Styles

Ballroom dances fall into two families of styles:

Smooth and Standard have similar dances, and so do Rhythm and Latin. The International style Standard is sometimes refered to as Ballroom or Modern Ballroom.

All the socials and competitions that Rutgers Ballroom attend or organize feature all four styles.

American Smooth

American Smooth dances are: Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz.

International Standard

International Standard dances are: Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep.

International Waltz is also called Slow Waltz or English Waltz. International Foxtrot is also called Slow Fox.

American Rhythm

American Rhythm dances are: Chacha, Rumba, Swing, Bolero, Mambo.

Other dances associated to American Rhythm are: Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Jitterbug, Hustle, West Coast Swing, Samba, Polka.

International Latin

International Latin dances are: Chacha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, Jive.

International Standard

The following are the International Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) syllabus for International Standard.

Dances: Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep.

International Waltz

Pre-Bronze

  1. Closed Changes
  2. Natural Turn
  3. Reverse Turn
  4. Natural Spin Turn
  5. Whisk
  6. Chasse from PP

Bronze

  1. Closed Impetus
  2. Hesitation Change
  3. Outside Change
  4. Reverse Corte
  5. Back Whisk
  6. Basic Weave
  7. Double Reverse Spin
  8. Reverse Pivot
  9. Back Lock
  10. Progressive Chasse to R

Silver

  1. Weave from PP
  2. Closed Telemark
  3. Open Telemark and Cross Hesitation
  4. Open Telemark and Wing
  5. Open Impetus and Cross Hesitation
  6. Open Impetus and Wing
  7. Outside Spin
  8. Turning Lock
  9. Drag Hesitation

Gold

  1. Left Whisk
  2. Contra Check
  3. Closed Wing
  4. Turning Lock to R
  5. Fallaway Reverse and Slip Pivot
  6. Hover Corte
  7. Fallaway Whisk

International Tango

Pre-Bronze

  1. Walk
  2. Progressive Side Step
  3. Progressive Link
  4. Closed Promenade
  5. Rock Turn
  6. Open Reverse Turn, Lady Outside
  7. Back Corte

Bronze

  1. Open Reverse Turn, Lady in Line
  2. Progressive Side Step Reverse Turn
  3. Open Promenade
  4. LF and RF Rocks
  5. Natural Twist Turn
  6. Natural Promenade Turn

Silver

  1. Promenade Link
  2. Four Step
  3. Back Open Promenade
  4. Outside Swivels
  5. Fallaway Promenade
  6. Four Step Change
  7. Brush Tap

Gold

  1. Fallaway Four Step
  2. Oversway
  3. Basic Reverse Turn
  4. The Chase
  5. Fallaway Reverse and Slip Pivot
  6. Five Step
  7. Contra Check
  8. Note: An Open Finish may replace a Closed Finish at any time.

International Viennese Waltz

Bronze

  1. Natural Turn
  2. Reverse Turn
  3. Closed Changes Forward
  4. Closed Changes Backward

Silver

  1. Reverse Fleckerl

Gold

  1. Natural Fleckerl
  2. Contra Check

International Foxtrot

Pre-Bronze

  1. Feather
  2. Three Step
  3. Natural Turn
  4. Reverse Turn with Feather Finish
  5. Closed Impetus with Feather Finish

Bronze

  1. Natural Weave
  2. Change of Direction
  3. Basic Weave

Silver

  1. Closed Telemark
  2. Open Telemark and Feather Ending
  3. Top Spin
  4. Hover Feather
  5. Hover Telemark (and to PP)
  6. Natural Telemark
  7. Hover Cross
  8. Open Telemark, Natural Turn, Outside Swivel, Feather Ending
  9. Open Impetus
  10. Weave from PP
  11. Reverse Wave
  12. Natural Weave from PP

Gold

  1. Natural Twist Turn
  2. Curved Feather to Back Feather
  3. Natural Zig Zag from PP
  4. Fallaway Reverse and Slip Pivot
  5. Natural Hover Telemark
  6. Bounce Fallaway with Weave Ending

