Bolero

Mambo

INTERNATIONAL STANDARD:

​International Standard dances are Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz, and Quickstep. 

Waltz

Tango

Foxtrot

Viennese Waltz

Quickstep

INTERNATIONAL LATIN: 

​International Latin includes the Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, and Jive. 

Cha Cha

Samba

Rumba

Paso Doble

Jive

SOCIAL AND NIGHTCLUB DANCES 

Social and Nightclub dances are a perfect way to begin, especially if your goal is to learn dance in a  fun and social environment. The social dances include Hustle, Salsa, Merengue, Argentine Tango, West Coast Swing, and Flamenco. 

Hustle 

Salsa

Merengue

Argentine Tango

West Coast Swing

Flamenco

STEP 3: Take your first class

The final step is…to start dancing! Everyone has different preferences and strengths, but you’ll only know them once you start dancing. Our Introductory lesson is designed to give you a taste of your desired style. As you begin to learn the different styles, rhythms, and basic steps, you’ll gain an understanding of what feels best for you and what you’d like to spend more time learning. During the 30 minute intro lesson, we typically can cover 3 different styles of dance, and you’ll be able to take away some moves you can pull out at your next party. Don’t let overthinking stop you from getting started on your dance journey, click here to claim your introductory offer and we will take care of the rest.