AMERICAN RHYTHM
American Rhythm grew up in American dance studios and social dance halls. Its signature is Cuban motion: hip action that comes from bending and straightening the knees as weight moves from foot to foot. The result is grounded, rhythmic, and naturally expressive, which makes it one of the most popular styles for social dancing.
CHA CHA
Playful and flirtatious, built around its signature triple step: “cha-cha-cha.” Rhythm Cha Cha uses a softer, bent-knee action, giving it a relaxed, earthy feel that’s easy to take onto any social dance floor.
RUMBA
Known as the dance of love. American Rumba starts from a box step, much like the waltz, and is counted slow-quick-quick. It’s slightly faster than its International counterpart, with smooth, continuous Cuban motion.
EAST COAST SWING
Upbeat and fun, with roots in the Lindy Hop and Jitterbug of the swing era. Its triple steps and rock step travel in circular patterns around your partner, and it’s often called the foundation of all swing dances.
BOLERO
The “other dance of love.” Bolero combines the slow, romantic music of rumba with the rise and fall of the smooth dances. It has less hip action and more expansive, dramatic figures, giving it a sweeping, theatrical quality unique to American Rhythm.
MAMBO
The fastest of the Rhythm dances, born from the fusion of Cuban music and big band swing in the 1940s. Mambo’s distinctive break on the second beat gives it a sharp, syncopated energy that’s electric to dance and to watch.
INTERNATIONAL LATIN
International Latin was codified in England and is the style danced at world DanceSport championships. Dancers step onto a straight leg, creating long lines, sharp precision, and powerful body action. It’s athletic, theatrical, and performed with a bold, upward carriage.
CHA CHA
Bright, cheeky, and precise. International Cha Cha uses a straighter-leg action than its American cousin, creating crisp, sharp lines and vivid rhythmic accents.
SAMBA
The carnival dance of Brazil. Samba’s characteristic bounce action, created by the bending and straightening of the knees, gives it a joyful, festive energy as couples travel around the floor.
RUMBA
The slowest of the Latin dances and the most sensual. International Rumba begins on the second beat and uses a straight-leg action, with long, slow movements that tell the story of a romance between two people.
PASO DOBLE
Spanish in spirit, developed in France in the 1930s, and modeled on the drama of the bullfight. The man portrays the matador and the woman his cape, with proud posture, strong flamenco-inspired shapes, and commanding, march-like steps.
JIVE
The fastest and most energetic of the Latin dances, rooted in American swing. Jive’s bouncy triple steps, sharp kicks, and flicks make it the explosive finale of every Latin competition.