Competition Dances

 

This category of dances are rarely found on the social dance floor in America. Not for the faint of heart, these challenging dances impress judges and audiences alike on the competition dance floor.

 

BOLERO

 

“The Romance Dance”

Bolero is a graceful, romantic dance.  It is the slowest of the

latin dances, and is a sophisticated dance with an emphasis on

smoothness and communication between partners.  The slow

music enhances a feeling of romance.

 

JIVE

 

"The Energetic Dance"

Jive originated in the United States between the 1930's and 1940's. African Americans

designed this uninhibited and lively dance with variations of Swing, Jitterbug, Lindy Hop

and by Rock 'n' Roll. This dance is very upbeat and happy with a lot of lifting of the

knees, kicks and flicks but requires serious control of the body.

 

PASO DOBLE

 

"The Spanish Dance"

Surprisingly the Paso Doble dates back to the French military march. Traditionally it

is danced to the dynamic music played at a Spanish bullfight. It is generally stylized

 by recreating a bullfight with one dancer playing the role of the Matador and

another dancer playing the role of the Matador's Cape, Shadow or the Bull.

 

QUICKSTEP

 

"The Light Hearted Dance"

Quickstep is a fast and powerful moving dance. It evolved from the

Slow Foxtrot and Charleston of the 1920's, and was designed to move

to the upbeat pace of the ragtime Jazz music era. This dynamic dance

covers a lot of dance floor space, all the while the dancer

looks smooth, glamorous and light on their feet.

 

SAMBA

 

“The South American Waltz”

Samba pulsates to a unique latin rhythm, but should be danced

smoothly giving the appearance of effortless movement.  Originating

in Brazil in the 1930’s, the Samba was made popular in the U.S. by

movie star and singer Carmen Miranda in the early 1940’s.

 

VIENNESE WALTZ

 

“The Elegant Dance”

Viennese Waltz is an elegant and graceful dance.  The

gliding, turning movements make the dancers seem to appear

as if they are skating.  Viennese Waltz music has inspired

people to dance for generations.