What dances do you teach?
Dances taught include:
Waltz
Classic; timeless; a smooth roller coaster of undulating rise and fall with just the right amount of sway thrown in; the Waltz is a beautiful dance to spectate as well as participate.
Rumba
'The dance of love' it may be known as, but it is more the dance of restrained passion. Both dancers enticing the other with yearning looks and sensual hips. The trick to Rumba is all about the promise of what could be, without actually getting 'down and dirty'.
Foxtrot
Smooth, sophisticated, elegant. All words to describe Antony, but also his favourite dance the Foxtrot. Classic Sinatra and Bobby Darin era artists are popular. Paul Anka's 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' is a great twist on a modern classic.
Samba
The dance of the Brazilian carnivals. This is a fun and 'bouncy' dance straight from the streets of Rio de Janeiro. Definitely not for the shy at heart there should be lots of hip wiggling and colourful outfits.
Tango
Buenos Aires, a Goucho returns from working in the fields all day. Hot, sweaty and with chilli breath he might not be the most appetising of men, but he's certainly got a big wallet. Enter Roxanne, the quintessential 'lady of the night' looking to make sure our Goucho spends his money on her and no other lady in the room.
Jive
The classic 'Rock and Roll' dance that's high energy and great fun (just like Emma-Lou!) Brought to the UK by the American GI's during WWII it originated from the Jitterbug. It can be danced to anything from Elvis to Michael Jackson!
Quickstep
Quickstep developed from the slow Foxtrot. It evolved into the fast-paced floor-coverer we know and love from 'Strictly'. In fact top competitive couples can leap across the floor in perfect harmony.
Cha Cha Cha
The Cha Cha Cha got it's name from the sound a dancer's feet make whilst chasseing across the floor. It's a cheeky and slightly fast dance but great fun.
Viennese Waltz
Let us take you to Vienna. Home of the famous New Year Ball where couples turn endlessly in perfect synchronisation...well eventually anyway! Best to start off getting used to the speed in a straight line before throwing in any turns!
Salsa
A modern favourite of clubs around the world, Salsa (like the sauce) is an amalgamation of various components. Featuring steps from Mambo, Rumba, Cha Cha Cha and Merengue (to name but a few); Salsa is a versatile dance that can be simple to learn, but difficult to master.
Argentine Tango
Originating in Buenos Aires this father of the Ballroom Tango has a much freer and organic structure. In Argentina at the end of the 19th century the men practised with each other to become better dancers. This was because the ratio of males to women was so high that only the best could 'get the girl'.
Merengue
Probably the most versatile dance we teach! The Merengue has a steady marching beat that can be used with a surprising variety of music. From classic Merengue songs as well as more up-to-date pop and dance songs. Originally from the Dominican Republic this dance should feature a strong swing of the hips as you march.
Other Dances
Outside of our regular classes we also teach and run workshops in a variety of other dances including:
Paso Doble
The epitome of the Spanish bullfight this is actually a French dance. A surprisingly good representation of a real bullfight with very distinctive music. Although modern music can be used it works best with traditional tracks.
American Smooth
Not quite a dance in its own right, the American Smooth is Hollywood's classic 'Fred & Ginger' dance. Taking dances such as the Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango & Viennese Waltz and adding a bit of pizzazz. Features a variety of moves taken out of full hold - can also include lifts but not traditionally.
Charleston
Originated in the mid 20s in Charleston, South Carolina. The Charleston is seen as a fun provacative dance associated with the Art Deco period and 'Flapper' style dresses. Charleston as a dance continued to evolve well into the 40s. It is also the father of dances such as Lindy Hop.
Mambo
Mambo is another Cuban dance and consequently shares similarities with Salsa, Rumba and Cha Cha Cha. It is also what the final memorable dance is in Dirty Dancing!