A guide for every level
Find your dance
You do not need a partner, special shoes, or prior experience—only enough curiosity to take the first step.
Dance styles
Different rhythms. One welcoming floor.
American Smooth
Waltz
Waltz is the traditional Wedding Dance. The character is graceful with a swooping rise and fall. The timing is one - two - three with the "one" being the downbeat. The basic Waltz step is the box step, a sequence of six steps which, if you were to draw a line connecting all six, would form a box. Waltz is one of the first styles most dancers learn.
Foxtrot
Foxtrot is a great social dance often danced at social events and is easy to lead and follow. Traditionally danced to Big Band music, it is smooth and sexy. Its basic timing is slow-slow-quick-quick. The Foxtrot was created in 1914 in New York City by a vaudeville choreographer named Harry Fox. Audiences observed Mr. Fox's dancers slowly 'trotting' across the floor and soon referred to his dance as the "Foxtrot." It is one of the most versatile of all the ballroom dances, as it can be danced to a wide variety of music with varying tempos.
Tango
Tango is the most easily identifiable dance to observers, characterized by its unique music and dramatic poses. Its story is of a passionate love affair. After the First World War, the Tango was standardized and simplified. Contra body movement and the tango draw were introduced and remain with this dance today. For newcomers attempting to perform the Tango, the main characteristic of the Tango is dancing with slightly bent knees. Tango is a great dance to learn if you want to impress your friends!
Viennese Waltz
Viennese Waltz is about twice the speed of traditional Waltz, and features simple footwork with many twirls and voluminous arm expression. Viennese Waltz is the dance most often seen in movies depicting Ballroom Dancing. American Viennese Waltz is rarely done at social dances.
American Rhythm
Cha Cha
Cha-Cha was created by replacing the "slow" in Rumba with a fast "side-together-side" (Cha-Cha-Cha). It is a very fun, fast, flirtatious dance! Originally known as Cha-Cha-Cha, its origins are in Cuban Mambo. It came to the USA in the mid-1950s. The Cha-Cha is a spot dance characterized by dramatic body movements and a lot of energy. Cha-Cha shares many of the same steps as Mambo or Salsa with the Cha-Cha triple step thrown in.
Rumba
The Rumba is considered to be one of the most beautiful Latin-style dances, earning its nickname as “The Dance of Love.” It is characterized by swaying hips, a still upper body, and close partner connections. The feet stay close to the floor with a sliding action while the hips move easily from side to side. Although it is traditionally danced to slow Latin music, it is now common to dance the Rumba to current, popular ballads. Because of this, the Rumba is a popular style choice for a wedding dance and slow partner dancing. The beautiful rhythms and body expressions of the Rumba make it one of the most popular ballroom dances.
East Coast Swing
Swing, often referred to as "East Coast Swing," is the most common Ballroom Swing dance. It has a bouncy character with a basic timing of triple-step, triple-step, rock-step. Despite its name, East Coast Swing is danced all over the country and is the Swing many dancers learn first.
Latin
Salsa
This fun and energetic dance is the most popular of all the Latin dances because it is easy to learn and is fantastic for all ages and dancing abilities. Salsa dancing has many fast turns, exciting footwork, rhythmic hip movements, and lively music.
Bolero
The Bolero is a slow Latin dance with roots in Spain and Cuba. It is a unique dance with Latin as well as Ballroom dancing characteristics. The sliding steps, soft hip motion and close dance hold make this a romantic and powerful dance style.
Bachata
The 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.
Merengue
The Merengue is a vibrant Latin dance that 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.
Samba
The 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.
Social favorites and other partner dances
Argentine Tango
Argentine Tango is the original Tango, not to be confused with its ballroom derivatives American Tango (with its dramatic arm postures) and International Tango (with its staccato body movement). It has an intimate, compact hold and features intricate footwork and a sensuous, passionate character. Tango was the first couple dance ever seen in Europe that involved improvisation.
Nightclub Two Step
Night Club Two Step is also called the bedroom dance. It is a smooth dance with a sway and counter sway motion like a flower moving back and forth in the wind.
Country Western Two Step
The classic Country dance. The proper way of Two-Stepping is unlike what you might see at the local bars. This dance feels like walking. It is not a smooth or rhythm style dance. It travels around the floor in a counter-clockwise direction even while the lady is turning.
