International CHA CHA

An exciting, syncopated Latin dance which originated in the 1950s as a slowed-down Mambo. The Cha Cha gets its name and character from its distinct repetitive foot rhythm. It’s fun, energetic, sexy and flirtatious, and is easily distinguished from other dances by its addictive “Step, Step, Cha Cha Cha” timing.

Musical Information

Tempo: 30-32 measures per min / 120-128 beats per min
Timing: 4/4
Rhythm: 2, 3, 4&1 (chacha-cha), 2, 3, 4&1 (accent on count 1)

Syllabus

Newcomer

  • Basic Cha Cha Chasse

  • New Yorker

  • Spot Turns (Left and Right)

  • Shoulder to Shoulder

  • Hand to Hand

  • Three Cha Chas Forward

  • Side Steps

  • There and Back

  • Time Steps


Bronze

  • Fan

  • Alemana

  • Hockey Stick

  • Natural Top

  • Natural Opening Out

  • Closed Hip Twist

Silver

  • Open Hip Twist

  • Reverse Top

  • Opening Out from Reverse Top

  • Aida

  • Spiral Turns

  • Cross Basic

  • Cuban Breaks

  • Chase

Gold

  • Advanced Hip Twist

  • Hip Twist Spiral

  • Turkish Towel

  • Sweetheart

  • Follow My Leader

  • Foot Changes

 
 

International Rumba

This slow to medium tempo latin dance stemming from Afro-Cuban folk origins is characterized by sensual, provocative movements and gestures, Latin-style hip motion, and playful and flirtatious interplay between partners.

Musical Information

Tempo: 26-28 measures per min / 104-112 beats per min
Timing: 4/4
Rhythm: 2 3 4 (1), 2 3 4 (1)

Syllabus

Newcomer

  • Basic Movements

  • Cucarachas

  • New York

  • Spot Turns Left and Right

  • Shoulder to Shoulder

  • Hand to Hand

  • Progresive Walks Forward and Back

  • Side Steps

  • Cuban Rocks


Bronze

  • Fan

  • Alemana

  • Hockey Stick

  • Natural Top

  • Opening Out Right and Left

  • Natural Opening Out

  • Closed Hip Twist

Silver

  • Open Hip Twist

  • Reverse Top

  • Opening Out from Reverse Top

  • Aida

  • Spiral Turns (Spiral, Curl, Rope Spinning)

Gold

  • Sliding Doors

  • Fencing

  • Three Threes

  • Three Alemanas

  • Hip Twists

 
 

International JIVE

Jive is a variation of swing dance developed among African Americans in the 1930s, deriving from Lindy Hop and other styles, that became increasingly popular with the introduction of upbeat rock-and-roll music. Though lacking the acrobatic elements of swing, jive retains its quick tempo and energetic triple-rhythm.

Musical Information

Tempo: 42-48 measures per min / 168-192 beats per min
Timing: 4/4
Rhythm: 1 2, 1 a2, 1 a2

Syllabus

Newcomer

  • Basic Triple Step in Place

  • Fallaway Rock

  • Fallaway Throwaway

  • Link: Flick Ball Change or Hesitation Ball Change

  • Change of Places (Right to Left, Left to Right)

  • Change of Hands Behind the Back

  • Hip Bump


Bronze

  • American Spin

  • Walks

  • Stop and Go

  • Mooch

  • Whip

  • Whip Throwaway

Silver

  • Reverse Whip

  • Windmill

  • Spanish Arms

  • Rolling Off The Arm

  • Simple Spin

  • Miami Special

Gold

  • Curly Whip

  • Shoulder Spin

  • Toe Heel Swivels

  • Chugging

  • Chicken Walks

  • Catapult

  • Stalking Walks, Flicks and Break

 
 

International Paso Doble

You might be surprised to learn that the Paso Doble, a lively and aggressive dance evocative of an old-school Spanish bullfight, actually originated in southern France. Set to Spanish march music, the Paso Doble requires its dancers to take on theatrical roles: the lead plays the matador, while the follow represents in turns the bull, the matador’s cape, and the flamenco dancer.

Musical Information

Tempo: 30-32 measures per min / 120-128 beats per min
Timing: 4/4
Rhythm: 2, 3, 4&1 (chacha-cha), 2, 3, 4&1 (accent on count 1)

Syllabus

Bronze

  • Sur Place

  • Basic Movement Forward

  • Basic Movement Backward

  • Chasses to Right

  • Chasses to Left

  • Drag

  • Deplacement/Attack

  • Promenade Link

  • Promenade

  • Ecart

  • Separation

  • Separation with Follow’s Caping Walks

  • Separation with Fallaway Ending

  • Huit

  • Sixteen

  • Promenade and Counter Promenade

  • Grand Circle

  • Open Telemark

Silver

  • La Passe

  • Banderillas

  • Twist Turn

  • Fallaway Reverse Turn

  • Coup de Pique

  • Left Foot Variation

  • Spanish Lines

  • Flamenco Taps

Gold

  • Syncopated Separation

  • Traveling Spins from Promenade Position

  • Traveling Spins from Counter Promenade Position

  • Fregolina/Farol

  • Twists

  • Chasse Cape (including Outside Turn)

 
 

International Paso Doble

This rythmic Afro-Brazilian dance has been adapted for modern ballroom dancing around the 1920s. Samba is noted for its distinct style of movement, which incorporates both Latin hip motion and the signature “Samba Bounce”. Samba melodies are highly syncopated, featuring call-and-response singing accompanied by a percussion ensemble. Carnival samba, a solo version of the dance, is danced in Brazil carnivals to this day.

Musical Information

Tempo: 48-50 measures per min / 96-100 beats per min
Timing: 2/4
Rhythm: 1 a2, 1 a2 (accent on downbeat)

Syllabus

Newcomer

  • Stationary Samba Walks

  • Whisks

  • Promenade Samba Walks

  • Rhythm Bounce

  • Volta Movements

  • Traveling Bota Fogos

  • Criss Cross (Shadow) Bota Fogos

Bronze

  • Bota Fogos to Promenade Position and Counter Promenade Position

  • Criss Cross Voltas

  • Solo Spot Voltas

  • Foot Changes

  • Shadow Traveling Volta

  • Reverse Turn

  • Corta Jaca

  • Closed Rocks

Silver

  • Open Rocks

  • Back Rocks

  • Plait

  • Rolling Off the Arm

  • Argentine Crosses

  • Maypole

  • Shadow Circular Volta

Gold

  • Contra Bota Fogos

  • Roundabout

  • Natural Roll

  • Reverse Roll

  • Promenade and Counter Promenade Runs

  • Three Step Turn

  • Samba Locks

  • Cruzado Walks and Locks