International Quickstep

Pre-Bronze

  1. Quarter Turn to R
  2. Natural Turn
  3. Natural Turn with Hesitation
  4. Natural Pivot Turn
  5. Natural Spin Turn
  6. Progressive Chasse
  7. Chasse Reverse Turn
  8. Forward Lock

Bronze

  1. Closed Impetus
  2. Backward Lock
  3. Reverse Pivot
  4. Progressive Chasse to R
  5. Tipple Chasse to R
  6. Running Finish
  7. Natural Turn and Back Lock
  8. Double Reverse Spin
  9. Zig Zag, Back Lock, Running Finish
  10. Cross Chasse
  11. Change of Direction

Silver

  1. Quick Open Reverse
  2. Fishtail
  3. Running Right Turn
  4. Four Quick Run
  5. V6
  6. Closed Telemark

Gold

  1. Cross Swivel
  2. Six Quick Run
  3. Rumba Cross
  4. Tipsy to Right and Left
  5. Hover Corte

American Smooth

The following are the National Dance Council of America (NDCA) Approved Figures, Elements and Restrictions, from the NDCA Rulebook Master July 2010.

Dances: Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz.

American Waltz

Bronze

  1. Left Closed/Box (Reverse) Turn - Right Closed/Box (Natural) Turn
  2. Forward Progressive/Change Step, right foot or left foot
  3. Lady's Underarm Turn to the Right - two Measures/6 beats
  4. Balance Steps/Hesitations, Fifth Position Breaks (in closed hold or double hand hold only)
  5. Closed Twinkles (may be danced in any direction)
  6. Cross Body Lead from LF Fwd Hesitation or from 1-3 of Left Closed/Box (Reverse Turn)
  7. Natural Spin Turn (same as International Style)
  8. Forward Twist to Left from P.P.
  9. Syncopated Chasse
  10. Simple Grapevine or Zigzag (No Syncopation)
  11. In & Out change steps/Butterfly

Restrictions

Silver

(commencing January 2011)

  1. Continuity styling (open footwork) is now allowed but not required.
  2. Continuous partnership pivots are allowed, up to two measures, but may only include 1 syncopation.
  3. Picture lines are permissible, but may not be held longer than two measures of music.

Restrictions

American Tango

Bronze

  1. Tango Walks - All Slows
  2. Forward Basic, Closed or O.P. (SSQQS timing only)
  3. Promenade turning to left or right (SSQQS timing only)
  4. Corte or Simple Oversway
  5. OpenFan
  6. Open fan to Same Foot Rocks
  7. Right Side Fan/Outside Swivel
  8. Rocks - closed or P.P. pos.(may be danced w/ or w/o turn to left or right in any direction)
  9. Single Pivot from P.P.
  10. Linking action to and from P.P
  11. Left/Reverse Turn (Open or Closed)
  12. Under Arm Turn Left or Right from Open Fan
  13. Twist Turn to Left or right from P.P.
  14. Running Step/Progressive Side Step or argentine walks (basic w/alternative rhythm)

Restrictions

Silver

(commencing January 2011)

  1. Continuous "partnership" pivots are allowed, up to two measures, but may only include 1 syncopation.
  2. Picture lines are permissible, but may not be held longer than two measures of music.

Restrictions

American Foxtrot

Bronze

  1. Forward Basic, Closed or O.P. - (with or without quarter turn) - SSQQ
  2. Back Basic, Closed or O.P. - (with or without quarter turn) - SSQQ
  3. Promenade - SSQQ
  4. Rock Turn/Ad Lib to Left or Right - SSQQ
  5. Lady's Underarm Turn to the Right - two Measures/8 beats - SQQSQQ
  6. Left Closed/Box/Reverse Turn - SQQ
  7. Cross Body Lead - SQQ
  8. Closed Twinkle, may be danced in any direction, must close feet - SQQ
  9. Single Promenade Pivot - SSQQ
  10. Syncopated Chasse - SQQSQ&QSQQ
  11. Forward twist to left from promenade - SSQQ
  12. Sway step/Side Balance - SSQQ
  13. Promenade Under Arm Turn - SSQQ
  14. Simple Grapevine or Zigzag (8) quicks max. No Syncopations)

Restrictions

Silver

(commencing January 2011)

  1. Continuity styling (open footwork) is now allowed but not required.
  2. Continuous "partnership" pivots are allowed, up to two measures, but may only include 1 syncopation.
  3. Picture lines are permissible, but may not be held longer than two measures of music.

