Mercer University Ballroom Dance Club
Dances
Listed below are the many different dances you will learn throughout the year!
Latin/Rhythm
Cha Cha
Cha Cha is a fun and sassy Cuban dance that is paced at 4/4 time. While poise is an important factor, this dance is upbeat and will definitely put a smile on your face.
Samba
Samba is a very lively and rhythmic dance that started in Brazil. Its specific bouncing technique and hip action distinguishes it from other dances in its category.
Rumba
Being the slowest of the International Latin category, Rumba comes from a Cuban style of dance called bolero-son. Characterized by a prominent side-to-side hip motion and smaller concise steps, this dance will have you all over the dance floor.
Jive
With this dance being the fastest in its category, Jive is an animated dance with African American origins. It is a variation of the Jitterbug and has many steps similar to East Coast Swing. If you want to burn some calories, you'll definitely want to take this dance for a spin.
East Coast Swing
East Coast Swing has its roots in Lindy Hop and is an energetic, lively dance style that contains the swing rhythm of two triple steps and a rock step. Characteristic features of this dance include a slight bounce, many rotational patterns, and swaying hip movements. East Coast Swing is commonly danced to big band swing music.
Ballroom
Waltz
This romantic style of dancing can be considered the "backbone" of ballroom, for it's the basis of many dances. In contrast to its International counterpart, this version of Waltz deals with multiple instances of breaking contact. Open position is the main form of this dance, which allows more movement from both dancers.
Tango
Brought to the United States from Argentina, Tango became popularized by Hollywood and mixed with social moves to become the dance it is today. It can be found in both social and competitive settings, and includes a closed position. However, unlike the International version, it allows the dancers to perform many open moves and breaks, providing more options for different combinations.
Viennese Waltz
Compared to its International counterpart, this style of dance has more freedom in both its position and performance. The Viennese Waltz is a rotary dance, meaning that the dancers are spinning the majority of the time. Because of this trait, it seems as if they are floating.
Foxtrot
While this dance may be filled with simple walking and side steps, there's a sense of beauty that takes place on the dance floor. Foxtrot usually includes the footwork timing "slow, quick, quick," or "slow, slow, quick, quick," which allows the dancers to combine many smooth transitions.
Social
West Coast Swing
Originating from California, this style of swing resembles two elastic bands stretching from and toward each other. There is a basic set of moves to choose from, however this is one of the most versatile dances out there. West Coast Swing allows the dancers to tell a story through improvisation and tension.
Lindy Hop
Born in the streets of Harlem, New York City, Lindy Hop became the dance to know during the swing era of the late 1930s and early 1940s. In order to successfully partake in this dance, one must have a strong physical connection with their partner, for Lindy Hop is a very "counter balance" dance.
Salsa
When you think Latin dancing, Salsa is what should come to mind. This very enthusiastic dance is filled with a very fast tempo, a multitude of spins, and quick moves. If you want a dance that will get your heart pumping and your feet moving, this is the one you want.
Bachata
A very popular style internationally, this Latin dance can draw thousands to congresses around the world. It originated in the Dominican Republic and features basic footwork that is easy for beginners to learn, danced to Bachata music.
Nightclub Two Step
Originating in the 1960s, the Nightclub two step style has changed over the years. At Mercer, we focus on NC2S danced to ballads, ranging from country to soft pop genres. This is a great slow dance to use at weddings or social events.
Hustle
While Hustle can refer to a wide variety of dance styles, our club focuses on the partner dance done to fast 70's disco music, featuring lots of movement and turns. This style is sometimes referred to as Latin hustle or New York hustle.