Background: dances

Ballroom dancing

Words are not really strong enough to explain what actually is an visual art.
Some of you have seen the dances in shows like "Strictly come dancing". Don't get overwelmed, there the amateurs dance with a professional and the showdances are a result of very intensive training (8 -10h a day for at least 3 months before the first show). But very often the character of the dance is very clear. For the moment just type: ballroom dancing in youtube and you will find plenty of examples.

We only wish to give you some brief explanation, there is no complete definition.

Standard dances
Slow Waltz, Tango, Slowfoxtrot, Viennese Waltz, Quickstep
Theses 5 dances are part of the international modern ballroom dancing programme. 5 dances that are danced in a stable closed hold. Harmony is created by perfect synchronisation and coordination of the two bodies.
Each dance has its own characteristics

• Slow Waltz:
  The most romatic dance. Should look soft and still very dynamique.
• Tango:
  The passionate one. Sharpness in the movements to express the staccato of the music. Fast movements & headflicks are very typical for tango. Not to confuse with the very intimate Argentine tango.
• Viennese Waltz:
  The classical standard dance. It is fast, turns to right and to left. But the turns should look bold and smooth. Nowadays we see also other figures.
• Slowfoxtrot:
  A very linear dance. The music is very smooth. Some professionals describe it as skating over the floor.
• Quickstep:
  Sparkling like champagne, with some skipping movements and some charleston elements. It should look light. This one feels like flying over the floor.

• Samba:
  The roots are in Brazil, but is has taken a different development as a couple dance. Bounce and hip actions being the most visible ones, still giving a smooth and round look.
• Cha-cha:
  Rhythmical, direct, sharp, playfull, simply fun to look at.
• Rumba:
  The most romantic and sensual one. The lady seduces the man and the next moment she rejects him. Elegant Rumba walks, fast turns and expressive bodylines.
• Paso Doble
  A little bit of a bull fight, the lady being the cape, the man matador. It also integrates elements of the flamenco. The dance partners challenge each other. It is all about designing the space.
• Jive
  The competitive version of the swing dances. With triple steps, kicks, flicks, plenty of gimmicks. It should be light and really express fun.

For dancers with experience: Please check the list of our classes, you are welcome to all of our intermediate and advanced classes for a try-out.
The language is basically in English but we do adapt to the dancers in NL, D, F where necessary.