Restrictions

American Viennese Waltz

Bronze

  1. Left Turns/Reverse Turns
  2. Right Turns/Natural Turns
  3. Progressive/Change Steps
  4. Balance Steps/Hesitations/Fifth Position Breaks
  5. Cross Body Lead/Turn
  6. Underarm Turn from Fifth Position Break or Cross Body Lead
  7. Closed Twinkle (May be danced in any direction or alignment)
  8. In & Out Change steps/ butterfly
  9. Left box w/lady's left or right underarm turn

Restrictions

Silver

(commencing January 2011)

  1. Continuous "partnership" pivots are allowed, up to two measures, but may only include 1 syncopation.
  2. Picture lines are permissible, but may not be held longer than two measures of music.

Restrictions

International Latin

The following are the International Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) syllabus for International Latin.

Dances: Chacha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, Jive.

International Chacha

Pre-Bronze

  1. Basic Movements (Closed, Open, In Place)
  2. New York (to Left or Right Side Position)
  3. Spot Turns to Left or Right (including Switch and Underarm Turns)
  4. Shoulder to Shoulder (Left Side and Right Side)
  5. Hand to Hand (to Right and Left Side Position)
  6. Three Cha Cha Chas (Forward and Back)
  7. Side Steps (to Left or Right)
  8. There and Back
  9. Time Steps

Bronze

  1. Fan
  2. Alemana
  3. Hockey Stick
  4. Natural Top
  5. Natural Opening Out Movement
  6. Closed Hip Twist

Silver

  1. Open Hip Twist
  2. Reverse Top
  3. Opening Out from Reverse Top
  4. Aida
  5. Spiral Turns (Spiral, Curl, Rope Spinning)
  6. Cross Basic
  7. Cuban Breaks (including Split Cuban Breaks)
  8. Chase

Gold

  1. Advanced Hip Twist
  2. Hip Twist Spiral
  3. Turkish Towel
  4. Sweetheart
  5. Follow My Leader
  6. Foot Changes

International Samba

Pre-Bronze

  1. Basic Movements (Natural, Reverse, Side, Progressive)
  2. Whisks (also with Lady's underarm turn)
  3. Samba Walks (Promenade, Side, Stationary)
  4. Rhythm Bounce
  5. Volta Movements
  6. Travelling Bota Fogos Forward
  7. Criss Cross Bota Fogos (Shadow Bota Fogos)

Bronze

  1. Travelling Bota Fogos Back
  2. Bota Fogos to Promenade and Counter Promenade
  3. Criss Cross Voltas
  4. Solo Spot Volta
  5. Foot Changes
  6. Shadow Travelling Volta
  7. Reverse Turn
  8. Corta Jaca
  9. Closed Rocks

Silver

  1. Open Rocks
  2. Back Rocks
  3. Plait
  4. Rolling off the Arm
  5. Argentine Crosses
  6. Maypole
  7. Shadow Circular Volta

Gold

  1. Contra Botafogos
  2. Roundabout
  3. Natural Roll
  4. Reverse Roll
  5. Promenade and Counter Promenade Runs
  6. Three Step Turn
  7. Samba Locks
  8. Cruzados Walks and Locks

International Rumba

Pre-Bronze

  1. Basic Movements (Closed, Open, In Place, Alternative)
  2. Cucarachas (LF and RF)
  3. New York (to Left or Right Side Position)
  4. Spot Turns to Left or Right (including Switch and Underarm Turns)
  5. Shoulder to Shoulder (Left Side and Right Side)
  6. Hand to Hand (to Right and Left Side Position)
  7. Progressive Walks Forward or Back
  8. Side Steps (to Left or Right)
  9. Cuban Rocks

Bronze

  1. Fan
  2. Alemana
  3. Hockey Stick
  4. Natural Top
  5. Opening Out to Right and Left
  6. Natural Opening Out Movement
  7. Closed Hip Twist

