Ballroom Dances Offered

Our instinct tells us to express rhythm. Just as children bob their heads to music and senior citizens tap their canes to the beat, dancing comes naturally to both young and old alike. Some form of social dancing has probably existed since the beginning of time, moving from ritualistic dancing to social interaction for pure enjoyment. Modern ballroom dancing has withstood the test of time and is now more popular than ever. These are just some of the many dances we teach at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Canton, Connecticut. Call us for more information on dances or dance styles you might me interested in... 1-860-693-1256

Waltz

When the Waltz was introduced into the ballrooms of the world in the early 19th century, it was met with outrage. People were shocked! A man dancing with his hand upon a lady’s waist? When it was introduced in this country in 1840, it became one of the most popular of all American dances. The Box Step, typical of the American Waltz, was being taught in the 1880s, and continues to rise in popularity today. The Waltz is danced to a three count, and is one of the most graceful and elegant dances.

Foxtrot

This is one of the most important dances you will ever learn. Mr. Harry Fox, a Vaudeville Star, is generally accepted to have initiated the Fox Trot in 1912 and over the years it has developed into the smooth and sophisticated dance we know today. The Foxtrot moves smoothly across the floor, and is danced to Big Band or Jazz music so it will come in handy the next time you find yourself at a wedding or on a cruise.

Tango

The passionate and dramatic Tango made its first appearance in 1910-1914. For the last 60 years or so, the distinctive four-beat Tango music has endured and has continued to enjoy undiminished favor everywhere. The Tango is one of the most highly stylized ballroom dances, and has been popularized in many Hollywood movies.

Cha Cha

The Cha-Cha-Cha is derived from the Mambo and originates in Cuba. It was introduced to the United States in 1954, and by 1959 Americans were “gaga over Cha Cha”, with dance studios reporting it to be their most popular dance. It is generally danced in a smaller area of the dance floor, and with North American influence, it has become a very exiting “let yourself go” type of dance, and can be danced to much of today’s popular music.

Rumba

The Rumba is often referred to as “the dance of love”. It is the classic of the Latin American dances, originating in Cuba. The Rumba is danced in a small confined area of the dance floor to slow music, and is characterized by a smooth and subtle movement of the hips.

Swing

The Swing, originally called the Lindy Hop, was born in the southern United States, and is the most famous American folk dance. About 55 years ago, the Swing was danced in the Harlem section of New York City and the music was supplied by Big Band greats such as Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman. Swing is a fast and fun dance, which without question will always be around.

Mambo

No other dance from south of the border has ever attained the instantaneous popularity that the zestful Mambo did when it was first introduced from Cuba. This fun and carefree dance has been popular since the 1950s. With an unlimited variety of movements, steps and spins it is one of the most abandoned fun dances of all time.

Merengue

Since the 1930s Merengue is readily recognized as the national dance of the Dominican Republic. Of all dances, it is by far the easiest to learn! Strangers tend to keep a respectable distance from each other, while more intimate couples break the barriers of personal space and entwine their bodies. Whatever age the contagious beat causes the adrenaline to rise and you can imagine yourself dancing bare foot to the pulse of a Caribbean sunset.

Hustle

This dance is disco balls, flared pants and John Travolta all in one!
Hustle began, freeform, in discos as a dance with simple footwork and a simple count. Over the years it has developed into a fun and lively dance with lots of spins and turns, and it has become a must for any social dancer to be able to.

Bolero

The Bolero was introduced to the United States in the mid 1930s. It is danced in a small confined area of the dance floor, and the step patterns are similar to Rumba but have a very different feeling. The Bolero is often called the Cuban “Dance of Love”, because of its slow and dreamy tempo, and its beautiful melodies.

Paso Doble

The Paso Doble was originally danced after bullfights in Spain, and dates back to many centuries ago. After the bullfights, the villagers would dance to the exiting, lively music for hours to celebrate the victorious toreador. When dancing the Paso Doble, the gentleman usually portrays the toreador and the lady is his cape.

Samba

When the Samba was imported from Brazil into the United States in 1929, it became an overnight sensation. The intoxicating rhythm makes the Samba festive and lighthearted, and it brings to mind pictures of the “Carnival in Rio”.

Quickstep

The Quickstep is considered the Champagne and Fireworks of the smooth dances. It first appeared in the 1920s, and is a very fast moving dance. Dancing to fast Big Band music, Quickstep dancers will run, hop and skip across the floor. It is great fun, but it will leave you out of breath!

Viennese Waltz

The Viennese Waltz, as we know it today, was first danced in the courts of European Royalty during the Strauss era (1800s). The music is so closely linked in our minds with names like Vienna, The Blue Danube and Strauss. Couples dancing the Viennese Waltz whirl around the floor to the left and right, and because of the speed of the movement the dance requires a great deal of control and stamina.