Improving The Quality of People's Lives Through Dance!
Arthur Murray Hamden Dance List
Here you will find a complete alphabetical list of all the dances we teach at Arthur Murray. Be sure to scroll down to see the complete list. We look forward to helping you discover which dances would be best for you.
ARGENTINE TANGO
Even the most advanced dancers will be beckoned by the challenge of this dance. You will discover why the Argentineans think of it as more than just a dance, but a way of life. As the steps and the movements are mastered you'll learn how to feel and react to music in a profound new way. The mood, the music and the steps will intertwine as you capture the soul of the Argentine Tango.
BACHATA
Bachata is a style of dance that originated in the Dominican Republic and is now danced all over the world. The basic steps consist of three weight changes followed by a tap that is often accompanied by a pop of the hip. Bachata can be a fun dance for novice as well as advanced dancers.
BOLERO
The Bolero is a smooth, sophisticated, sentimental love dance. The emphasis is smoothness and graceful turns with much communication between partners. The slower music enhances a feeling of romance.
CHA CHA
Cha Cha adds fun to your dancing through its syncopated steps and many open movements. When you can dance many interesting combinations with ease, you and your partner will be able to feel the pulsating Latin rhythms which make the dance so fascinating.
FOX TROT
Fox Trot is a basic dance from which you can acquire a good foundation. Learning to combine steps easily and smoothly teaches variety and maneuverability. The Fox Trot posture is attractive in appearance and helpful to all other dances. Being able to dance to slow, medium and fast tempos will add confidence to your dancing and will assure fun and relaxation for you and your partner.
FOXY
A slowed down version of Fox Trot where the side step is replaced by a gentle sway. This is a great dance for a romantic "slow dance" because of its gentle movement and easy timing. Foxy is very popular with brides and grooms as their first dance and a must know for anyone attending weddings.
HUSTLE
Hustle originated in the 1970s Disco Era and was popularized by John Travolta in the movie " Saturday Night Fever". Both the music and the dance swept the country like wildfire and although the white suits and gold chains have faded away the dance has stayed. It is still one of the most popular nightclub dances today.
JITTERBUG
A toned down version of a Lindy Hop which is faster and happier than the American Rock 'n' Roll or Swing
JIVE
International competitive Swing dance with elements of the Lindy Hop and Jitterbug. Characterized by up tempo single time music danced with triple steps done primarily on the toes with very lively movement.
LINDY HOP
Lindy Hop, or simply Lindy is and old/new Swing style which continues to be an innovative part of the American culture. Although both the music and the dance have evolved from the Big Band days, the nostalgic appeal of that era lives on in new music and this exciting retro style dance.
MAMBO
Mambo is a fusion of Cuban and American dancing. The music is characterized by a stirring Afro-Cuban beat. Mambo is an exciting dance which allows you to develop your own feeling and expression. Because Mambo is such a fun dance, good Mambo dancers are always popular and in demand as partners.
MERENGUE
Merengue develops Cuban Motion and the ability to adapt to any partner. It is the only Latin dance which combines one-step timing with Cuban Motion and therefore is a help to all Latin dances. The march type beat sharpens timing and coordination and the proper use of the accent will develop a clearer interpretation of musical rhythm.
NIGHT CLUB
Also known as Night Club Two Step, it is a melting pot of many different dances that enables a couple to move very slowly around the ballroom floor. Although traveling like a smooth dance it takes many movements from Latin dances such as Samba and Salsa. Night Club is danced to very slow music that would also be perfect for Foxy.
PASO DOBLE
The Spanish March or One Step. It makes an especially good exhibition routine when the man styles his body movements to look like a bullfighter and leads his partner in and out of the patterns as if she were a cape. The music is usually in 2/4 time.
POLKA
This dance was introduced to society in 1844. Every now and then it is revived because of its boisterous charm. It was supposed to have been originally created by a Bohemian girl. The basic step consists of a preparatory hop followed by a chase done first to the left and then to the right. Curiously enough, it reappeared in the 1940s along with the Cha Cha and the Swing. It is still dance quite often throughout the country.
QUICKSTEP
The English version of the Fast Fox Trot, which has quick hopping steps set in with smoother gliding figures. It is very popular in Europe as a competition dance. It ranks among the " big five", the other four being the Slow Fox Trot, Waltz, Tango and Viennese Waltz.
RUMBA
Learning the Rumba is a prerequisite for good Latin dancing. The Cuban Motion is essential in most of the Latin dances. The Rumba is used by good dancers everywhere and provides interesting variety suited to a limited space. Neat, attractive, precise footwork gives you confidence in your dancing.
SALSA
Salsa is the unique blending of traditional Latin sounds and dance steps from Mambo and Cha Cha with the freedom and turning actions of Swing and Hustle. A true nightclub dance that easily fits onto a small crowded floor. A real must for Latin social dancing.
SAMBA
Samba improves the flexibility of the body and helps achieve easy movement and lightness. The Samba rolling action teaches the body to be supple. To move lightly, quickly and smoothly without effort takes study but only at the start. Although considered a good exercise, Samba should be danced smoothly and in a relaxed manner giving the appearance of effortless movement.
SWING
The Swing is a spot dance with a carefree relaxed style and is a dance easily mastered by most people. The various speed of music are excellent training for quick footwork and good leading and following which will add comfort and ease in most other rhythm dances. After mastering the patterns both men and women will find Swing a fun and exciting dance to learn and practice.
TANGO
In order to achieve the distinctive style of the Tango it is important to develop controlled staccato footwork, along with fluid graceful movements. The unique rhythm of the music is great training for timing and phrasing which develops as the dancer becomes more proficient. Tango practice is essential towards becoming a good dancer.
TWO STEP
The Two Step originated in the 1800s by people who arrived from Europe. It was an offspring of the minuet and they danced it as QQSS. In the old Western days when women were not allowed to dance with men, men danced together and that is the reason for the hard on the shoulder holding that is still sometimes seen. The first women to dance with these men were Indian squaws and that is where all the turning an spinning came from. Two Step is a a country western dance whose popularity has spread all over the country.
VIENNESE WALTZ
The splendor of Waltz is epitomized in the elegant and graceful Viennese Waltz. The gliding, turning movements suggest that the dancer is skating. The Viennese Waltz brings to mind chandeliers and lovely ladies in their flowing gowns dancing to the lilting sounds of Strauss Waltzes.
WALTZ
Waltz develops balance and control. The basic Waltz steps are the foundation patterns used in most ballroom dances. Correct pasture, rise and fall, and flowing movements should be stressed to achieve good styling.
WEST COAST SWING
The sophisticated style and ease of movement makes this dance a popular favorite of nightclub dancers. Its compact footwork and body connection really develop a strong sense of lead and follow. Once you learn it, you'll love it!