The dances
Ballroom dancing splits into a few families. Smooth dances travel around the floor: Waltz flows in 3/4 time, Foxtrot glides in 4/4, Tango moves with sharp, dramatic steps, and Viennese Waltz turns continuously at a fast tempo. Latin dances stay more in place and move the hips: Rumba is slow and romantic, Cha Cha is playful with a syncopated triple step, and Salsa is an energetic club dance. Club and swing styles round it out: Nightclub Two Step suits slow songs, Hustle grew out of the disco era, and East Coast Swing bounces on a triple step.
Class levels
Beginning Ballroom covers Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, and Nightclub Two Step. Beginning Latin includes Rumba, Salsa, Cha Cha, and East Coast Swing. Each beginning class introduces a different dance every week, so you can join at any time without having attended the week before. From there the progression runs from Level 2 through Level 6 and beyond, and the studio recommends spending at least a year at each level once you move past beginning. Technique classes and intermediate and advanced offerings, such as Int/Adv Waltz and Int/Adv Nightclub Two Step, work on the details. Your instructor can help you choose the right class.
When the classes meet
Beginning Ballroom and Beginning Latin alternate between Monday at 7:15 pm and Tuesday at 6:30 pm each month. Saturday brings Beginning Waltz and Rumba, and the calendar lists technique classes, intermediate and advanced options, and specialty topics through the month. Check the current studio calendar for the dance, date, level, and any changes.
Learn and use it
Group classes introduce patterns and dance skills. Private lessons give you individual attention. Ballroom socials offer time to put the two together.
Choose your next step
Some dancers enjoy classes and social evenings. Others prepare a showcase piece, join Spirit in Motion, or work toward competition. Talk to an instructor about the part that interests you.