Michele Rasmussen

If you have yet to stick your toe into a dance shoe, and hit the dance floor, then you will likely be as confused as I was, when I decided that I had waited too long to learn to dance. I had no idea just how many styles of dance there were, and I do not profess to even know now, however I do know that Ballroom, Swing and Salsa are very often, all danced at the same venue.

Ballroom Dance

Tonight I was at our local USA Ballroom Dance. I danced Tango, Foxtrot, Waltz, Hustle, Night Club Two Step, Cha Cha, East Coast Swing, Mambo, Salsa and Rhumba. Quite a variety, wouldn't you agree?

Swing Dance

Last night it was a Swing Club Dance. We danced West Coast Swing, East Coast Swing, Country Two Step, Country Waltz, Night Club Two Step, Hustle, Cha Cha and a Triple Step Progressive.

I suppose that the easiest way to describe the biggest difference, in my opinion, is that Ballroom Dance is "formal" and Swing Dance and Salsa are more lighthearted and "informal".

Now here is the part that I find interesting. It is my perception that Swing people often think that Ballroom is a bit too stuffy. Ballroom people often thing that Swing is a bit too lackadaisical and I think that Ballroom and Swing dancers perceive Salsa dancers to be a bit too saucy.

In my opinion, I love them all! As long as there is music playing and someone to dance with, I am up for the challenge. I think that I would become bored if I only danced one style of dance. Maybe I am A.D.D.? But there are many people out there that are a strictly one dance, and one dance only type. My suggestion to those of you who are new to the world of dance is to give them all a fair shake. You may be surprised to find yourself, like me a total crossover to all of the dances. I find that I go in spurts and often have new favorites. I also find that there are many similarities in all of the dances. Besides, the more versatile you are the more opportunities that you have to dance!

I would love to hear what your favorite dances are, mine are currently Cha Cha and Country Two step. Of course, next week that might change!

Happy Dancing,

Ras #1