STYLES – Edgett Dance & Wellness

Our Styles

Edgett Dance & Wellness programming recognizes closed and American styles of ballroom and Latin dance. It is developmentally based, and we have a level perfect for you! In consultation with our staff, we will find the best fit. We offer training in social dance as well as competitive dance.

Cha Cha

This dance was discovered in Cuba in the 1950s and received its name from the shuffling sound that the dancer’s feet made. It developed into a saucy dance using varying rhythms to challenge the music. Today’s Pop music by such artists as Lady Ga Ga, Rhianna, Beyonce, Thaio Cruz lends itself to this fun dance.

Latin

As the Puerto Ricans and Cubans found their way to North America, especially in the Florida and New York State areas, they brought with them their built-in sense of balance and rhythm. Matching this with the fabulous authentic Latin music played in the clubs turned everyone’s eyes to admire this genetic trait. Wanting to emulate that physical rhythm has created a huge Salsa wave everywhere. There are only a few original Latin American dances. These would include Rumba, Son, Samba, Merengue, Cha Cha, and Mambo. The Music and Movie industry have caused the rise of other dances which attach themselves to the exciting Latin flavour.

Jive / Swing

Swing Era music started a trend of different speeds and characters leading us to learn Lindy Hop, Rock and Roll, East Coast Swing and West Coast Swing. All are built on the use of a triple step combined with single steps. Baby Boomers would be very familiar with Jive music since the 50s and 60s were full of great bands and singers. Those were good old Rock’n Roll days. Having said this, don’t mistake that there is lots of great “jive” music out there today both in the Pop and Country genres.

Bachata

Bachata is a style of social dance from the Dominican Republic. It is a medium speed rhythm to a type of Blues music.

Quick Step

The Quickstep is a bright, energetic, happy dance, developed in the 1920’s.

Rhythm dance

Often referred to as “touch dancing”, these are the most used slow dances. They are meant for small dance floors as found in pubs and bars. It is a recommended for the gentleman’s dance repertoire because he will be able to lead anyone with it. It makes him a popular inclusion at gatherings as small as the “night out” or the convention dinner dance.

Salsa

Salsa means “spicy” and so we have spicy dancing based on an older Latin dance called Mambo. Salsa is a “today” take on this dance because it is the version danced by the “street dancers” or true “social dancers”.

Samba

Considered the “Carnival” dance of Brazil and rooted in African heritage, the dance is grounded, earthy and primal. This dance is full of rhythm that excites the human’s nerve endings causing the body to want to twitch and move.

Slow foxtrot

Named after its inventor, entertainer Harry Fox, the Foxtrot is a slow, elegant, flowing dance. It is a standard or ballroom dance and is not the same as the social Foxtrot or Rhythm dance.

Tango

Though there are different styles of Tango i.e. Argentine, International, American Style, it all boils down to a dance portraying dramatic passion.

Viennese Waltz

A “fast” version of waltz with strong turning action moving continuously around the floor. Viennese Balls are becoming popular again all over the world.

Slow Waltz

This is an elegant slow dance using swing and sway to make it rotate while moving around the floor.

Rumba

The Rumba originated in Cuba and is a dance of passion. Slow, rhythmical and sensual describe this Latin dance.

Country Waltz

A “little” faster version of Waltz brought to North America by the village folk in some European Countries. In the Maritimes this dance is found in Celtic and Country/Western music.

Polka

The Polka is a lively dance originating in Europe and can be found in North America’s Celtic, Country and Ethnic music.

Dance with us!

Whether you are a social dancer or a competitor, a beginner or a more experienced performer, you’ll find a warm welcome and exceptional instruction at Edgett Dance & Wellness.

Come and check out our magnificent new dance centre!