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Dance styles you can learn at Premier Dance
We're not your "typical" ballroom dance studio. Not only are we strong in the American and International ballroom styles, but we also offer an diverse array of other dance styles not offered at any other ballroom studio around town.
Check out our Events calendar for the Group class schedule.
Interested in more instruction on a specific dance style? Sign up for Private Lessons with one of our talented, professional Instructors.
- Swing dances: Swing, Lindy hop, Balboa, Charleston, Blues, West Coast Swing, Hustle
- Latin dances: Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Argentine Tango
- American Rhythm Dances: Cha Cha, Bolero, Rumba, Swing and Mambo
- American Smooth Dances: Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango and Viennese Waltz
- International Latin: Rumba, Paso Doble, Jive, Samba and Cha Cha
- International Standard: Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot and Quickstep
Check out our Events calendar for the Group class schedule.
Interested in more instruction on a specific dance style? Sign up for Private Lessons with one of our talented, professional Instructors.
Dance Descriptions
Argentine Tango
Argentine tango is an improvisational dance based on the four building blocks of walking, turning, stopping and embellishments. The dance is like a puzzle that gets put together differently each time. Women and men bring their own styles and embellishments to the dance which contribute significantly to the excitement and unpredictability of the experience. Even though dancers follow certain conventions, they never quite know how someone will construct a dance, add an embellishment or interpret the music. The surprises possible within the dance are what make the dance so addicting. It really does take two to tango, because the dance isn't just about the man leading and the woman following. Tango is danced counterclockwise around a floor just like a horse race. Dancers try to stay on the outside edges of the floor and away from the center space. If you were able to look down on a tango dance floor, you'd see dancers move as if floating down a river—flowing smoothly forward sometimes and occasionally stopping for a spin in a shallow eddy. Back to Top
Argentine tango is an improvisational dance based on the four building blocks of walking, turning, stopping and embellishments. The dance is like a puzzle that gets put together differently each time. Women and men bring their own styles and embellishments to the dance which contribute significantly to the excitement and unpredictability of the experience. Even though dancers follow certain conventions, they never quite know how someone will construct a dance, add an embellishment or interpret the music. The surprises possible within the dance are what make the dance so addicting. It really does take two to tango, because the dance isn't just about the man leading and the woman following. Tango is danced counterclockwise around a floor just like a horse race. Dancers try to stay on the outside edges of the floor and away from the center space. If you were able to look down on a tango dance floor, you'd see dancers move as if floating down a river—flowing smoothly forward sometimes and occasionally stopping for a spin in a shallow eddy. Back to Top
Bachata
Bachata was born in the 1960's and 1970's in the Dominican Republic. Bachata is danced to the slower, ballad-like Latin songs. Like Salsa, Bachata has an 8-count basic, but instead of moving back and forth like Salsa, Bachata moves from side to side. Additionally, partners tend to dance much closer to one another in Bachata. The basic is a side-together-side action with a hip roll and/or lift. Back to Top
Bachata was born in the 1960's and 1970's in the Dominican Republic. Bachata is danced to the slower, ballad-like Latin songs. Like Salsa, Bachata has an 8-count basic, but instead of moving back and forth like Salsa, Bachata moves from side to side. Additionally, partners tend to dance much closer to one another in Bachata. The basic is a side-together-side action with a hip roll and/or lift. Back to Top
Balboa
Balboa today is commonly used as a general term for dances that come from southern California during the 1920s and 1930s, which makes the history very obscure. Most of the original Balboa dancers have passed and many of the swing dancers that followed continued to use their steps and sometimes styles to integrate into their "swing" dancing which some people today call "Bal-Swing".
Balboa is a form of swing dance that started as early as 1915 and gained in popularity in the 1930s and 1940s. It is danced primarily in close embrace, and is led with a full body connection. The art of Balboa is the subtle communication between the lead and follow, like weight shifts, that most viewers cannot see. As a result, Balboa is considered more of a "dancer's dance" than a "spectator's dance".
Balboa is danced to a wide variety of tempos. Because the basic step takes up such a small space, Balboa can be danced to fast music (over 300 beats per minute). Balboa is also danced to slow music (under 100 beats per minute), which allows more time for intricate footwork and variations. Back to Top
Balboa today is commonly used as a general term for dances that come from southern California during the 1920s and 1930s, which makes the history very obscure. Most of the original Balboa dancers have passed and many of the swing dancers that followed continued to use their steps and sometimes styles to integrate into their "swing" dancing which some people today call "Bal-Swing".
