SOCIAL DANCES
Social or club dances don't have a home in our other categories. However some Latin dances are also club dances.
SALSA
We teach "Salsa on 1". Meaning you move forward/backward on 1 instead of 2 (considered LA style). To confuse you further, Salsa can also be danced "on 2" (New York style) without being Mambo because the dancers move on 1 instead of holding. Salsa is danced around the world so variations are abundant. Depending were you are, you may find salsa danced on different beats. Just know your moves & steps still work, your brain just might need a moment to adjust.
COUNTRY TWO-STEP (C2S)
Also known as the Texas Two Step or Country Western Two Step, this popular social dance is a lot of fun. Danced with a partner, this dance is characterized by turns and improvisations and is typically danced to country music. You may see variations in style across the USA.
HUSTLE
Hustle gained popularity and was developed during the “Disco era” of the 1970s. It is a fast, upbeat dance that has many similarities to the swing dancing of the 1930s and 1940s. It’s a thrilling dance that is still danced in many Ballroom dancing and social dance communities today.
ARGENTINE TANGO
Argentine Tango is a beautiful style of dance known for its elegance and sophistication. Argentine Tango dancing is done all over the world and throughout the United States. Argentine Tango differs a bit from Ballroom Tango. Ballroom Tango travels dramatically around the dance floor with long progressive steps, whereas Argentine Tango is suited for more intimate spaces and the focus is on rhythms and connections.
NIGHTCLUB TWO-STEP (NC2S)
With origins in Illinois, Nightclub Two Step is a slow dance that is perfect for nightclub, party or wedding dancing. This dance style is typically danced to ballads and is often used to “spice up” the average slow dance. It has also been adopted by County 2-step dancers & Ballroom dancers for other styles. A great beginner dance with moves that will transfer into other dance styles like C2S, salsa, & various swings.
MERENGUE
Merengue is extremely popular in the United States and throughout the world. The Merengue is a fantastic dance for new dancers because it is very easy to learn! The Merengue is danced with “walking steps” with a step taken on each beat of music. While dancers typically use hip motions with this dance, the amount of hip movement varies with personal preference. This dance is considered to be in the same “family” as Salsa and is popular in the night club and social dance scenes.
BACHATA
Bachata is a playful Latin dance that is typically danced at Salsa and Merengue dance clubs. This style is danced with soft hip motions, turns and side-to-side footwork. The music of Bachata is very recognizable for its predominant use of the electric guitar combined with Caribbean and Latin musical influences.
SAMBA
Samba is an energetic and lively dance that is currently popular in many parts of the world. Syncopated rhythms, bouncing actions, and rolling hip movements characterize the dance. It may be danced with or without a partner.