Silver

  1. Open Hip Twist
  2. Reverse Top
  3. Opening Out from Reverse Top
  4. Aida
  5. Spiral Turns (Spiral, Curl, Rope Spinning)

Gold

  1. Sliding Doors
  2. Fencing
  3. Three Threes
  4. Three Alemanas
  5. Hip Twists (Advanced, Continuous, Circular)

International Paso Doble

Pre-Bronze

  1. Sur Place
  2. Basic Movement
  3. Chasses to Right or Left (including Elevations)
  4. Drag
  5. Deplacement (also Attack)
  6. Promenade Link (also Promenade Close)
  7. Promenade
  8. Ecart (Fallaway Whisk)
  9. Separation
  10. Separation with Lady's Caping Walk

Bronze

  1. Fallaway Ending to Separation
  2. Huit
  3. Sixteen
  4. Promenade and Counter Promenade
  5. Grand Circle
  6. Open Telemark

Silver

  1. La Passe
  2. Banderillas
  3. Twist Turn
  4. Fallaway Reverse Turn
  5. Coup de Pique
  6. Left Foot Variation
  7. Spanish Lines
  8. Flamenco Taps

Gold

  1. Syncopated Separation
  2. Travelling Spins from PP
  3. Travelling Spins from CPP
  4. Fregolina (also Farol)
  5. Twists
  6. Chasse Cape (including Outside Turn)

International Jive

Pre-Bronze

  1. Basic in Place
  2. Fallaway Rock
  3. Fallaway Throwaway
  4. Link
  5. Change of Places Right to Left
  6. Change of Places Left to Right
  7. Change of Hands Behind Back
  8. Hip Bump (Left Shoulder Shove)

Bronze

  1. American Spin
  2. Walks
  3. Stop and Go
  4. Mooch
  5. Whip
  6. Whip Throwaway

Silver

  1. Reverse Whip
  2. Windmill
  3. Spanish Arms
  4. Rolling off the Arm
  5. Simple Spin
  6. Miami Special

Gold

  1. Curly Whip
  2. Shoulder Spin
  3. Toe Heel Swivels
  4. Chugging
  5. Chicken Walks
  6. Catapult
  7. Stalking Walks, Flicks and Break

American Rhythm

The following are the National Dance Council of America (NDCA) Approved Figures, Elements and Restrictions, from the NDCA Rulebook Master July 2010.

Dances: Chacha, Rumba, Swing, Bolero, Mambo.

American Chacha

Bronze

  1. Basic Step (Closed, Single or Double Handhold)
  2. Cross Over Breaks - (single only - no timing changes)
  3. Offset Breaks - O.P.
  4. Open Break
  5. Lady's Underarm Turn left or right
  6. Walk Around Turns (May be danced under arm or free turn to Right or Left)
  7. Chasse Turns
  8. Cross Over Break with Swivel
  9. Fifth Position Breaks
  10. Cross Body Lead - May end in Closed, Open or Open Counter Promenade Positions
  11. Three Cha Chas - chasses may be danced forward or back or side
  12. Back spot turn / Natural Top
  13. Parallel Breaks/Sweetheart/Cuddle - Same foot is allowed on this pattern

Restrictions

Silver

(commencing January 2011)

  1. Continuous partnership pivots are allowed up to two measures but may include only one syncopation.
  2. Partners may not completely separate for more than one measure of music with the exception of chase turns and chase turn variations.
  3. Single or double hand hold in shadow position may not comprise more than 50% of any routine.
  4. No dips or drops below waist level. No knee drops or sit drops, floor slashes, etc.
  5. No sitting hens, horse and carts, pot stirrers, or standing spins for man or lady are allowed.
  6. No entrances allowed. Partners must start in a closed or open facing hold.