Balboa is a form of swing dance that started as early as 1915 and gained in popularity in the 1930s and 1940s. It is danced primarily in close embrace, and is led with a full body connection. The art of Balboa is the subtle communication between the lead and follow, like weight shifts, that most viewers cannot see. As a result, Balboa is considered more of a "dancer's dance" than a "spectator's dance".
Balboa is danced to a wide variety of tempos. Because the basic step takes up such a small space, Balboa can be danced to fast music (over 300 beats per minute). Balboa is also danced to slow music (under 100 beats per minute), which allows more time for intricate footwork and variations. Back to Top
Blues
Like Swing dance, Blues dance originated and evolved from African rhythms and movements. However, Blues dancing was never widely practiced as a "social" or performance dance in the United States outside of the Black communities; so it developed and thrived in smoky juke joints and at Blues house parties and rent parties, giving it a more intimate feel.
Because Blues dancing lacked wider social approval and appeal, it remained strongly entrenched in African principles of movement, not only in the motion of the hips, but in the characteristic creation of, and dancing within, a boundary. Back to Top
Like Swing dance, Blues dance originated and evolved from African rhythms and movements. However, Blues dancing was never widely practiced as a "social" or performance dance in the United States outside of the Black communities; so it developed and thrived in smoky juke joints and at Blues house parties and rent parties, giving it a more intimate feel.
Because Blues dancing lacked wider social approval and appeal, it remained strongly entrenched in African principles of movement, not only in the motion of the hips, but in the characteristic creation of, and dancing within, a boundary. Back to Top
Bolero
Rumba is often called the dance of love but so is the bolero. The bolero is a close cousin of the Rumba, sharing the same footwork timing and many similar figures. The music and the feeling of bolero enhances a sense of love and romance. Slow, graceful, romantic, movements and actions characterize the bolero. Back to Top
Rumba is often called the dance of love but so is the bolero. The bolero is a close cousin of the Rumba, sharing the same footwork timing and many similar figures. The music and the feeling of bolero enhances a sense of love and romance. Slow, graceful, romantic, movements and actions characterize the bolero. Back to Top
Cha Cha
An offshoot of the Mambo, this flirtatious and cheeky Latin dance is characterized by its syncopated cha-cha-cha in each measure, and is one of the most popular social Latin dance in America. It originated in the 1950’s as a slowed down Mambo, but is also a stepchild of the Swing. The Cha Cha was made famous by many Latin bands such as Xavier Cugat and Perez Prado, and today the Cha Cha rhythm is found in much of today’s popular music. Back to Top
An offshoot of the Mambo, this flirtatious and cheeky Latin dance is characterized by its syncopated cha-cha-cha in each measure, and is one of the most popular social Latin dance in America. It originated in the 1950’s as a slowed down Mambo, but is also a stepchild of the Swing. The Cha Cha was made famous by many Latin bands such as Xavier Cugat and Perez Prado, and today the Cha Cha rhythm is found in much of today’s popular music. Back to Top
Charleston
Charleston was one of the dances from which Lindy Hop developed in the 1930's. A slightly different form of Charleston became popular in the 1930's and 40's, and is associated with Lindy Hop. In this later Charleston form, the hot jazz timing of the 1920s Charleston was adapted to suit the swing jazz music of the 30s and 40s. This style of Charleston has many common names, one of the most common being 30's Charleston. In both 20's Charleston and 30's Charleston the basic step takes 8 counts and was danced either alone or with a partner. Back to Top
Charleston was one of the dances from which Lindy Hop developed in the 1930's. A slightly different form of Charleston became popular in the 1930's and 40's, and is associated with Lindy Hop. In this later Charleston form, the hot jazz timing of the 1920s Charleston was adapted to suit the swing jazz music of the 30s and 40s. This style of Charleston has many common names, one of the most common being 30's Charleston. In both 20's Charleston and 30's Charleston the basic step takes 8 counts and was danced either alone or with a partner. Back to Top
Foxtrot
A classic “Big Band” dance in 4/4 time, the playful and smooth Foxtrot is one of the most popular social dances, and one of the easiest to learn. The dance originated in 1913, when Harry Fox performed a little trot across a New York stage. The Foxtrot is deceiving, because it is easy and enjoyed for its ease of movement and smooth style, but can also be one of the most difficult dances to do at the higher levels. Back to Top
A classic “Big Band” dance in 4/4 time, the playful and smooth Foxtrot is one of the most popular social dances, and one of the easiest to learn. The dance originated in 1913, when Harry Fox performed a little trot across a New York stage. The Foxtrot is deceiving, because it is easy and enjoyed for its ease of movement and smooth style, but can also be one of the most difficult dances to do at the higher levels. Back to Top
Hustle
The Hustle is the partner version of disco dancing. It is a fast moving, energetic dance characterized by its many turns. The lady spins almost constantly while her partner draws her close and sends her away. Hustle is still very popular at West Coast Swing and ballroom dances. Back to Top
The Hustle is the partner version of disco dancing. It is a fast moving, energetic dance characterized by its many turns. The lady spins almost constantly while her partner draws her close and sends her away. Hustle is still very popular at West Coast Swing and ballroom dances. Back to Top
Lindy Hop
The Lindy Hop is based on the popular Charleston and named for Charles Lindbergh's Atlantic crossing in 1927. It evolved in New York City in the 1920s and '30s and originally evolved with the jazz music of that time. Lindy was a fusion of many dances that preceded it or were popular during its development but is mainly based on jazz, tap, breakaway and Charleston. It is frequently described as a jazz dance and is a member of the swing dance family.
