How to dance in a ballroom?

In this guide you’ll learn how to Ballroom dance for beginners with 3 videos (below).

But first a quick intro…

There are the traditional Ballroom dances which include: Waltz, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz, Tango, Quickstep and more.

And then there are what are considered Latin-Ballroom dances which include: Cha Cha, Rumba, Swing, Bolero, Mambo, Salsa, Jive, Samba and more.

Our recommendation is to learn the basic steps of these 3 dances: The Slow Waltz, Rumba and Cha Cha.

These 3 dances are great because they fit most of the popular music. Read more about the best social dances to learn here.

But wait, before you start learning the Ballroom basic steps below, you need to know how to take hold with your partner.

In this video we explain how to achieve what is referred to as “The Closed Hold” in Ballroom dancing:

The main points are: ● Leader’s left hand connects to Follower’s right hand, and held at Follower’s eye level. ● Leader’s right hand is placed just underneath the lady’s left shoulder blade area. ● Followers place their left arm on the man’s shoulder area, and press down slightly to connect with the leader’s right arm. ● When doing a strictly Ballroom dance you will have less space between you – and more space during the Latin-Ballroom dances. ● Keep your core engaged at all times for better balance and to feel your partner’s weight.

Related: Check out the 5 tips to becoming a better dancer.

The slow Waltz is beautiful dance with emphasize on smooth gliding across the floor with rise and fall technique (going up and down). The main characteristic of this dance is the iconic timing of 1,2,3. Learn the basic step below.

Men’s steps: Forward with Left Foot Side with Right Foot Close Left Foot to Right Foot (And Switch Weight)

Back with Right Foot Side with Left Foot Close Right Foot to Left Foot (And Switch Weight)

Lady’s steps: Back with Right Foot Side with Left Foot Close Right Foot to Left Foot (And Switch Weight)

Forward with Left Foot Side with Right Foot Close Left Foot to Right Foot (And Switch Weight)

Related: More on How Waltz dance here.

The American Style Rumba is one of the most social friendly Ballroom dances. The basic step is a also a box step (Just like the Waltz) but the difference here is that there is no up and down motion, instead dancers use what is called Cuban Motion technique – where the dancers bend and straighten their knees on every step – producing a hip action.

Men’s steps: Forward with Left Foot Side with Right Foot Close Left Foot to Right Foot (And Switch Weight)

Back with Right Foot Side with Left Foot Close Right Foot to Left Foot (And Switch Weight)

Lady’s steps: Back with Right Foot Side with Left Foot Close Right Foot to Left Foot (And Switch Weight)

Forward with Left Foot Side with Right Foot Close Left Foot to Right Foot (And Switch Weight)

Related: More on Rumba dance steps here.

The Cha Cha dance is a very lively and fast dance. It’s a dance that has lots of quick footwork and hip actions – with emphasize on the rhythm. The main characteristic of this dance is the triple step chasses which are present through out the entire dance.

Men’s steps: Side with Left Foot Back with Right Foot Replace weight Forward on Left Foot Side With Right Foot Close Left Foot To Right Foot (Switch weight) Side With Right Foot Forward with Left Foot (Check action) Replace weight Back on Right Foot Side with Left Foot Close Right Foot to Left Foot

Lady’s steps: Side With Right Foot Forward with Left Foot (Check action) Replace weight Back on Right Foot Side with Left Foot Close Right Foot to Left Foot Side with Left Foot Back with Right Foot Replace weight Forward on Left Foot Side With Right Foot Close Left Foot To Right Foot (Switch weight)

Related: More on Cha Cha dance here.

The following 5 dances are also great for anyone looking to expand on their Ballroom dancing learning (They are also taught in our membership). Click on them to learn them:

Learn East Coast Swing Moves The East coast swing is a dance that originated from Lindy Hop and has lots of turn and spins. The leaders and followers both do rock steps and triple side steps through-out this dance, with bending and straightening the knees.

Learn Foxtrot basic steps The Foxtrot is a great Ballroom dance to use to get around the rooms and at weddings and Ballroom dance parties. This is one of the easiest dances to learn because it involves 2 walks and side steps for both partners. It is a classy dance that fits may of the Frank Sinatra and Michael Bubble music.

Learn Bachata dance steps The Bachata is a sensual Latin dance and is a perfect dance to do socially for couples. The basic steps involve side to side stepping, with the 4th and 8th steps done as taps (without change of weight). This move is great to do at Latin dance clubs and parties.

Learn Salsa basic steps Salsa is one of the hottest Latin dances right now and it fits many of the Reggaeton music played at clubs and parties. The Salsa basic steps consist of fwd and back rock steps and aside from that many of the moves include: spins, underarm turns, hip actions and dips.

Related: Check out this complete list of Latin dances.

Here are 21 ways to improve your ballroom by yourself.

Note: none of these suggestions require a ballroom floor.

Posture Posture is one of the first things that the judges notice. It is also one of the things that distinguishes ballroom dancers from other social dancers. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been salsa or contra dancing and have had the leader ask: “Do you do ballroom?”

It’s important. Fix it.

Stamina As anyone who’s experienced rounds can tell you, ballroom takes a bit of stamina. Even when you don’t have the time or space to practice, you can still improve your ballroom dancing by improving your general fitness.

Technique Possibly the most fulfilling thing to practice on your own.

Routines Ladies, it helps your men a lot if you actually know what’s going on stepwise. Gentlemen, obviously if you forget your routines, you’re in a bit of trouble.

Two ways to cement your routines in both of your minds: