DANCE STYLES
some of the most popular fast (and slow) dances
Jazz and Swing
Jazz is an umbrella term for many related dances, similar to Swing, and includes both partner and solo dancing. Jazz was born from the African-American vernacular styles of dance in the early 20th century.
Lindy Hop and Jitterbug
Origin: 1920's Harlem, New York City.
Official state dance of New York.
West Coast Swing
Official state dance of California. Click here to read about West Coast Swing and its offshoots the Whip
Ballroom
Ballroom began as social dancing for the elite. The earliest recorded ballroom dances were in 16th century France. Learn more about the history of ballroom in this article.
Latin/Rhythm
Among the Latin dances are salsa, cha-cha-cha, merengue, pasa doble, rumba and bachata. This article from Arthur Murray explains the origins of latin dance.
Blues
Originally, African-American vernacular dances that were danced to blues music. Modern blues dance is an offshoot of Lindy Hop.
Click here for a description of blues dance styles.
Carolina Shag
Originated in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The official state dance of South Carolina and state popular dance of North Carolina.
East Coast Swing
A "refined" version of the Lindy Hop/Jitterbug taught by the ballroom associations in the 40's and 50's.
Country Western
Texas two-step is the state dance of Texas. Many other dances are included in Country Western along with the two-step - western swing, polka, line dance, and schottische are some examples. Country western dancing is known as "kicker dancing" in Texas. Read more about the history of Country Western dancing.
Hustle
The Hustle gained popularity in the mid-'70s in New York discos. There is a partner dance called the Hustle and also a line dance by the same name.
Fusion
Dancers mix two (or more) dance styles, or switch from one dance style to another within the same dance. Examples include Swango, Swustle, and BalLindy.