In its development, the Lindy Hop combined both partnered and solo dancing by using the movements and improvisation of black dances along with the formal eight-count structure of European partner dances. This is most clearly illustrated in the Lindy's basic step, the swingout. In this step's open position, each dancer is generally connected hand-to-hand; in its closed position, men and women are connected as though in an embrace.
Revived in the 1980s by American, Swedish, and British dancers, the Lindy Hop is now represented by dancers and loosely affiliated grass roots organizations found in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. Back to Top
The Lindy Hop is based on the popular Charleston and named for Charles Lindbergh's Atlantic crossing in 1927. It evolved in New York City in the 1920s and '30s and originally evolved with the jazz music of that time. Lindy was a fusion of many dances that preceded it or were popular during its development but is mainly based on jazz, tap, breakaway and Charleston. It is frequently described as a jazz dance and is a member of the swing dance family.
In its development, the Lindy Hop combined both partnered and solo dancing by using the movements and improvisation of black dances along with the formal eight-count structure of European partner dances. This is most clearly illustrated in the Lindy's basic step, the swingout. In this step's open position, each dancer is generally connected hand-to-hand; in its closed position, men and women are connected as though in an embrace.
Revived in the 1980s by American, Swedish, and British dancers, the Lindy Hop is now represented by dancers and loosely affiliated grass roots organizations found in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. Back to Top
Merengue
Its simple small steps and characteristic hip swing, complete with graceful arm flourishes make this dance easy to learn and perfect for fast Latin music. The merengue is a popular dance of Haiti and the Dominican Republic. There is an old tale about a famous military General Maringie who was wounded in battle and developed a limp. He got up to dance at a celebration in his honor, and danced dragging his injured leg. All the other men present, rather than embarrass him, danced in a similar way and thus was born the Merengue. Or it might simply have started as a peasant dance in the Dominican Republic by African slaves. Back to Top
Its simple small steps and characteristic hip swing, complete with graceful arm flourishes make this dance easy to learn and perfect for fast Latin music. The merengue is a popular dance of Haiti and the Dominican Republic. There is an old tale about a famous military General Maringie who was wounded in battle and developed a limp. He got up to dance at a celebration in his honor, and danced dragging his injured leg. All the other men present, rather than embarrass him, danced in a similar way and thus was born the Merengue. Or it might simply have started as a peasant dance in the Dominican Republic by African slaves. Back to Top
Rumba
The Rumba is Cuban in origin, and the music is a mixture of Latin and African rhythms. This was a street dance of courtship and marriage that met opposition from the upper classes because of the suggestive body and hip movements. Originally a lively, peppy dance, its ballroom form is slow and sensual, giving you the chance to really express yourself, as well as to perfect technique, develop your sense of rhythm and muscle control that is also used in the faster Latin dances. Back to Top
The Rumba is Cuban in origin, and the music is a mixture of Latin and African rhythms. This was a street dance of courtship and marriage that met opposition from the upper classes because of the suggestive body and hip movements. Originally a lively, peppy dance, its ballroom form is slow and sensual, giving you the chance to really express yourself, as well as to perfect technique, develop your sense of rhythm and muscle control that is also used in the faster Latin dances. Back to Top
Salsa
Salsa is a dance for Salsa music created by Spanish-speaking people from the Caribbean. Salsa dancing mixes African and European dance influences through the music and dance fusions that are the roots of Salsa: essentially Cuban Son, but also with influences from Guaguanco, Rumba, Boogaloo, Pachanga, Guaracha, Plena, and Bomba. Salsa is normally a partner dance, although there are recognized solo forms, line dancing (suleta), and Rueda de Casino where groups of couples exchange partners in a circle. Salsa can be improvised or performed with a set routine. Back to Top
Salsa is a dance for Salsa music created by Spanish-speaking people from the Caribbean. Salsa dancing mixes African and European dance influences through the music and dance fusions that are the roots of Salsa: essentially Cuban Son, but also with influences from Guaguanco, Rumba, Boogaloo, Pachanga, Guaracha, Plena, and Bomba. Salsa is normally a partner dance, although there are recognized solo forms, line dancing (suleta), and Rueda de Casino where groups of couples exchange partners in a circle. Salsa can be improvised or performed with a set routine. Back to Top
