| Dances we Teach |
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Dances Styles We Teach at the Fred Astaire Dance School in Lexington, KY Fred Astaire studios offer a wide range of dances - from the slow and traditional to the faster and more current. The average student learns four to six of these dances in order to become versatile, well-rounded social dancer. Each dance has its own unique character and style, and once mastered, will give you a lifetime of fun and enjoyment. The Smooth/Standard DancesSmooth dances are characterized by their fluid movement across the floor. Similar to ice skating, dancers keep a straight body line as they travel around the room. Foxtrot The foxtrot is ultra-smooth and sophisticated, and is one of the most popular slow dances of all time. Classic musicians such as Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Nat King Cole provide the jazzy standards ideal for this dance. Waltz Done to a three count, the waltz is an elegant and graceful dance that will never go out of style. This traditional dance has continued to rise in popularity at weddings, anniversaries and graduations. Tango This dramatic and passionate dance has been popularized in many hollywood movies. The tango conjures up images of dancers with roses clenched between their teeth. Quickstep Get ready to hop, skip and kick your way around the floor! Part charleston, part foxtrot, the very quick and lively quickstep will leave you breathless after even one dance. Viennese waltz Couples whirl around the floor; first one way, then another. Grand and majestic, this fast version of the waltz originated in austria. The Rhythm/Latin DancesUnlike smooth dances, rhythm dances generally stay in a smaller, confined area of the dance floor. As the name suggests, the rhythmical nature of these dances allow you to really get loose on the dance floor. Here are a few examples: Rumba The rumba is cuban in origin and is often referred to as the "dance of love". Sultry and romantic, the music is a mix of african and latin rhythms. Cha Cha Named after the sound made by the feet when doing this dance, the cha cha is an exciting syncopated latin dance. The cha cha rhythm is found in much of today’s popular music. Swing Swing is a broad category that includes jive, jitterbug, lindy hop and shag among others. Swing is fun, fast and energetic and has recently enjoyed a huge revival. Mambo This spicy latin dance from Cuba is also known as salsa. Sometimes referred to as "the dancer’s dance", mambo requires excellent timing and coordination. Samba From Brazil, this pulsating, gyrating, festive dance brings to mind pictures of the carnivals of Rio de Janeiro. Unlike the other latin dances that are stationary, many samba steps travel around the floor. Bolero Originally a Spanish dance in 3/4 time, it was changed in Cuba initially into 2/4 time then eventually into 4/4. It is now present as a very slow type of Rumba rhythm. The music is frequently arranged with Spanish vocals and a subtle percussion effect, usually implemented with Conga or Bongos. The Bolero is a dance that does not move along the line of dance. We also offer instrucion in: Hustle, Salsa, Merengue, Argintine Tango, and Paso Doble!! Country Western Dances
West Coast Swing is a sophisticated, relaxed version of East Coast Swing, and is danced to blues, country western and among the younger crowd hip hop. It is a fun and relaxed dance, perfect for the easy going dancing soul. Two-Step Two-Step is the upbeat original "boot scootin" classic that is quickly becoming a past time. Two-Step is a 4/4 timing beat that travels line of dance (counter clockwise direction on dance floor). This dance moves fast and has plenty of spins and turns for both partners, so look out and have fun! Night Club Two-Step Night Club Two-Step can really heat up in any night clum atmosphere. It seems to be the right mix of Country Western and Latin dance styles. This dance also works great for wedding routines.
We also offer instruction in: Country Waltz, and Country Cha-Cha, and Country Polka. |