Cha-cha

Cha Cha adds fun to your dancing through its syncopated steps and many open movements. When you can dance many interesting combinations with ease, you and your partner will be able to feel the pulsating Latin rhythms which make this dance so fascinating. It works with music from Latin, Big Band and Country to Top 40.

History: One of the most popular Latin dances in the U.S., the Cha Cha began as a variation of the Mambo called triple Mambo. It was so easy and so much fun; it became the rage of the early 1950’s. Its infectious one-two, one-two-three rhythm demands that sitters become dancers. Everybody can learn the Cha Cha.
*You can start with either (1a) or (1b) and a partner is not required.

Syllabus (1a) Basic In Place Side Basic Progressive Basic Outside Partner (Parallel Breaks) Cross-body Lead Open Break Underarm Turn Shoulder Check Shadow Positions Alternating Underarm Turns (Right) Crossover Flick to Side Break Printable Version

Syllabus (1b) Basic In Place Side Basic Progressive Basic Cross-body Lead Crossover Break Chase Turn Butterfly Three Cha-Cha-Chas Conversation Steps w/Lead's Foot Change w/o turning (side to side) w/turning (forward & backward)

History: The Rumba was at the beginning of the Cuban and Latin American dance crazes. Danced to music inspired by African rhythms and Spanish melodies, the Americanized Rumba was the basis for the Mambo and the Cha Cha. In the U.S. Rumba rhythms have found their way into Country Western, Blues, Rock & Roll and other popular forms of music.
*You can start with either (1a) or (1b) and a partner is not required.

Syllabus (1a) Side Basic Box Step Fifth Position Slow Underarm Turn Crossover Break Crossover & Side Rolls Shoulder Check Cradle Circle Open Circular Walks Printable Version

Syllabus (1b) Side Basic Box Step Cross-body Lead Outside Partner Open Break Underarm Turn Open Rumba Walks Quick Underarm Turn & Loop Spot Turn Combination

Salsa

Salsa is the Spanish word for “sauce” denoting a “spicy” and “hot” flavor to this popular dance style to a complex mix of many different rhythms. Many of the patterns are closely related to those of the Mambo and Cha-cha.

History: There are indications the term Salsa was coined by radio jockeys in Puerto Rico as early as the 1960’s Later associated with a New York sound developed by Puerto Rican musicians, Salsa is considered the national music and dance of Puerto Rico. The fusion of an Afro-Caribbean beat with enhanced jazz textures results in an aggressive high energy pulse which has become popular everywhere.
*You can start with either (1a) or (1b) and a partner is not required.

Syllabus (1a) Basic Progressive Basic Side Breaks Underarm Right Turn    • Lady’s    • Man’s    • w/Hand change in back    • w/Off the shoulder    • Alternating Turns Back Breaks    • Regular    • w/Lady’s Left Turn    • w/Man’s Left Turn    • Alternating (Lady then Man) Cross-body Lead    • In Closed Position    • w/Lady’s Inside Turn (1.5) Catch the Back  (Two Way Underarm)    • w/Right or Left Turn Ending    • w/Left Turn Ending      • w/Hand-change &             Arm Styling Printable Version

Syllabus (1b) Basic Progressive Basic Side Breaks Underarm (Broken) Left Turn  • Lady’s  • Man’s       - w/Hand change in back       - w/Off the shoulder       - w/Styling (Free Spin             with Snake) Crossover Breaks   • Regular      • w/Lady’s Right Turn   • w/Walkaround Turn Cross-body Lead  • Two Hand Hold       - Regular       - w/Lady's Inside Turn (1.5)  • Handshake Hold       - Regular       - w/Lady's Inside Turn (1.5)   • Closed Position       - Shoulder Lead       - Waist Hold

American Tango

In order to achieve the distinctive style of the Tango it is important to develop controlled staccato footwork, along with fluid graceful movements. The unique rhythm of the music is great training for timing and phrasing which develops as the dancer becomes more proficient. Tango practice is essential towards becoming a good dancer.

History: The Tango began in the West Indies and found its way to Argentina where it was stylized by the Gauchos. It became the rage in 1921 after the silent screen star Rudolph Valentino brought this romantic dance to millions in “The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse”. More recently, it has been danced in movies such as True Lies and Scent of a Woman. Today, the Tango is considered the “dancer’s dance” and becomes a favorite to all who learn it. (See Introduction to Ballroom Dancing)
*You can start with either (1a) or (1b) and a partner is not required.

Syllabus (1a) Straight Basic Curving Basic Promenade Turning Left Single Corte Progressive Rocks Right Side Fans Reverse Turn Reverse Turn w/Outside Swivel Contra Rocks Continuous Promenade Printable Version

Syllabus (1b) Straight Basic Curving Basic Promenade Turning Right Single Corte Double Corte Running Steps Open Fan Open Fan w/Underarm Turn Checked Promenade

Argentine Tango

Join in on the resurgence of the original Argentine tango. It is a very passionate and sophisticated dance. Learn to glide smoothly across the floor. Partners are recommended but not required. Some dance experience recommended. 
*You can start with either (1a) or (1b) and a partner is not required.

Syllabus (1a) In Process - Coming Soon

Syllabus (1b) In Process - Coming Soon