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Foxtrot:
- Roots in African-American clubs and Jazz; the name comes from the Vaudeville performer that popularized the dance, Harry Fox.
- Jive:
- The contrived competitive style of swing which was standardized for the International Latin-American grouping; described as a very fast interpretation of swing.
- Mambo:
- Afro-Cuban dance which was the fast counter-part of the Rumba; as with most Cuban dances, the hip-movements are the key to looking authentic.
- Paso Doble:
- Spanish for "two step;" an interpretation of a bullfighter and his cape which has roots in flamenco and matador movements; originated in France.
- Quickstep:
- Started off as the fast Foxtrot; with the inclusion of many other dance fads (Charelston, Polka, Castle Walk) the Quickstep has become the liveliest of the Standard grouping.
- Rumba:
- The slow and romantic Cuban dance that emphasizes the hips in telling a tail of love; emotion should come out of all areas of the dancers in order to completely fill the sensual rhythm.
- Swing:
- A dance with musical influences from African-American rhythms dating back to the 1930's; Later styles evolved from the Shag, Lindy Hop, and Charleston; the most popular style has been called "Jitterbug."
- Samba:
- A Brazilian carnival dance; lively music is interpreted by rolls and travel across the floor; Carmen Miranda is credited with being the Ambassadora do Samba.
- Tango:
- This emotional Argentine dance combines the influences of Italian immigrants, Spanish flamenco, and African with native rhythms to create a steccato and dramatic dance.
- Viennese Waltz:
- Formerly a court dance of aristocracy from Austria and based in 3/4 time music; Strauss is the most commonly heard composer of the Viennese Waltz (Viener Valtzen).
- Waltz:
- Slow dance in 3/4 time; with roots in the Viennese Waltz, but influenced by "the Boston" and standardized in England to create the present version; a common wedding dance.
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