Types of Dance

West Coast Swing
West Coast Swing (WCS) simply defined is Compression and Extension in Motion. West Coast Swing is based on 6-count passes and 8-count whips and is danced in a “slot” or linear orientation, as opposed to circular. Imagine dancing inside of a railroad track, allowing the leader to step up onto the rail in order to let his partner dance by. Most of the time the follower will remain either facing her partner or down the slot away from her partner. An important note is that the “slot” is in relation to your partner and is moveable in relation to the floor. Therefore, if the leader moves to either the left or right then the follower should remain in alignment with the leader. In other words, the follower should remain “slotted” in relationship to where her partner is located.

East Coast Swing
Unlike West Coast Swing, East Coast Swing (ECS) has more of a circular look and feel to the dance. It is characterized by it’s “lilting” movement. There are three types of popular rhythms of ECS: single-time, double-time and triple-time. You decide which rhythm to use according to the character and tempo of the music. For example: the faster the music the less steps you want to take, therefore if the music is quick you will do single-time rhythm, if the music is slower you can do triple-time rhythm. The extra steps allow more flexibility and variety in patterns and moves.

Hustle
Hustle emerged with the popularity of Disco music in the early 70's when couples wanted to reconnect with a partner to dance. Hustle is characterized by fast moving patterns with many turns and big arm styling. It made a strong comeback in the 90's as the popular dance music provided a syncopated upbeat rhythm conducive to the Hustle’s timing. There are two main types of Hustle; LA Hustle which is doanced in a slot (similar to West Coast Swing) and NY Hustle which is danced in a circular style. Both have similar counts and you can use the same patterns and moves.

Night Club
Night Club, is one of the most practical and versatile social dances ever conceived. It is designed to be used with contemporary soft rock ("Love Song") music. The rhythm of the dance is very simple. This romantic dance fills a gap where no other ballroom dance fits. It gives the dancer, either beginning or advanced, the opportunity to express and create without rigid technique being required. Night Club is popular at weddings, not only as the first dance for bride and goom but also at the reception. It's attractive, romantic and is a real asset to learn and will be used often.

Two-Step
Two-Step is the only true Country Western-born dance. It began as a “walk around the floor” with your partner in Closed Dance Frame. It has evolved into a much more complicated dance than many of the ballroom favourites. In its developed structure it is smooth, driving, exciting and requires that you constantly change positions with your partner. It has a unique look on the dance floor and follows a progressive pattern in the Line of Dance.

Cha Cha
Popularized in the 50's, Cha Cha is a stationary dance characterized by Cuban Motion. Cha Cha music is very distinguishable due to the short, staccato way in which the notes are played. The music sounds very similar to Mambo; however it is played at a slower tempo. Actually, the Cha Cha was an outgrowth of Mambo. When Mambo dancers began to add hip movements during the slow counts Cha Cha was born. This gradually resulted in the chassé step of Cha Cha. The rhythm of Cha Cha is alternating doubles and triples.

Mélange
Melange is a Two-Hand Rhythm Dance that steps on every beat of the music. "1 2, 3 4, 5 6, 7 8." The "Rhythm Pattern" is "Double - Double" and the "CALL" for the Basic Step is: "Rock Step and Walk-Walk". Country Music makes the dance look like Country Swing. Hustle Music makes the dance look like Hustle. Salsa music makes it look like a Two Hand Salsa from the 1970s. The name Melange is copyrighted by the Golden State Dancers Teachers Association and the name was derived from the French translation of “a mixture of things”. This is appropriate since the same Dance takes on the "Look" and the flavour of whatever Music is being played. The dance is EASY, FUN, and is perfect for cruises, weddings or any other Social Dance situation.

Contact Dave and Linda about choreographing a dance for your special event.