Foxtrot – In 1912 Harry Fox, a vaudeville comedian, introduced a trot to a ragtime song in the Zigfeld Follies that pushed other trots into the background. It became America’s most popular dance and remains so to this day. Often called the "get acquainted" dance or the "first impression" dance, the Foxtrot is enjoyed by young and old alike.

Waltz - The Waltz began in 17^th century southern Germany. The popularity of the Waltz grew with the music of Johann Strauss and eventually blossomed in the 20^th century as the Hesitation Waltz. It is the basis for many dances and is popular today all over the world. The grace and elegance of the Waltz can and should be enjoyed by all.

Tango – The Tango began in the West Indies and found its way to Argentina where it was stylized by the Gauchos to its present form. It became the romantic rage in 1921, after the silent screen star, Rudolph Valentino brought the dance to millions in "The Four Horseman of the Apocalypse". Today it is considered the "Dancers Dance" and is a favorite of all who learn the Tango. The drama and passion of Tango have been demonstrated by Arnold Schwarzenegger in "True Lies" and by Al Pacino in "Scent of a Woman".

Viennese Waltz – The elegant splendor of Waltz is epitomized in the 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 songs like "The Blue Danube".

Cha Cha – Probably the most popular Latin dance in the U.S., the Cha Cha began as part of the Mambo. It was so easy and so much fun that it became the rage of the early 1950’s. Its infectious rhythm demands that sitters become dancers. Everybody can learn the Cha Cha and should. Let the pro’s at Arthur Murray’s teach you the Cha Cha of the new millennium!!

Rumba – The Rumba began the Cuban and Latin American dance crazes. Danced to music inspired by African rhythms and Spanish melodies, the Americanized Rumba was the basis for the Mambo, Salsa and Cha Cha in the U.S. The flirtatious rhythms of the Rumba make it a favorite of social and Ballroom dancers alike.

Bolero – If you want Romance and Sophistication, the sentimental love dance, the Bolero, is for you. The emphasis is on smooth and graceful turns with much communication between partners. The Bolero is danced to slow rhythmical music and is adaptable to many of today’s more romantic songs.

Merengue – The exciting rhythms of the Merengue inspire dancers all over the world to move to the intoxicating beat. There are two schools of thought to how this captivating dance began. One says it is started as a peasant dance in the Dominican Republic by African slaves. The dragging of one leg relieved chaffing irons. Another ways a returning war hero, a General Maringie, danced, dragging an injured leg. Wherever it began, the Merengue is an exciting Latin dance that is fun and easy to learn.

Swing – The Lindy picked up where the Charleston left off. It had "Swingouts", "Break-aways" and "shine steps". With the birth of "Swing" music in the mid 1930’s the Lindy climbed the social ladder. In August of 1935, at the Polomar Ballroom, bandleader Benny Goodman played a Fletcher Henderson arrangement of "Stompin at the Savoy". The rest, as they say, is history. The dance craze swept the nation, depending on where you lived; it was Jitterbug, Lindy Hop, or Swing. Enjoy the lively rhythm of all these types of Swing at your local Arthur Murray Dance Studio.

Samba – The national dance of Brazil, often called, "The South American Waltz" became the rage of Brazilian society in the 1930’s but began as an exhibition dance in Paris in 1905. Movie Star and Singer Carmen Miranda is credited with making the dance popular in the U.S. in the early 1940’s. It is extremely popular today because it is easily adaptable to today’s music. Everybody who lands in Rio (or just feel like they are in Rio) must know how to dance the Samba.

Mambo/Salsa – In the 1940’s Americans became fascinated by Latin American rhythms. The Mambo/Salsa combines American Jazz with Afro-Cuban beat. For dancers, the Mambo/Salsa was an exciting challenge; Arthur Murray Studios became famous for turning out the best Mambo dancers of the Era. Today, the Mambo is exciting to watch and even more exciting to dance. Be one of Arthur Murray’s awesome Mambo Dancers!

Hustle – The emergence of the Hustle in the 1970’s marked a return to "Touch Dancing" or "Partner Dancing". In the early 1970’s a modified Lindy-Hop or Jitterbug became popular on the crowded dance floors of New York City. The Hustle is still very popular today and is danced in all the major clubs to today’s "Dance Music". Get "in touch" with someone at the Arthur Murray Dance Studios today.

Two Step/Three Step – Whether you’re dancing the Two Step or Three Step, you will be universally accepted in any Country Western situation. Some songs have an upbeat sound and some use a more Latin sounding rhythm. Two Step has taken on its won look and has become a uniquely stylized dance that reflects the contemporary style of today’s music, while adhering to the old sounds as well.

Shuffle – Sometimes called Double Two Step, Shuffle is a combination of the Two Step and Swing. This makes the Shuffle a very versatile dance, allowing a mix and match of patterns which can result in some exciting variations.

C/W Waltz – Still the mother of all dances, contemporary Country Western Waltz is normally played at a much quicker pace, although some artists still like them slow. Whatever the tempo, the Waltz is sure to play an important part in your dancing repertoire.

West Coast Swing – you’ll find people dancing the West Coast Swing everywhere, not just in the west. The sophisticated style and ease of movement makes this dance a popular favorite of night club dancers. It’s compact footwork and body connections really develop a strong sense of lead and follow. Once you learn it, you’ll love it!!