Samba
The pulsing rhythm of the Samba and its fluid hip action make it one of the sexiest dances. When you hear the music, you’ll just have to learn this lively Brazilian dance. Known to Brazilians as their native dance, in was first introduced in 1917, but was finally adopted by Brazilian society in 1930. They say Carmen Miranda introduced the Samba in the United States in 1939. It is sometimes referred to as a Samba, Carioca, a Baion or a Batucado. The difference is mostly in the tempo played, since the steps in all these styles are very similar. Back to Top
The pulsing rhythm of the Samba and its fluid hip action make it one of the sexiest dances. When you hear the music, you’ll just have to learn this lively Brazilian dance. Known to Brazilians as their native dance, in was first introduced in 1917, but was finally adopted by Brazilian society in 1930. They say Carmen Miranda introduced the Samba in the United States in 1939. It is sometimes referred to as a Samba, Carioca, a Baion or a Batucado. The difference is mostly in the tempo played, since the steps in all these styles are very similar. Back to Top
Swing
This dance is frequently referred to as Triple Step swing due to the rhythm of the basic: Triple-step, triple-step, rock-step. It is a circular dance that is danced with a bounce and is very grounded and not high in the legs. East Coast swing is the base for all swing dances, and this fun upbeat dance can be done to lots of Big Band and contemporary music. Back to Top
This dance is frequently referred to as Triple Step swing due to the rhythm of the basic: Triple-step, triple-step, rock-step. It is a circular dance that is danced with a bounce and is very grounded and not high in the legs. East Coast swing is the base for all swing dances, and this fun upbeat dance can be done to lots of Big Band and contemporary music. Back to Top
Tango
American Style Tango evolved as a ballroom dance from the sultry Argentine Tango danced in Buenos Aires. American Style Tango features sharp movements, head snaps, and a cat-like and stealthy foot action. The music is in 4/4 time and has a marching rhythm. Back to Top
American Style Tango evolved as a ballroom dance from the sultry Argentine Tango danced in Buenos Aires. American Style Tango features sharp movements, head snaps, and a cat-like and stealthy foot action. The music is in 4/4 time and has a marching rhythm. Back to Top
Viennese Waltz
The Viennese Waltz is a rotary dance where the dancers are constantly turning either toward the leader's right (natural) or toward the leader's left (reverse), interspersed with non-rotating change steps to switch between the direction of rotation. Other moves such as the fleckerls, American-style figures and side sway or underarm turns are modern inventions that have been added to the dance. Couples do not pass, but turn continuously left and right while traveling counterclockwise around the floor following each other. Back to Top
The Viennese Waltz is a rotary dance where the dancers are constantly turning either toward the leader's right (natural) or toward the leader's left (reverse), interspersed with non-rotating change steps to switch between the direction of rotation. Other moves such as the fleckerls, American-style figures and side sway or underarm turns are modern inventions that have been added to the dance. Couples do not pass, but turn continuously left and right while traveling counterclockwise around the floor following each other. Back to Top
Waltz
The 1-2-3 of the Waltz is what most people associate with Ballroom Dancing. This dance appeared in Bohemia, Austria, Bavaria and various parts of Europe in the late 1700’s. This new style (for its day) was shockingly different, but is now known as the mother of our contemporary social dances. Its rise and fall and flowing patterns make this gentle dance very romantic. Back to Top
The 1-2-3 of the Waltz is what most people associate with Ballroom Dancing. This dance appeared in Bohemia, Austria, Bavaria and various parts of Europe in the late 1700’s. This new style (for its day) was shockingly different, but is now known as the mother of our contemporary social dances. Its rise and fall and flowing patterns make this gentle dance very romantic. Back to Top
West Coast Swing
West Coast Swing is smooth and danced in a slot. The dance allows room for syncopated footwork and improvisation. West Coast Swing can be danced to a wide range of music including Rhythm and Blues, Country Western, Funk, Disco, Rock and Pop. Back to Top
West Coast Swing is smooth and danced in a slot. The dance allows room for syncopated footwork and improvisation. West Coast Swing can be danced to a wide range of music including Rhythm and Blues, Country Western, Funk, Disco, Rock and Pop. Back to Top
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Premier Dance • 1105 Walnut Street (Cary Town Center Mall) • Cary, NC 27511 • (919) 677-1909
