Dance is for everyone
Enjoy the lively rhythm of Swing at your Arthur Murray Dayton Dance Studio. The Lindy picked up where the Charleston left off. It had “swing-outs,” “break-aways” and “shine steps.” With the birth of Swing music in the mid 1930s, the Lindy climbed the social ladder. The dance craze swept the nation, and depending on where you lived, it was known as the Jitterbug, the Lindy or the Swing.
In the 1940s, Americans became fascinated by Latin American rhythms. The Mambo combined American Jazz with Afro-Cuban beat. For dancers, the Mambo was an exciting challenge. Arthur Murray Studios became famous for turning out the best Mambo dancers of the era.
Probably the most popular Latin dance in the US, the Cha Cha began as part of the Mambo. It was so easy and so much fun, it became the rage of the early 1950s. Its infectious one-two, one-two-three rhythm demands that sitters become dancers.
Salsa is the Spanish word for “sauce,” denoting a spicy or hot flavor. As a dance, it can be danced to a variety of rhythms. There is the “L.A.” or “On-1 Style” breaking on the 1 beat. And the “New York” or “On-2 Style” which breaks on the 2 and 6 beats of the music. Generally, salsa music encompasses many Afro-Latin rhythms driven by the clave (two wooden sticks struck together). Many of the Salsa patterns are closely related to those of the Mambo.
The Rumba began the Cuban and Latin American dance crazes. Danced to music inspired by African rhythms and Spanish melodies, the Americanized Rumba was the basis for the Mambo and Cha Cha in the U.S.
The exciting rhythms of the Merengue inspire dancers all over the world to move to the intoxicating beat. There are two schools of thought as to how this captivating dance began. One says it started as a peasant dance in the Dominican Republic by African slaves. The dragging of one leg relieved chafing of leg irons. Another says a returning war hero, a General Maringie, danced, dragging an injured leg. However it began, the Merengue is an exciting Latin dance that is fun.
The national dance of Brazil, often called “The South American Waltz,” became the rage of Brazilian society in the 1930s but began as an exhibition dance in Paris in 1905.
The Argentine Tango began in the West Indies and found its way to Argentina where it was stylized by the Gauchos to its present form. Today it is considered the “Dancer’s Dance” and is a favorite of all who learn it.
Originating in the Dominican Republic during the 1960s, The Bachata, often referred to as the “The Cruise Ship Dance,” is a sensual dance performed in open position. The side to side pattern is highlighted by soft hip movements with a small tap on the 4th step. Dips and turns can be incorporated for more flair.
Country Western dancing takes familiar patterns and rhythms and puts a new twist on their style. There are several dances that are danced to Country Western music, each with its own unique style and timing. You will enjoy learning the gliding action of the Country Western dances.
The classical dance from the ballrooms of Vienna remains one of the most enchanting & exhilarating dances. While the patterns remain pure, the technique requires even more of the dancers as they strive to capture the graceful qualities of this dance.
As you learn the quickstep, you will soon understand why this speedy dance is the light-hearted favorite of all accomplished dancers.
Originating in the 1970s, the Hustle continues to be one of the most popular nightclub dances today. Turns, spins and wraps are components of the Hustle. The strong bass beat of the music makes for an exciting and upbeat movement.
The Bolero is the most romantic of the Latin dances. Taking cues from the Rumba and the Waltz, the Bolero has distinct characteristics of long sweeping side steps and use of rise and fall to create both softness and dramatic movement.
In 1913, Harry Fox, a Vaudeville comedian, introduced a trot to a ragtime song in the 1913 Ziegfeld Follies that pushed other trots into the background. It became America’s most popular dance and remains today as the standard of social dances.
The Waltz began in the 17th century in southern Germany. The popularity of the Waltz grew with the music of Johann Strauss and eventually blossomed in the 20th century as the Hesitation Waltz. It is the basis for many dances and is popular today all over the world.