West Coast Swing
Not an easy dance to start with, but this dance is very versatile and works with pretty much any music style out there. It originates from Blues music but is now danced to Pop / Rock / Ballad and many more types of music. There is a big community of dancers that just focus on West Coast Swing. It differs because, unlike most dances where the male and female steps mirror each other, in this dance most steps do not.
Hustle
Hustle is today's version of Disco Dancing. It’s fast and rotary, with lots of spins, and is danced to popular music with a pulsing beat. The most popular count is "and 1, 2, 3," which can be difficult for beginners. Some dancers count and dance to "1, 2, and 3," which is easier for beginners. Still others count and dance Hustle with six counts: "and 1, 2, 3 and 4, 5, 6." Any of these counts work well.
Carolina Shag
The basic step in Carolina Shag is a six-count, eight-step pattern danced in a slot. The rhythm is similar to six-count Swing in that it is triple step, triple step, rock step or counted as "one-and-two, three-and-four, five-six". There are eight shag dance steps. The "one-and-two" and "three-and-four" steps should take about as much time to complete as the "five-six."
Classes vary throughout the year, so the current calendar and class flyer are always the best guides to what is being taught now.
First visit
Come comfortable. We will meet you there.
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No partner is required. Group classes often rotate partners so everyone can learn with different people.
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Wear comfortable clothing and secure shoes. Smooth or leather soles are helpful; heavy tread, loose slides, and open-back shoes can make turning difficult.
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Beginners belong here. Everyone on the floor started with a first class.
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Saturday parties are a relaxed place to practice what you learn and meet the community.
Floor etiquette
Courtesy is the most important technique.
Social Dance Etiquette · Courtesy of USA Dance
Enjoying a social dance
A social evening is a chance to enjoy music, movement, and company. Arrive ready to share the floor, rather than measure your skill against someone else's. A modest pattern that feels comfortable to both partners can make a better social dance than a complicated sequence that leaves one person struggling.
Courtesy is a skill you can practice alongside footwork. Pay attention to your partner's comfort, make room for newcomers, and bring patience to different learning styles and experience levels. The goal is for both people to feel welcome when the song ends.
Inviting someone to dance
Approach where the person can see you and ask plainly whether they would like to dance. Allow time for a response before reaching for their hand or moving toward the floor. A friendly invitation should feel easy to accept or decline.
If they accept, agree on where to enter the floor and begin without rushing. If they decline, acknowledge the answer pleasantly and move on. Do not demand an explanation, bargain for a later dance, or repeatedly ask after a refusal.
Accepting or declining
Consent and safety always come first. Anyone may decline or end a dance, and concerns should be brought to a chapter board member.
If you would like to accept, a simple, friendly yes is enough. If you would rather rest, stay with a companion, sit out that style, or simply not dance, a polite no is enough. Courtesy never requires accepting physical contact or continuing when you feel uncomfortable.
Be welcoming to dancers at every level without making anyone responsible for another person's access to their time or body. A declined invitation is not a judgment to debate.
Attention and appreciation
Stay present with the person you are dancing with. Notice whether your pace and patterns are comfortable, leave room for a response, and use natural eye contact without staring. Avoid treating the dance as an audition or an opportunity to show an audience everything you know.
When the music finishes, thank your partner. Leave the moving floor together if that is helpful, then let each person choose their next activity. A warm ending does not create an obligation to dance the next song.
Discomfort and safety
You do not have to wait for a situation to become serious before stopping. Release the dance hold and take space if you feel pain, intimidation, unwanted contact, or loss of control. Tell a chapter board member about threatening behavior, apparent intoxication, or dancing that puts others at risk.
If a partner asks for an adjustment or says they want to stop, respond immediately and without argument. Respecting a limit is part of dancing well; it is not something that depends on either person's skill or experience.
Circulating
Dancing with different people can help a social evening feel welcoming, especially for someone attending alone. If you are comfortable doing so, invite a newcomer or someone you have not danced with before. Introduce yourself and keep the invitation low pressure.
People may also choose to dance with a familiar partner, take breaks, or spend time talking. Those choices deserve respect. If someone asks you for several consecutive songs, you can explain that you would like a break or would like to meet other dancers, without promising another dance later.
Hygiene and fragrance
Before attending, take care of personal hygiene and choose fresh clothing that lets you move comfortably. Consider your breath as well as perspiration. A small towel and a spare shirt can be useful during an energetic evening.