American Rumba

Bronze

  1. BoxStep
  2. Cuban Walks - Closed and Open (may be danced in side by side position)
  3. Lady's Underarm Turn to Right or Left
  4. Rock Steps & Breaks (Forward, side or back)
  5. Cross Body Lead/Turn
  6. Fifth Position Breaks
  7. Open Break - May end in Closed, Open or Open Counter Promenade Positions
  8. Cross Over Breaks
  9. Offset Breaks O.P.
  10. Walk Around Turn (May be danced under arm or free turn to Right or Left)
  11. Back spot turn / Natural Top

Restrictions

Silver

(commencing January 2011)

  1. Continuous partnership pivots are allowed up to two measures but may include only one syncopation.
  2. Partners may not completely separate for more than one measure of music with the exception of chase turns and chase turn variations.
  3. Single or double hand hold in shadow position may not comprise more than 50% of any routine.
  4. No dips or drops below waist level. No knee drops or sit drops, floor slashes, etc.
  5. No sitting hens, horse and carts, pot stirrers, or standing spins for man or lady are allowed.
  6. No entrances allowed. Partners must start in a closed or open facing hold.

American Swing (East Coast Swing)

Bronze

  1. Basic with or without Turn left or right
  2. Lady's Underarm Turn to Right
  3. Lady's and Man's Underarm Turn to Left
  4. Throwaway
  5. Tuck in Turn/American Spin/Lady's Free Spin
  6. Continuous Tuck in Turn
  7. Back Pass/change hands behind back
  8. Sweetheart/Cuddle/Wrap
  9. Lindy Whip - up to four quicks
  10. Hitch Kicks
  11. Lindy Whip with underarm turn L or R - up to 4 quicks
  12. Stop and Go/Peek-a-Boo

Restrictions

Silver

(commencing January 2011)

  1. Continuous partnership pivots are allowed up to two measures but may include only one syncopation.
  2. Partners may not completely separate for more than one measure of music with the exception of chase turns and chase turn variations.
  3. Single or double hand hold in shadow position may not comprise more than 50% of any routine.
  4. No dips or drops below waist level. No knee drops or sit drops, floor slashes, etc.
  5. No sitting hens, horse and carts, pot stirrers, or standing spins for man or lady are allowed.
  6. No entrances allowed. Partners must start in a closed or open facing hold.

American Bolero

Bronze

  1. Basic
  2. Open Break ( Man may use Flex Point)
  3. Fifth Position Breaks
  4. Cross Over Breaks
  5. Cross Body Lead - May end in Closed, Open or Open Counter Promenade Positions
  6. Lady's Underarm Turns to Left and Right
  7. Free Walk Around Turn from Cross Over
  8. Side Passes Left and Right
  9. Open Cuban Walks, Open and Closed Positions - may be danced in side by side position
  10. Rock steps (May be danced in any direction)
  11. Back Spot Turn (Natural Top)

Restrictions

Silver

(commencing January 2011)

  1. Continuous partnership pivots are allowed up to two measures but may include only one syncopation.
  2. Partners may not completely separate for more than one measure of music with the exception of chase turns and chase turn variations.
  3. Single or double hand hold in shadow position may not comprise more than 50% of any routine.
  4. No dips or drops below waist level. No knee drops or sit drops, floor slashes, etc.
  5. No sitting hens, horse and carts, pot stirrers, or standing spins for man or lady are allowed.
  6. No entrances allowed. Partners must start in a closed or open facing hold.

American Mambo

Bronze

  1. Basic, open, closed, progressive with or without turn to right or left
  2. Open Break
  3. Offset Breaks O.P.
  4. Fifth Position Breaks
  5. Cross Over Breaks
  6. Lady's Underarm Turn to Right and Left
  7. Walk Around Turn turns to left or right
  8. Cross Body Lead - May end in Closed, Open or Open Counter Promenade Positions
  9. Chasse Turns half or full
  10. Side Breaks
  11. Promenade Walks
  12. Cross Over Break with Swivel
  13. Progressive Walks
  14. Parallel Breaks/Sweetheart/Cuddle - same foot is allowed

Restrictions

Silver

(commencing January 2011)

  1. Continuous partnership pivots are allowed up to two measures but may include only one syncopation.
  2. Partners may not completely separate for more than one measure of music with the exception of chase turns and chase turn variations.
  3. Single or double hand hold in shadow position may not comprise more than 50% of any routine.
  4. No dips or drops below waist level. No knee drops or sit drops, floor slashes, etc.
  5. No sitting hens, horse and carts, pot stirrers, or standing spins for man or lady are allowed.
  6. No entrances allowed. Partners must start in a closed or open facing hold.