While many think that there are only two styles in international competitive ballroom dancing, there are in fact three.
The first one, European Standard, second - the Latin dances and the third - Exhibition or Cabaret as it is called in the US. At our Boston Area studio we emphasize the first two but pay attention to the balanced teaching of all existing styles.
The first style appeared in Europe in the times of Elizabeth I. During the First World War, American soldiers introduced Europe to some new dances with Jazz origins. During the 1920s in London the first dancing instructors developed new dance technique and taught people to the foxtrot, waltz and tango. Soon after, the fast music and beat of the foxtrot and Charleston influenced the quickstep. Tango came to European scene from Argentina via France.
This beautiful dance style immediately conquered the hearts of the dance-lovers of Great Britain. English dancers and instructors were those who finished the formation of classic ballroom dance technique in the post-War epoch. At Dance Fever we offer classes in Waltz, Foxtrot and all other Standard European dances.
Latin and Afro-Cuban dances came to Europe in the beginning of the XX century. Europeans re-interpreted the movements and music of Latin Americans, bringing brightness and energy to the Samba, Cha Cha, Rumba, Jive and Paso Doble. To teach the public, instructors first created the standard figures or movements (what we today call syllabus) that formed the basis for each dance. Such Afro-Cuban latin dances as Rumba, Cha Cha, Salsa, and many others are taught today at our studio in the Boston Area.
The exhibition dances originated from contemporary music styles as well as from the artistic discoveries of the great dancers of the XX century. By combining several dance styles and including lifts and daring moves, modern dancers invented this exciting and fun to watch dance style. During performances and shows, our students often incorporate pieces of cabaret (exhibition) dances into their routines.
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