Take a break to cool down or change when needed. Use perfume and cologne sparingly, since a scent that seems light to you may be uncomfortable for someone dancing nearby. Looking after these details makes close partner work more pleasant for everyone.
Your partner’s technique
Do not turn a social dance into a lesson unless your partner has asked for help and you are both comfortable with that arrangement. If a pattern is not working, simplify it or return to a familiar basic. Differences in timing or experience are a reason to adapt, not criticize.
Comfort is different from unsolicited technical advice. You can always ask for a gentler handhold, less force, or more space. Pause to make the adjustment before continuing. If the discomfort continues or your request is dismissed, end the dance; you do not need to prove that the contact was intentional.
Personal space
A dance style or frame does not override personal boundaries. Start with a comfortable amount of space and respond to what your partner requests. Do not pull someone closer to demonstrate what you consider the correct position.
Either partner may ask to change the hold or increase the distance at any point. If a movement cannot be done comfortably with the available space and agreed contact, choose another movement.
Floor craft
Keep your movements appropriate to the room around you. On a crowded floor, shorten steps and choose patterns that fit the space. Check the path before changing direction, and remember that people nearby may not be able to anticipate a sudden movement.
For traveling dances such as Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Quickstep, and Samba, follow the counterclockwise line of dance. Faster traveling dancers generally use the outside lane; slower movement belongs farther inside. Stationary practice should remain clear of that traveling path.
If a collision happens, stop and check on everyone involved instead of assigning blame while the music continues. Apologize, make space, and help anyone who needs to leave the floor safely. Ask a chapter board member for assistance if someone is hurt or cannot comfortably continue.
Group dance etiquette
A group class works best when everyone has room to learn. Listen while the instructor explains, make space for demonstrations, and give your partner time to try a movement without interruption. Different people may need different amounts of practice.
Ask the instructor when you need clarification rather than assuming responsibility for correcting the person beside you. Encouragement and patience keep the class useful to both newer and more experienced dancers.
Rotating partners
Working with several partners gives you practice responding to different timing, connection, and movement. It can also help classmates become familiar with one another.
When the instructor calls a rotation, follow the announced direction, greet your new partner, and introduce yourself. If you choose to remain with one partner, step out of the rotation circle at each change so others can clearly follow the sequence. Ask the instructor where to stand if you are unsure.
Treat dancers of every experience level with equal courtesy. Participation still requires consent: you may step out, decline contact, or stop a dance. Make that choice calmly and give others enough space to continue learning.
Stepping out to practice
If a sequence feels beyond you, tell your partner you need a short pause and move out of the rotation safely. Practice the footwork on your own, watch the instructor, or ask for help. Return when you feel ready; taking a moment is part of learning, not a failure.
Enjoy the next dance
Use the same habits throughout the evening: ask, listen, make room, and say thank you. You do not need perfect technique to be a considerate partner. A floor where people feel welcome, safe, and free to choose is a floor they can enjoy returning to.
Reference handouts
Dance floor etiquette handout (PDF)
Why dance
Music becomes movement—and community.
People arrive for different reasons and often discover more than they expected. Ballroom dancing brings physical, mental, creative, and social rewards together in one welcoming activity.
Fun
Learning asks for attention and practice, but the reward is immediate: music, movement, shared laughter, and the simple pleasure of getting a new step.
Friendship
Classes, social dances, showcases, and themed parties create natural opportunities to meet people and build friendships beyond the dance floor.
Confidence
As unfamiliar patterns become comfortable, dancers often feel more self-assured—in their posture, their movement, and social settings.
Creativity
Dance turns musical interpretation into personal expression. Even within familiar steps, every partner and every song offers room to respond differently.
Healthy movement
Dancing is an enjoyable way to stay active, combining continuous movement, changing pace, and gentle muscular effort without feeling like a conventional workout.
Balance & coordination
Footwork, turns, posture, and partner connection invite the whole body to work together while developing greater spatial awareness and control.
Memory & focus
Remembering patterns, listening for rhythm, and adapting to a partner keep the mind engaged while the body is moving.
Everyday well-being
Time set aside for music, movement, and community can provide a welcome change of pace—and something joyful to anticipate each week.
The most lasting benefit may be the simplest: having a place to belong and a reason to look forward to the next song.